Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson holds a press conference to discuss her 30-minute guarantee on Dec. 12, 2019.

Secretary of state warns Michigan could be last to report in 2020 election

East Lansing’s November 2019 election was a small preview. More than 1,000 people registered to vote on Election Day, and the city experienced a 20% increase in absentee ballots.

There are concerns for higher-profile elections such as the state’s March 10 presidential primary. Michigan’s new laws allow no-reason absentee voting, Election Day registration and automatic registration when people apply for a state ID.

2020’s new voters are already thinking

Nearly 2,000 student journalists gathered for the fall conference of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association at the Lansing Center on Oct. 31. 

Many of the students attending were seniors and will graduate in the next year. With the upcoming 2020 election, they will also have the chance to vote for the first time. The issues that motivate them are as varied as they are for any generation. Diversity

Maia Rostar, Plainwell High School: “I am voting because I would like to see change.

Stylist Jena Keller works with a client.

Salon and spa service with a smile

Jessie CohenSalon Owner Jena Keller styles the hair of one of her most loyal clients, Carma Philip. For the 10th time in 13 years, Salon 130 has been named No.1 hair salon and spa in Mason. This year, they were also voted No.1 in Ingham County Community People’s Choice Awards by the Lansing State Journal. The salon’s owner and founder, Jena Keller, said that what is so special about her salon is its dedication to customer service. “I want to give my clients an experience,” said Keller.

A graphic showing information about school renovations

Mason school renovations underway

Jessie Cohen

It is no secret that Mason residents take education seriously. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that, in 2017, they passed a $69.7 million bond to renovate and improve their schools. The school improvement project is comprised of three phases, and construction began in the spring of 2018. 

Stephanie Gonzalez, PTO president at North Aurelius elementary, said she is very excited about the renovations. “This is going to be a huge improvement for my son as well as all the other students in the district,” said Gonzalez. 

The first phase is the most expensive and includes remodeling two elementary schools and the James C. Harvey Education Center. The second phase includes renovations at a third elementary school, and the third and final phase involves upgrades to the middle and high schools.