🌱 New Gun Laws Passed In Michigan + MSU Mental Health Project

Hey, neighbors. It's Saturday in Lansing-East Lansing and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in the community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny and warm. High: 82 Low: 58.
• Sunday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 72 Low: 37.

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

1. The Capital Area Diaper Bank and Cardboard Prophets, an outreach that supports people in need, will move to a new storefront in the Lansing Mall, six times the size of their current location, which will offer designated spaces for the diaper bank, clothing items, and food items. The expansion will help build on what they've accomplished in the last year, including the distribution of 167,000 diapers, and will allow for a one-stop-shop for those in need. The new space seems made for the diaper bank's needs and will give them the much-needed room to grow. (Lansing State Journal)
2. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two gun safety bills into law requiring universal background checks for all gun sales and safe storage of firearms and ammunition in homes. The legislation comes after a gunman opened fire at two locations on Michigan State University’s main campus in East Lansing in February, shooting eight students, three fatally. The new laws would require anyone without a gun license to undergo a federal national instant criminal background check before purchasing a gun and introduce new safe storage requirements to ensure children do not have access to guns and ammunition being stored at home. (KSRO)
3. Mental health advocates are highlighting the need for better mental health treatment availability after new gun legislation was signed. In Michigan, mental health care worker shortages mean only 33 percent of Michiganders have their mental health needs met, and 226 additional workers would be needed to address the shortage. The Michigan State University Department of Psychiatry is working on a project to identify at-risk youths and provide them with long-term comprehensive care to prevent violence. (WILX)

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Today and tomorrow in Lansing-East Lansing:

Saturday, April 15

• Environmental Stewardship Work Day - Albert A. White Memorial Park (9:00 AM)
• Campfire Science Night - Woldumar Nature Center (6:00 PM)
• Lansing Symphony Orchestra: The Magical Music Of Harry Potter - Cobb Great Hall (7:30 PM)

Sunday, April 16

• Drag Me To Ellison: Drag Brunch - Ellison Brewery And Event Space (11:00 AM)
• Drum Circle With Greater Lansing Area Drummers - Keys To Manifestation (1:00 PM)
• Michigan State University Science Festival - Various Venues In East Lansing (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Fun fact: The Resilient Oak Tree on the Michigan State University campus is thought to be the oldest tree on campus. It is estimated to have been alive between 375-400 years! (Michigan State University via Facebook)
• The Knapp's Centre will soon be opening the Macotta Club for a new experience in downtown Lansing. You can expect to see multiple food vendors on Washington Square; visit the club's website for more details. (Lansing Downtown via Facebook)
• The Lansing Youth Soccer Clinic will be held at Eastern High School Stadium on May 7, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Be sure to bring out your young ones for an event they won't forget! (Lansing Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with another update.

— 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.