Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Praises Child Support Division’s Success In Recovering $415 Million

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is celebrating the accomplishments of the state’s Child Support Division, which has been instrumental in identifying and holding accountable parents who refuse to pay child support. Since its creation in 2003, the division has recovered over $415 million, benefiting more than 29,000 children. This year alone, it has collected $21.5 million and issued 700 warrants.

“The division’s work ensures Michigan’s children have the resources they need to thrive,” Nessel said.

The division targets parents with arrearages of at least $5,000 who are financially capable but unwilling to pay. Beyond supporting children, it has also returned $2.7 million to the State Treasury this fiscal year by recovering funds from cash assistance provided to custodial parents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer And MiLEAP Encourage Families To Enroll In Free Pre-K Programs

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), are urging families to enroll their four-year-olds in free, high-quality pre-K programs available through local school districts.

A historic investment in the state’s Pre-K for All initiative, part of Michigan’s new budget, will provide nearly 59,000 children across the state with access to free pre-K.

As of Aug. 15, enrollment has expanded to all families regardless of income level, with priority given to those who need it most. “This is a huge win for Michigan families,” said Governor Whitmer. “It saves parents thousands of dollars on child care costs while giving kids the educational foundation they need.”

 

For more information, visit: MiPreKforAll.org.

 

Reporting for WGRT -Choze Powell

TSA Prepares For Record Labor Day Travel, Expected To Screen 17 Million Passengers

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is gearing up for the busiest Labor Day travel period on record, spanning from Aug. 29 to Sept. 4. 

TSA expects to screen over 17 million passengers, with the peak travel day projected for Aug. 30, when 2.86 million passengers will be processed.

Air travel volumes this summer have reached historic highs, with passenger numbers up 8.5% from last year. TSA has already screened 239.8 million passengers since Memorial Day.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske praised the agency’s workforce for their commitment to security during this busy time. He encouraged travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck® to reduce wait times. PreCheck members experience shorter lines and a streamlined security process by not removing shoes, belts, or laptops.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDHHS Alerts Michigan Families Of Expanded Cinnamon Recall Due To Lead Contamination

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a warning to Michigan families following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) expanded recall of several ground cinnamon brands due to lead contamination. 

The affected brands include El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, and others. Consumers are advised to immediately stop consuming, selling, or serving these products and to check their homes, as cinnamon often has a long shelf life.

“There is no safe level of lead in the blood for any person, and lead is especially harmful to young children, infants, and fetuses,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive. 

MDHHS encourages concerned families to contact their healthcare providers for blood lead testing. Visit the FDA website for more details on the recall and the MI Lead Safe page to learn more about lead testing.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

NIMHD Launches Online Portal To Improve Minority Health And Reduce Health Disparities

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has unveiled the HDPulse Interventions Portal, a new online resource designed to help address health disparities and improve minority health. 

The portal offers healthcare providers, researchers, and community groups access to a repository of evidence-based interventions tailored to specific populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.

Users can easily search and filter interventions by population, targeted diseases, and geographical area, helping them make informed decisions for their communities. Supporting materials, including participant education tools and research publications, are also available.

The HDPulse Interventions Portal is part of NIMHD’s effort to close the gap between research and practical interventions, aiming to boost the dissemination and adoption of effective health strategies.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Heatwaves In Michigan Spark Surge In Rodent Infestations, Warns Expert

As Michigan grapples with summer heatwaves, residents are facing an unexpected consequence: a rise in rodent activity. 

Zachary Smith, from Smith’s Pest Management, warns that the intense heat and drought conditions are driving rodents from the wild into homes, seeking food and shelter. “The summer heatwaves have created the perfect storm for increased rodent invasions,” says Smith.

With vegetation dying and natural food sources dwindling, rodents like rats and mice are turning to homes for survival. Common signs of infestations include droppings, gnaw marks, and scurrying sounds in walls. Smith urges homeowners to seal entry points, store food properly, and eliminate water sources.

“The time to act is now,” Smith advises, stressing that prevention is the best way to protect homes from rodent infestations this summer.

Source: smithspestmanagement.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell