May 5, 2026

The New Citizens Press

News For, By and About People

Headlines

Featured Stories

New Non-Profit has partnered with a Large National Event to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day –Turn the Volume Up on Peace

Rina Risper04 mins

Martin Luther King Jr.
 
Life’s Connections is a new non-profit organization located in Grand Rapids which opened its doors with a splash on 1.1.12, announcing our city’s participation in a national event to raise awareness about youth violence.
 
We want to make sure that our city is recognized on a national level with an event to raise awareness about this important issue.” says Executive Director, Danielle Muncey-Key. 

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Best Flicks of 2011

Rina Risper07 mins

By Samantha Ofole-Prince
 
From fascinating franchises to thrilling new installments, film critic Samantha Ofole-Prince reviews the best 11 movies of 2011.
 
Like any other year, 2011 has had its fair share of turds and treats.
 
This was a year in which sequels had a huge presence on the big screen with two of the biggest successes at the movie box office being the final installment of the “Harry Potter” franchise and the “Twilight” sequel.
 
There were also unnecessary sequels to “Mission Impossible,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks,”  “Sherlock Holmes,” numerous book adaptations, and a grand total of 40 3-D flicks released.

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The Reason Why I Smile

Rina Risper015 mins

By Soltreu
 
Life is a fascinating journey filled with lessons to be learned, love to be had, and wisdom to be gained. One thing I am learning from my journey of life is my experiences can be my triumph or downfall. My life’s story could have easily caused a negative turning point or an early end. I have had some embarrassing moments, but I choose to share them in hopes of helping others. I wrote a poem entitled, The Reason Why I Smile. It is my most personal piece where I share many tragedies I have been through and overcome. I am pretty open about things I have been through because I hope to be an inspiration. I desire for people to see there is a wonderful life even after a tragic moment. 

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Excuse me, are you listening? 10-26

Rina Risper04 mins

Dear Readers,
 
I am noticing that plenty of people are resolving to be happier this year.  I think that is an amazing possibility for all.  This year, I will do things differently.  I will work harder on my imperfections.  I will work harder at listening more.  I will work harder to be a better businessperson.  I will work harder to accept responsibility for the things I have done in the past without excuses.  

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Red Flag Raised About Customer Loyalty Card for Alcohol

Rina Risper06 mins

LANSING, MI — A diverse group recently called on Michigan’s policymakers to reject a plan that would give free alcohol to people.
 
“This wrong-headed proposal that will encourage more binge drinking and drunken driving at a time when we must be doing more to keep our families and communities safe from excessive consumption,” said Mike Tobias, Executive Director of Michigan Alcohol Policy Promoting Health and Safety.   “The only responsible thing to do with this dangerous proposal is to reject it. Michigan’s policymakers have the opportunity to either stand on the side of public health and safety, or open the floodgates to more alcohol related problems that will put lives at risk.”

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Urban Housecalls: Dental First Aid

Rina Risper07 mins

  

By Karla Robinson, MD
  
 
 
 
 
Dental Emergencies
 
Do you know what to do when facing a dental emergency?  Whether you are a parent and witness your child falling on the playground and knocking out a tooth or if you happen to be enjoying some peanut brittle and find yourself left with remnants of a broken tooth, it’s important to know what steps to take when there is dental trauma. 
 

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Dying to Live a Lie: How Symbol Replaced Substance in the Black Community

Rina Risper015 mins

By Charles Jones
New America Media

Back when I was growing up, Michael Jordan’s shoes were extremely popular. Since their first release in 1989, the shoe series has only grown in notoriety, especially amongst young people. Unfortunately, so has the violence that haunts these shoes.

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Fast Facts: Barking Up the Right (Family) Tree

Rina Risper04 mins

By Anne R., Reference Librarian

Researching family history is a popular pastime, and one that people feel passionate about. In response to many requests for help with this specialized research, the Downtown Lansing branch of the Capital Area District Library is offering several classes on the topic.

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Your Other 8 Hours: 5 Failures of Financial Planning and How to Fix Them

Rina Risper08 mins

By Robert Pagliarini, Tribune Media Services

If you’re wondering how you are supposed save for a distant retirement when you’re struggling to pay off debt and make ends meet right now, you’re not alone. I think financial planning has failed a lot of people. The promise that if you work hard, save 10 percent of your income, invest in your 401(k), have a diversified investment allocation and have an emergency fund everything will be fine has left a lot of people frustrated, discouraged and even a little angry.

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Do you have an opinion? 10-26

Rina Risper08 mins

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
  I caught sight of a little blurb of yours in the January 1 edition of your newspaper, and this reminded me (yet again!) to send you a quick note.
 
Therese Hercher, MSU  Dept. of Epidemiology

VIOLENCE
I pray we can all start making better choices in our lives by making better decisions but until then I hope God has mercy on the souls that make bad choices. God made mankind to give life and not take it.

Lenny McDonald, Lansing, MI

REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
January 16th is the only national holiday that commemorates the peace and justice work of a U. S. citizen.  I’m a Vietnam veteran and for me,
 

Arnold Stieber, Grass Lake, MI 

 

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