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Local News

Embrace Your Inner Web-Slinger By Celebrating Spider-Man Day On August 1st

August 1st is Spider-Man Day, a celebration for all fans of the iconic superhero. Created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, Spider-Man has been Marvel Comics’ most beloved character for 59 years. First appearing in “Amazing Fantasy” #15 in August 1962, Spider-Man broke the mold by featuring an awkward, antisocial teenager who gained his powers and abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. 

Fans are encouraged to celebrate in their own unique ways, remembering that “with great power comes great responsibility.” Whether re-reading classic comics, watching movies, or dressing up as the web-slinger, the day is about appreciating Spider-Man’s impact in pop culture. 

Spider-Man’s journey from “The Amazing Spider-Man” in March 1963 to his adventures with characters like the Human Torch and Daredevil has captivated audiences for generations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

BLAC Unveils Comprehensive 2024 Policy Recommendations To Enhance Equity Across Michigan

The Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) has launched its 2024 policy recommendations, aimed at removing systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity for Black families and communities throughout Michigan. 

In collaboration with Flint’s state and local leaders, BLAC’s report proposes eight pivotal reforms to advance education, community safety, pay equity, and health. Key recommendations include adopting pay transparency laws, overhauling education funding with a $6 billion boost, and addressing the shortage of Black professionals, especially in mental health care.

Kim Trent, Deputy Director of Prosperity for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping state policy. “Ensuring we have a diverse group of voices at the table is crucial for creating a more inclusive, equitable state,” she said.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Gordie Howe International Bridge Deck Complete, Celebrates New Border Crossing

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the latest milestone in the Gordie Howe International Bridge construction: the completion of the bridge deck connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. Joined by U.S. Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, the Mayor of Windsor, and senior officials, the celebration marked the bridge becoming an official border crossing.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, at 853 meters (0.53 miles), is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and the tenth longest worldwide. This new crossing, the first between Ontario and Michigan in over 60 years, enhances the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor. “The bridge is a symbol of Michigan-Canada friendship and effective collaboration, boosting our economies and facilitating commerce and commuting,” said Governor Whitmer.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

$1.5 Million Secured For Southeast Michigan Drinking Water Monitoring Program

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has approved $1.5 million in the State budget for the Southeast Michigan Drinking Water Monitoring Program, a significant public health initiative. This funding was secured through the persistent efforts of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp, its immediate past chairperson. 

The drinking water monitoring program is a collaborative effort among 14 municipalities and serves as an early warning system along the 80-mile Lake Huron to Lake Erie corridor. This initiative includes monitors at the drinking water intakes of participating treatment plants, ensuring safe drinking water for almost half of Michigan’s population. 

The approval of this budget signifies a major step forward in ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water for Southeast Michigan residents, highlighting the critical role of regional collaboration and advocacy in public health initiatives.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Secures SBA HUBZone Support For 28 Counties, Boosting Small Business Growth

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan has secured continued Small Business Administration (SBA) support for 28 counties and census tracts through the SBA’s HUBZone program. This initiative aims to fuel small business growth in historically underutilized zones by awarding 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone businesses annually.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Michigan’s economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “The SBA’s HUBZone program will continue to support communities by connecting small business owners to federal contract dollars, creating high-skilled, good-paying jobs right here at home.”

Over the last five years, Michigan’s economic programs have helped companies in these zones announce projects expected to create over 1,800 new jobs and more than $3.5 billion in planned private investment.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov Gretchen Whitmer

Governor Whitmer Signs Three Bills To Boost Wages, Revitalize Communities

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three pivotal bills this week aimed at raising wages for clean energy workers, reducing costs for local governments to repair damaged properties, and cutting red tape to eliminate blight.

“Michiganders across the state deserve competitive wages to help them get ahead and safe neighborhoods to return home to at the end of the day,” said Whitmer.

Senate Bill 571 ensures higher pay for those working on renewable energy projects, fostering a more competitive and equitable state contracting process. House Bill 4331 gives local governments more financial flexibility to fix damaged properties, while House Bill 4332 incentivizes timely correction of blight violations.

“These commonsense bills put more money in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders and make our communities better places to live, work, and invest,” Whitmer added.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell