🌱 MSU Students Organize Mass Walkout + Texting And Driving Laws

Hey, Lansing-East Lansing! It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and very warm. High: 81 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories today in Lansing-East Lansing:

1. The package of three bills would prohibit the handheld use of a phone while driving, including the use of social media sites, making video calls, or streaming video. Hands-free options such as in-car GPS and Bluetooth would still be accessible under the proposed law. The Kiefer Foundation, which is focused on reducing the number of distracted driving deaths, has advocated for this law, which currently exists in 25 other states. (ABC)
2. Michigan State University students organized a walkout on Apr. 12 – two months after a shooting incident at the campus that killed three students. The walkout was a silent demonstration aimed at demanding action on gun safety and legislation on firearm sales, storage, and background checks. The group hopes similar tragedies can be prevented in the future and raise awareness of the need for stricter gun control measures. (News3)
3. A "Silver Linings Concert" is being held by performers at the East Lansing Public Library to help ease the pain of people affected by the mass shooting at Michigan State University. The library is also offering free counseling sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to anyone in need until Apr. 26. (WLNS)

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Today in Lansing-East Lansing:

• Capital City Film Festival At Frandor Sears Building (5:30 PM)
• Beggars Can't Be Choosers Comedy Show At Beggar's Banquet (7:00 PM)
• Riverwalk Theatre Presents: Steel Magnolias At Riverwalk Theatre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Lansing Parks and Recreation will be hosting outdoor Circuit Training classes at Rotary Park. The classes are open to all ages and fitness levels. (Lansing Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• The state of Michigan's population decreased by over 43,000 since 2010, leaving the state's population barely over 10 million people. Reports show that 76 out of 83 counties in the state had more deaths than births in the past years. (Bridge MI)
• The Michigan State basketball team is planning to play a non-conference game against Arizona which will likely take place in Palm Springs, California. This matchup will be one of the highlights of Michigan State's 2023 schedule. (M LIVE)

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.