Lansing

Rates of child abuse, neglect remain high in Ingham County

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By Kevyn Collier-Roberts
Listen Up Lansing Staff Reporter

Rates of child abuse and neglect remain high in Ingham County. And over the past few years, Michigan has seen a rise in statistics related to child neglect and poverty. According to a 2014 Michigan League for Public Policy map 22.6 percent of children between the ages of 0-17 are in poverty within the state of Michigan, with 23.7 percent of those children living in poverty in Ingham County. Cases of confirmed victims of child abuse increased from 927 in 2006 to 1,612 in 2012. There was a sudden decrease in confirmed victims during the year 2014 but the rate was still rather high compared to other counties including Clinton and Eaton.

Arts & Entertainment

Michigan Women’s Historical Center showcases great accomplishments of women across the state

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By Kevyn Collier-Roberts
Listen Up Lansing Staff Reporter

“Every woman here is an inspiration,” said Caitlyn Perry Dial, the museum director at the Michigan Women’s Historical Center & Hall of Fame. Michigan Women’s Historical Center & Hall of Fame is a hidden gem here in the Lansing area. The museum showcases the many historical accomplishments of Michigan women, both deceased and alive. In the museum each woman being acknowledged has her own plaque on the wall with a few paragraphs briefly explaining her remarkable story. On June 10, 1987, the Michigan Women’s Historical Center & Hall of Fame was dedicated to the public.

Lansing

Lansing residents anxiously anticipate Easter Sunday festivities

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By Kevyn Collier-Roberts
Listen Up Lansing Staff Reporter

For many Christians like Kalen Hulbert and Jesus Battle, they look forward to attending church services on Easter Sunday and spending the holiday with their families. The two Kroger employees are more than anxious to celebrate and receive the day off to spend it with those they love. Hulbert says his favorite part about the Easter holiday is being with his family and attending church on Sunday morning. “My church, the Christian Light Center, puts on a play every year about Resurrection Sunday and after the play the children’s choir sings a few songs. Once the children’s choir is finished with their song selections, we have a Christian dance team that performs for the congregation,” said Hulbert.

Elections & Politics

2016 presidential candidates face off in presidential primaries

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By Kevyn Collier-Roberts
Listen Up Lansing Staff Reporter

With Super Tuesday at a close, the results from the primary elections have set the tone for the beginning of the race, separating the weak from the strong. However, voters all across the state of Michigan are anticipating their turn to cast their votes and have their voices heard in the primary election on March 8. Any registered voter in Michigan is able to participate in the primary election. According to the law, it is required that voters make their ballot selection either in writing by completing the Application to Vote/Ballot Selection on Election Day, or on the Absent Voter Ballot Application form if they are unable to be present on the primary election date. Seeing as though this is the first election as President Obama’s term comes to an end, it is rather important for voters to participate in the various voting opportunities coming up this year.

Business & Economy

Beauty supply store serves as both marketplace and cultural hub in Lansing

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By Kevyn Collier-Roberts
Listen Up Lansing Staff Reporter

If you drive along the streets of any predominantly African-American community, you’ll notice a plethora of beauty supply stores. But such places aren’t just about sales; they are also about helping to create community. In the Lansing community, one such gathering place is Cheryl Beauty Supply, at 1609 E. Michigan Ave. The store prides itself on maintaining strong relationships with their customers in order to keep them as loyal customers. “I think we have more of what our culture requires as far as hair products, skin products, and just an overall great shopping experience.

Government

Michigan’s historic landmark undergoing major face-lift

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By Kevyn Collier-Roberts
Listen Up Lansing Staff Reporter

If you take a personal tour of Michigan’s capital building, you’ll notice the loud sounds of heavy machinery amongst the usually quiet hallways inside. These sounds are sounds of renovation and restoration. Michigan State’s Capital building is currently receiving major construction to the many layers of the ceiling that surrounds the monumental cast iron dome. Robert Blackshaw, the Director of Facility Operations, described the issues that were causing the ceiling’s layers to collapse. “In the ground floor corridor, which is probably where you entered by the tour guide’s area, the ceilings are being restored and repaired,” Blackshaw said.