Choze Powell

Michigan Unemployment Rate Drops Below National Average

Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated Michigan’s unemployment rate falling below the national average in May. The state’s rate of 3.9% marks the first time it has been lower than the national rate since May 2023. Whitmer praised the hard work of Michiganders for driving economic growth and community development.

“Michiganders are rolling up their sleeves and working hard,” Whitmer said. She emphasized the need for a balanced budget to address key issues, bolster economic development, and support small businesses.

Michigan’s labor force grew to 5,054,000, with 53,000 new workers in May alone. Payroll jobs increased by 8,000 in May, continuing a four-month growth streak. The leisure and hospitality sector saw the largest job gains, adding 6,000 positions.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Establishes Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2024-4, creating the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to tackle gun violence in the state. This initiative builds on last year’s legislative efforts, including background checks, safe storage laws, and extreme risk protection orders.

“Michiganders deserve to feel safe everywhere,” Whitmer stated. “The new task force aims to reduce gun violence rates and instances, enhancing the safety of our communities.”

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the task force’s role in addressing gun violence through community intervention programs and legislation. The task force, housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, will identify root causes, compile data, and recommend policies.

The group includes diverse stakeholders, such as state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, and tribal representatives. Their mission is to make Michigan safer for all residents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Port Huron To Begin Major Street Resurfacing Project On June 24th

Beginning the week of June 24th, the City of Port Huron will embark on a significant street resurfacing project, impacting several streets. 

The construction will cover 4.3 miles, including Nelson, Carleton, Gordon, Francis, Wells, Miller, 14th, 15th, 16th, Taylor, Botsford, and Locust Streets. Enhancements include new asphalt pavement, select concrete curb and gutter replacements, and ADA-accessible sidewalk ramps. 

Funded by the city’s voter-approved street millage, the project will necessitate street closures to thru traffic. There will be signs and detours posted to guide local traffic. The expected completion date of the project is set for September 13th. Keep these projects in mind on your daily commute through the City of Port Huron.

For further details, contact the Department of Public Works at (810) 984-9730.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Area Braces For Annual Mayfly Swarms

Residents in the Blue Water Area and surrounding communities will soon witness the annual swarms of mayflies, or “fish flies,” especially near and around bright lights. 

Emerging from the water as adults for about two days solely to mate, these harmless insects do not bite or sting. Mayflies spend most of their life as larvae in water, hatching after one to two years. 

Michigan is home to over 100 species of mayflies, which resemble dragonflies with long, thin abdomens that can be gray, yellow, or brown, and range from a quarter inch to just over an inch in length. Residents can expect to see swarms around gas stations, grocery stores, parking lots, and ATMs. With their short life spans they often litter areas with hundreds or thousands of their crunchy corpses that often leave a fishy odor when crushed or stepped on. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

The Milgram Experiment: Insights Into Blind Obedience And Herd Mentality

The Stanley Milgram experiment, conducted in the early 1960s, remains one of psychology’s most famous and controversial studies. It examined humans’ willingness to obey authority, even when such obedience caused harm to others. 

The experiment involved a real participant (the “teacher”) instructed to administer electric shocks to a “learner” or confederate for giving wrong answers. Despite the learner’s pretended pain and pleas to stop, the experimenter urged the teacher to continue.

The results were startling, the majority of participants administered shocks to the maximum level, even though they believed they were causing severe harm. This demonstrated high rates of obedience to authority figures. 

Milgram’s study challenged beliefs about human behavior, highlighting the power of authority and the limits of individual autonomy. Despite ethical concerns, the experiment remains influential, shedding light on social influence and herd mentality.

Source: structural-learning.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Library System Hosts 1980s Nostalgia Night

Those who fondly remember the 80’s era will appreciate the upcoming, Remember When: 1980s Edition event presented by the St. Clair County Library System.

On Wednesday, July 17th from 6 to 7 p.m., journey back to the era of big hair, neon lights, and synthesizer beats at the library’s Main Branch located at 210 McMorran Blvd in Port Huron. 

This event celebrates the iconic 1980s with themed snacks, a trivia contest, and classic video games like Pac-Man and more. Relive the days when leg warmers were in style, arcades were the ultimate hangout, and MTV played music videos. Prepare for a nostalgia-fueled evening that highlights the era of Rubik’s Cubes and the Walkman. 

For more information, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell