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Local News

“Batman Effect” Study Reveals Role-Playing Boosts Emotional Regulation In Children

A study conducted by the University of Minnesota has uncovered new insights into the “Batman Effect,” a phenomenon where children perform better on challenging tasks by pretending to be a fictional character like Batman, according to reflectionsciences.com. 

Researchers tested 139 children, ages 4 and 6, by giving them a frustrating task: unlocking a toy box with a set of keys that, unbeknownst to them, didn’t contain the right key.

The study found that children with lower executive function (EF) skills experienced significantly less frustration when adopting the perspective of a fictional character. By role-playing as Batman, Dora the Explorer, or other popular figures, these children were able to create “psychological distance” from the task, helping them manage their emotions more effectively. This suggests that role-play could be a valuable tool for improving emotional regulation, especially in children with lower EF skills.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Marysville Hot Wheels Weekend To Ignite Car Enthusiasts With Classic Cars, Live Music, And Celebrity Entertainment

The 2024 Marysville Hot Wheels Weekend is gearing up to be a must-attend event for car enthusiasts on August, 23-24 at Marysville Park, located at 801 Huron Ave. 

Presented by the Marysville Business Council, this year’s show will celebrate American car culture with a stellar lineup of activities, including live music, special entertainers, and the eagerly anticipated Miss Marysville Hot Wheels Pin Up Contest that will be offering cash prizes for the top three winners.

Musical guests like George Bedard and the Kingpins, and The Delta Bombers will keep the energy high. Special entertainment features appearances by Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox from the iconic 1980s T.V. show “Chips,” attendees can also enjoy a variety of food vendors, and a classic Drive-In movie experience.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Southside Music Festival Offers Free Family Fun With Top Jazz Artists

The NAACP Port Huron Branch invites you to the Field Day & Southside Music Festival on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lincoln Park, located at 2720 South Blvd, Port Huron. This free event promises a full day of entertainment and activities for the whole family.

Highlighting the festival are live performances by multiple Billboard hit-charting saxophonist Tom Braxton, Amazon.com’s #1 smooth jazz artist, and acclaimed guitarist Tony Jefferson. Also performing are the Gopherbroke Blues Band and The Shade Band, ensuring a vibrant musical experience.

The festival also offers plenty of activities for kids, including a free hot dog meal for the first 50 children, bike raffles, book giveaways, a bounce house, and a mobile video game station. Attendees can also explore various food and resource vendors throughout the day.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Study Highlights Significant Gaps In Vision Care Coverage For Medicaid Enrollees

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), published in Health Affairs, reveals alarming disparities in vision care coverage for Medicaid enrollees across the United States. According to the study, 6.5 million enrollees (12%) live in states where routine adult eye exams are not covered, and 14.6 million (27%) reside in states that do not provide coverage for eyeglasses.

It found significant variability in coverage, with 20 states excluding glasses under fee-for-service Medicaid, and seven states offering no coverage for either eye exams or glasses. Additionally, 35 states do not cover low vision aids, such as magnifiers, leaving many, particularly older adults, without essential vision support.

The findings highlight an urgent need for policy changes at the state level to address these gaps, especially as the aging U.S. population faces a projected doubling of vision impairment cases by 2050.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Operation Safe Neighborhoods Seizes 675 Illegal Guns In Michigan Crackdown

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announced that 675 illegal guns have been removed from Michigan streets as part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods, a statewide initiative aimed at reducing gun violence. Since the operation’s launch, law enforcement officials have conducted 6,424 check-ins with felony offenders, leading to the seizure of illegal firearms, drugs, and ammunition.

Lt. Governor Gilchrist emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Operation Safe Neighborhoods is keeping Michiganders safe by getting 675 illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals before they can hurt or kill anyone.” The program targets high-risk individuals with prior weapons-related offenses, reinforcing Governor Whitmer’s broader efforts to enhance public safety across the state. 

Since taking office, Whitmer has invested over $1.5 billion in public safety, including significant funding for law enforcement and violence prevention initiatives.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Friends Of The St. Clair River Urge Float Down Participants To Keep Waterways Clean

As thousands prepare for the annual Float Down on Sunday, Aug. 18, at Lighthouse Beach in Port Huron, Friends of the St. Clair River is urging participants and spectators to keep the river clean. 

Their “A Clean River is a Fun River” campaign highlights the importance of preserving the St. Clair River’s pristine waters, which are vital for drinking water and fish habitats. The group asks floaters and onlookers to responsibly dispose of trash and recyclables, reducing the litter and plastic waste that can accumulate from the event. 

Executive Director Sheri Faust emphasized the river’s significance, stating, “The St. Clair River is a vital resource for 60,000 people. We all have a responsibility to protect and celebrate this precious resource.”

For more information about the campaign, email: info@scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell