The first issue of the Holcad, a magazine-like publication, came out in March, 1909. In 1917, editors were chosen on a competitive basis, then voted on by the student body. In 1925, the weekly Holcad changed its name to the Michigan State News. The paper was responsible to the College Press and paid for by student fees. The first "extra" edition came out in 1932. The first faculty advisor was A. A. Applegate in 1936. In 1942, the State News began covering national and international events. It first used color print in 1958, and was also permitted to cover Board of Agriculture meetings in this year. In 1967, it became responsible to the Advisory Board, which could not veto or censor its content. The Advisory Board was eliminated in 1970.

1909: The first issue of the Holcad, a magazine-like publication with fiction, news, editorial comment, and gossip, is published on March 10. It defends students against bad publicity by the Lansing press.

1917: Editors, formerly elected by popular vote, are now picked by a competitive system, but are still voted upon by the student body. By this time the Holcad is a weekly newspaper.

1925: The name is changed from the Holcad to Michigan State News.

Mid 1920s: Campus Press takes over publishing the State News. The publication doubles in size. A subscription becomes part of regular student fees, thereby guaranteeing financial stability.

1932: The first “extra” or special edition heralds the acceptance of MSC by the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

1936: A.A. Applegate becomes first faculty advisor to the paper.

1942: State News secures national wire service and extends news coverage to national and international events.

1950: The summer paper is suspended after an “inaccurate and unwarranted” editorial calling the American Legion Boys’ State a fascist organization

1958: State News is allowed for the first time to cover State Board of Agriculture meetings. Color printing is used for the first time.

1967: “Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University Report” replaces the Board of Student Publications with the Advisory Board for the State News and Wolverine. The latter could not exercise veto or censorship power over the content of the newspaper.

1970: Amendments to “Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University Report” eliminated the Advisory Board and guaranteed “full freedom of content and editorial policy…subject only to the advice and counsel of the administrator or administrative unit responsible.” (Sources: Michigan State News Extra- March 10, 1959; Academic Senate Minutes, Notes, Papers and Reports- February 28, 1967; and Academic Council Minutes, Notes, Papers and Reports- May 12, 1970)

In the fall of 2015, the State News began publishing paper copies of the newspaper two days per week.