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Local News

U.S. House Advances Legislation Targeting Chinese-Made DJI Drones Over National Security Concerns

The U.S. House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward banning drones manufactured by China’s DJI, pushing the legislation closer to becoming law. This move is part of the Countering CCP Drones Act, which was incorporated into the broader National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), according to michiganfarmnews.com. 

The act requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to investigate Chinese drone companies for possible inclusion on the Chinese Military Company list and places DJI on the FCC’s “Covered List,” which restricts the marketing, sale, or operation of newly designated equipment within the United States.

Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who sponsored the bill, stressed the importance of limiting China’s influence in the U.S. drone market and telecommunications infrastructure. Although the ban would not apply to DJI drones purchased before the regulations are enacted, it follows growing concerns over potential security risks posed by Chinese-manufactured drones. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Highlights New WIC Guidelines For 2024, Urges Families To Reapply

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) is reminding residents about updated guidelines for the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program, which took effect on Jun. 1, 2024. 

Under the new federal rules, families can earn slightly more and still qualify for assistance through this vital nutrition program. WIC, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides benefits via the Michigan WIC EBT card, enabling participants to purchase essential foods like milk, eggs, fresh produce, and infant formula.

Public Health Nursing Supervisor Becki Hartman encourages those who were previously ineligible to reapply, as they may now qualify under the revised criteria. In addition to food assistance, the SCCHD’s WIC program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthcare referrals, and immunizations. 

For more information, residents can call: (810) 987-8222.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

“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