Ahead of the 2020 election, over 88 million Americans have requested a mail-in ballot. If you requested your absentee ballot in order to make your voice heard while staying safe during the pandemic, there are some things you need to know as we near Election Day to ensure that your ballot is counted.  First, make sure that you're registered to vote by checking your status at Can I Vote. All states have different deadlines and requirements for registration; in Michigan, the registration deadline passed for mail-in voters on October 19. Missed the deadline? You can still register until 8 PM on Election Day, November 3 at your city or township clerk's office, but you will need to vote in person.  Next, if you haven't done so already, request an absentee ballot. Michigan mailed an absentee ballot application to every registered voter, and the request must be received by 5 PM the Friday before the election, October 30th.  Once you have your absentee ballot, be sure to read the ...

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, many people are at risk of becoming homeless. Many are experiencing lay offs or job loss, yet bills are still due. The inability to pay their bills due to the pandemic is causing people to be evicted, forcing them onto the streets in these dangerous times. So why aren't we talking about this more? Being homeless is already an extremely dangerous and stressful situation that no one wants to be in, let alone being homeless during a pandemic. So how exactly does this affect them worse than it does those with houses?  The homeless population is often of older age and/or with underlying medical conditions, putting them at a greater risk of serious infection. How are homeless people supposed to get masks, hand sanitizer, or even soap? Yes, there are shelters and they help a lot of people, but living in a shelter isn't always the best option for people who are homeless. Some shelters turn you away due to/if you identify as LGBT or transgender, not al...

 Over the past couple months, the entire world has been going through a devastating pandemic. But to make things worse, recently Louisiana and Texas have been hit by hurricanes.  Hurricane Laura hit most recently, about a week ago. Hurricane Laura was a category 4 hurricane, with winds up to 150 mph and a storm surge height of 15 feet. This hurricane left many areas of Louisiana and Texas destroyed and suffering. Now, many people are left without water, power, and shelter. Following the hurricane however, is a dangerous heat wave with high humidity and temperatures that feel like 103-110 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people will be suffering during this because they don't have access to water or shelter after the hurricane hit.  It has been reported that 25 people have died between Texas and Louisiana from this disaster, and half of that number is from generator leaks. So on top of the pandemic, hurricane, and record heat waves, many are dying from carbon monoxide poisonings a...

  Growing up in Metro Detroit, I've seen so many people struggle not only with affording food, but with healthy eating. It is known by most that it's cheaper, faster, and easier to eat fast food than it is to cook healthy and nutritious meals everyday. But why is that? Most people in low income communities don't have the time to cook meals everyday, as they're forced to work ridiculous hours just to stay afloat. Most of the people I know in my community work anywhere between 40 and 60 hours a week. How can you expect someone to have the energy to be able to provide themselves multiple nutritious meals a day when they barely even have time to relax? Then there are so many people who do have the time, energy, and motivation to cook for themselves, but they don't know where to start. That is what I want to focus on most. The lack of education that is provided to poorer communities is systematic, it is built like that to keep the poor on bottom. At my high school, I bar...

The HIGH program - Established by Wayne State University First Lady, Jacqueline Wilson - is a unique, nonprofit program which offers several different types of aid to Wayne State students in need. Homeless, precariously housed, or financially challenged; no student at Wayne State should have to choose between their education and life’s basic necessities. The HIGH program can help a student secure safe housing or a small fund while offering some reassurance that they can reach their educational goals, which is sometimes all a student needs to achieve their dreams. To help achieve our mission of helping to fulfill our students’ goals of academic success burden-free, please donate to the HIGH Program. Donations go directly to students in a variety of ways from housing assistance, school supplies assistance, or other various, case-by-case basis. There are several ways to help the Wayne State Community! Online: https://giving.wayne.edu/donate To make a gift by credit card, pl...

2020 has been a crazy ride for the world, and it is only halfway passed. While many months of extreme anxiety washed over everyone regarding everything from jobs, food, and toilet paper - compounded with the heartache experienced while not able to see loved ones for an extended amount of time – we all looked to the warm summer months for relief. Well, they’re here… Now what? While many establishments and theme parks have begun to open their doors back up slowly, the key message I want to drive is “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” With gas prices at rock-bottom lows, it may seem more incentivizing than ever to drive down to Disney World. However, the COVID-19 risk is still far from expelled. Besides, there are plenty of other safe and financially-sound activities available around the State.   Visit your local Metroparks! I have said time and time again that our local Metroparks do not get the recognition they deserve. Located 45 minutes from Detroit in ...