George James

Still Dealing with Unemployment Claims from the Pandemic? New Law Might Help

With a new Michigan law, certain unemployed workers who were only available for part-time work are now eligible for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA. The benefits were previously only available to full-time workers.

The law affects claims filed after March 1, 2020. The program ended in September of 2021. The law is expected to help those who are still dealing with paperwork regarding claims from the past two years.

Julia Dale, Director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency said, “This is an important change for part-time workers under PUA. The federal program allowed for certain workers to qualify for benefits that helped them stay caught up with their bills.” 

Upon signing the bill into law, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “The changes in this legislation will streamline our unemployment system and provide relief to Michiganders who needed these federal benefits to pay their bills, keep food on the table, and continue supporting small businesses.”

The bipartisan legislation is part of ongoing reforms to Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Big Reds Believe Charity Basketball Game March 11th

Port Huron High School will be hosting their annual Big Reds Believe basketball game on March 11th at 6:00 p.m. in the Port Huron High School Gym. The game pits senior basketball players against staff to raise money for charity. This year’s game will raise money for one of their own: 11th grader, Andrew Kolinski.

Sydney Grewe, a teacher and Student Council advisor, said, “After taking a break due to COVID we are back and are supporting junior Andrew Kolinski. Andrew was diagnosed with cancer over the summer and underwent surgery to remove the cancer, and at the moment he is cancer-free! All of the funds raised will be donated to Andrew’s family to help with his medical expenses.”

The money is raised with donations at the entrance to the event, t-shirt sales, a 50/50 raffle, a bake sale, a concession stand, and a silent auction.

Can’t make it to the game? Order a t-shirt today to support this community effort. T-shirts cost $20 and need to be ordered by March 3rd.

https://phhswebelieve.itemorder.com/shop/sale/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Road Construction to Begin with “Bridge Bundling” Pilot Program

Once the potholes are filled in, the orange barrels will start rolling out for this year’s road construction season. The Michigan Department of Transportation is starting a pilot program to streamline and bundle bridge projects with hopes of making them more cost-effective.

The bridge-bundling pilot program is getting started with nineteen bridge projects, including the Palms Road project in St. Clair County. Macomb County will see bridge construction on 33 Mile Road, 31 Mile Road, and 26 Mile Road.

 MDOT Chief Bridge Engineer Matt Chynoweth said, ”The pilot includes 19 local agency-owned bridges around the state with major bridge elements in serious or critical condition. The scope of work for these bridges is superstructure replacement, which includes full removal and replacement of the bridge deck and supporting beams.”

The construction is planned to begin in March and be completed in 60 to 90 days. The project was bid at $24.3 million.

The public can track the bridgework with an online dashboard.

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4c3beb0ed01042a8b6df3623b987eae9

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Avian Flu Concerns Prompt Safety Guidance for Backyard Chickens; Detroit Zoo Brings Birds Inside

Avian flu has been detected in Michigan and the implications could be quite serious. While there is not a public health threat or any disruption to the food supply at this time, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking for vigilance in preventing an outbreak.

The highly-contagious disease was found in a backyard poultry flock in Kalamazoo County, but the whole state has been put on notice. The virus can be spread by wild birds, contact with infected poultry, and even through contaminated clothing or equipment.

Those with chickens or other poultry are asked to prevent contact with wild birds, disinfect boots and other gear, and practice thorough hand washing. Those who keep chickens or other poultry should use well water or municipal water for birds and keep feed away from possible contamination from wild birds.

In response to the notice from MDARD and the USDA, The Detroit Zoo has moved their birds indoors, including the free-roaming peacocks and the flamingos, ostriches, and other birds in exhibits. 

For more information on preventing an outbreak of Avian Flu:

https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/about/media/pressreleases/2022/02/24/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-detected-in-michigan-backyard-flock

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gambling Disorders Soar One Year After Legalized Online Betting

Gambling is addictive and it is easier than ever to gamble with the legalization of online betting and sports betting in Michigan. People are inundated with billboards, television commercials, and other advertisements for the numerous online betting franchises that are now legal in Michigan.

Nearly triple the number of calls were made to the problem gambling hotline in 2021, compared to 2020. To address the increase in problem gambling, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is addressing the growing problem in their annual gambling symposium. This year’s event is called “Gambling: The New Direction.”

Alia Lucas, MDHHS gambling disorder program manager said, “These platforms engage in a pay-to-play format, so by their nature they’re addicting and difficult to escape. This can lead to severe financial trouble, as well as strained personal and work relationships as people participate in these spaces more than ever before.”

For more information about the Gambling Disorder Symposium or the helpline:

14th Annual Gambling Disorder Symposium

Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline, 800-270-7117

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland