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Local News

New Funding Will Help Train Nearly 750 Michigan Businesses

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has a plan to revitalize the job market in Michigan that would possibly help 27,000 workers across the state secure employment.

Whitmer, along with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced that $47,000,000 in Going PRO Talent Fund grants to nearly 750 Michigan businesses. The funds will support their in-demand, high-skill talent needs. 

The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator as we grow our economy, create unparalleled economic opportunity, and empower more people to make it in Michigan.” 

To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit: Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The City Of Flint Has 6th Consecutive Year Of Lead Compliance Standards

Many may recall when the City of Flint was facing a water crisis sometime around 2014. Since then, the city has been making an effort to fix the problem and provide its residents with clean lead-free water.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced that the city’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) monitoring was shown below the 90th percentile for lead to be below the 15 parts per billion (ppb) action level for more than six years consecutively. This means that 90% of the test results used came in at or below 9 ppb, the federal action level is 15 ppb.

The city has invested roughly $100 million in new copper service lines and millions of dollars in additional water infrastructure, which has clearly improved water quality for residents.

Mayor Sheldon Neeley says, “These results reflect our continued work to restore our water system and restore trust through adherence to state and federal guidelines.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Updates On Protecting Elections and Restoring Drivers Licenses In Michigan

Lawmakers at the state Senate Elections and Ethics Committee were updated on the strength of the Michigan elections and identified legislation that would build on their success. 

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel presented the information earlier this week, as well as updating the House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee on an initiative to restore driver’s licenses to Michigan residents.

The new voting rights that voters set out in the state Constitution include:

  • Nine days of early voting
  • Absentee ballot drop boxes in all jurisdictions
  • The ability to receive an absentee ballot by mail after submitting a single application
  • Prepaid postage and tracking on all absentee ballots and applications

When addressing the drivers license restoration initiative, Nessel says, “Through the driver’s license restoration initiative, we have helped thousands of people start anew and have the opportunity to enjoy better lives.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

February 1st is Unclaimed Property Day in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Treasury is the custodian of assets and works that get abandoned or forgotten by residents. To spread awareness so that individuals may reclaim lost assets, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared February 1st, Unclaimed Property Day.

The unclaimed properties that individuals can inquire about include dormant bank checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, stock certificates, and uncashed checks. 

The process for recovering you or a relative’s assets is free. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, more than $2.87 billion dollars in unclaimed property was returned in 2021. In Michigan, nearly $137 million was returned to their rightful owners. 

To find out if you have unclaimed property, you can visit Michigan’s Unclaimed Property website to search for a specified name. Or you may call (517) 636-5320 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Race-Related News Events Negatively Affects Black Students Mental Health

Racism is a touchy subject for some, but it doesn’t take away the fact that it exists, and probably will exist as long as there are people of different races, cultures, and skin tones. 

A study conducted by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has revealed that racial unrest and perceived racism can negatively affect the mental health of black students.

The study surveyed students attending medical school with a 37-item electronic questionnaire administered during two weeks in August of 2020. The study measured depression symptoms and perceived discrimination. 

Researchers found that those students who perceived frequent discriminatory experiences as well as negative news coverage, such as the George Floyd incident were more likely to have symptoms of depression. 

Although the results centered around medical students, the results are consistent with other studies of how discrimination affects mental health among black people living in the U.S.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Black History In Radio: Jack L Cooper

The month of February is set aside to remind America of the contributions and impact that African Americans have had on shaping this country. 

Jack L. Cooper is considered the first African American radio announcer in the U.S. Cooper was a veteran stage performer and columnist for the Chicago Defender. His radio career began in the 1920’s as a comedian at WCAP in Washington DC. Cooper realized there was a large population that was under-represented in radio. 

He later became the host, producer, and announcer of The All-Negro Hour at WSBC in Chicago, a show created specifically for black performers who were trying to avoid the perpetuation of negative stereotypes. 

Cooper went on to utilize radio as a social force on behalf of the black community. He created the Search For Missing Persons show as well as Listen Chicago, a program that focused on current events. 

Cooper passed away in 1970, and was later inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell 

Source: radiohalloffame.com