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Williamston High School fights the vaping epidemic

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Michigan made history as the first state to move toward a flavored nicotine vaping ban on Sept. 4, with other states like New York, Massachusetts and Oregon following shortly after. 

With an increase in vape-related deaths being reported across the nation, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) with the help of her Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun concluded that underage vaping constitutes as a public health emergency. 

Under Whitmer’s orders, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued rules detailing the ban, including the prohibition of flavored nicotine products in stores and online and misleading marketing strategies claiming the products are “safe.” Whitmer also ordered the Michigan Department of Transportation to outlaw vape advertisements on state billboards. 

Timeline of the 2019 Michigan vape ban. Graphic by Claire Heise. “As a governor, my No. 1 priority is keeping our kids safe,” said Whitmer in a statement on Sept.

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Political awareness spreads throughout Okemos High School

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Walking into Okemos High School you see the typical high school culture, students exiting the gymnasium, faculty clearing the hallways and lockers closing, but conversation is much more complex than some could ever imagine in class room A207. A diverse group of seniors take their seats, just before the bell rang. Bookbags are settled and lips are sealed. This is the fourth hour AP government senior classroom taught by Danielle Ives. Ives classroom walls is covered by campaign signs from elections decades ago and others that took place last month.