April 4, 2026

The New Citizens Press

News For, By and About People

Headlines

Retire Smart: Small Medicare Premium Hike Improves Senior’s Social Security COLA

Rina Risper07 mins

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services
 
   Good news is hard to come by in this economy, but seniors can celebrate the final numbers on next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and Medicare premiums.
 
  The Social Security COLA and Medicare Part B premium go hand in hand, since the premium cost is deducted from most seniors’ benefits. And while it was already known that the Social Security COLA for 2012 would be 3.6 percent, it wasn’t clear how big a bite Part B would take from the increase.

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News Spotlight: Black History Month- CADL Downtown Mid Day Movies

Rina Risper02 mins

February 2                     Groundhog Day                       2:00 pm—3:45 pm
                                       (Bill Murray)  (PG)
 
February 7                     The Help                                  1:00 pm—3:25 pm
          (Jessica Chastain/Viola Davis)  (PG-13)
 
February 9                     The Help                                  1:00 pm—3:25 pm
          (Jessica Chastain/Viola Davis)  (PG-13)
 
February 14                    Lady Sings the Blues              1:00 pm—3:25 pm
                                       (Diana Ross/Billy Dee Williams)  (R)

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Winning with Finances – First Principle of a Financial Takeover – Stewardship

Rina Risper05 mins

What is missing from the financial talk today is the characteristic of stewardship. We can eliminate our financial worries if we can take the Bibles key point of stewardship. Psalm 24:1 declares that, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Everything we have on this earth is the Lord’s.

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News Spotlight: E! Investigates: Stalkers and MSU is Talking About It!

Rina Risper02 mins

  E! Investigates: Stalkers

Video Presentation and Discussion
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Time: 7pm
Location: MSU Union Parlors A, B and C
 
Stalking affects 3.4 million people each year.  Harvette Williams, Michigan resident and mother of two, was one of those people.  She couldn’t have imagined that Kevin Gary, a man she met at a networking event, would end up obsessively stalking her for years. 

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Shaken Baby Syndrome Shatters Lives

Rina Risper08 mins

 
 
 
 
Austin Thelen-Olins is now 12- years-old. This photo was taken in 2009, while accompanying his mother to a wedding. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Down:  Taken in 1999, less then a week after Austin was born. Now he suffers from the impact of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
 
 
 
“Shaken Baby Syndrome” usually happens when a caregiver is angry and loses control.
 
How to sooth a crying baby
 
Feed or burp the baby
Change the diaper
Make sure clothing isn’t too tight
Make sure baby isn’t too hot, or too cold
 
Next, try these techniques
–  Take the baby for a walk outside in a stroller or for a ride in the car seat
Hold the baby against your chest and gently massage the baby
–  Rock, walk, or dance with the baby
Be patient; take a deep breath and count to ten
–  Call a friend or relative that you can trust to take over for a while, then get away, get some rest, take care of yourself
–  Offer a pacifier
–  Lower any surrounding noise and lights
–  Offer the baby a noisy toy; shake or rattle it
–  Hold the baby and breathe slowly and calmly; the baby may feel your calmness and become quiet
–  Sing or talk to the baby using soothing tones
–  Record and playback a sound, like a vacuum cleaner, or hair dryer

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As I See It: Violence is Tarnishing Our Town

Rina Risper08 mins

By LaMar Brown
 
I have been a resident of Lansing my whole life. I am starting to see that some of the people who also live in my city have forgotten the value of life. There has been a tremendous increase of violence in a short period of time. I think we need to start effectively communicating with our youth, in a positive manner. Get more involved in youths lives by giving them activities to participate in other than watching adults make bad decisions. Give youth chores to teach them the art of work and appreciation. Maybe if they knew how to work for what they wanted they will appreciate what they receive. Giving youth responsibilities can play a major part in decreasing the violence.

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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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