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Local News

Michigan Increases Income Guidelines for WIC, Allowing More Families to Qualify

Effective June 1, Michigan has raised its income guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), opening the doors for additional families to qualify for assistance. 

A family of four can now qualify for WIC with an annual income of up to $55,500, representing an 8.1% increase from last year’s threshold. WIC is accessible to participants with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level. Families who receive Medicaid, SNAP benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families already meet the income qualifications for WIC.

This expansion in eligibility is welcome news for Michiganders, as the program offers vital nutritional education and access to healthy foods. Pregnant individuals, new parents, and guardians of children up to age five are encouraged to reach out to their local county health department or WIC agency to apply.

For detailed income guidelines for various family sizes, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Detroit’s Unemployment Rate Hits a 33-Year Low, Shows Steady Improvement

Detroit’s monthly unemployment rate has reached its lowest point in 33 years, as the city continues to experience a downward trend in joblessness. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the city’s April unemployment rate stood at 4.2%, marking the third consecutive decrease this year.

Mayor Mike Duggan’s office celebrated the milestone on Wednesday, highlighting the significant progress made in reducing unemployment. The April figure is a significant improvement from the 5.8% recorded in March. Notably, the previous record low unemployment rate for the city was 5.4% in April 2000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In comparison, the unemployment Rate in St. Clair County was 3.3% in March of 2023, according to the United States Federal Reserve.

The declining unemployment rate in Detroit signifies increased job opportunities and economic growth, reflecting the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Offers Free Fishing, ORV, and Snowmobiling Weekends for Residents and Visitors

Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can look forward to “free” weekends for fishing, off-road vehicle (ORV) riding, and snowmobiling each year, providing exciting opportunities to explore the state’s natural wonders and recreational activities.

The upcoming Free Fishing Weekends are scheduled for June 10th -11th, 2023, and February 2024. During these weekends, all fishing licenses will be waived, allowing individuals to enjoy the bountiful fishing opportunities in inland lakes and the five Great Lakes. 

Additionally, free ORV weekends are scheduled for June 10th-11th, 2023, and August 19th-20th. Participants can ride on designated Department of Natural Resources (DNR) routes and trails without the need for an ORV license or trail permit. 

A free snowmobiling weekend is set for February 2024. Snowmobilers can hit the trails without a snowmobile registration or trail permit, allowing for a hassle-free snowmobiling adventure. It is essential to note that all participants must still adhere to Michigan’s rules and regulations governing fishing, ORV riding, and snowmobiling.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Impact of Social Media on Children Raises Concerns

The usage of social media among children has become a topic of growing concern. Recent research highlights the potential harm associated with excessive social media use, taking into account various factors such as the amount of time spent, content exposure, and the disruption of essential activities like sleep and physical exercise. 

Studies reveal that adolescents spending more than three hours daily on social media face twice the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. Alarmingly, a 2021 survey found that teenagers, on average, spend 3.5 hours per day on social media.

Social media can perpetuate body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, social comparison, and low self-esteem, particularly among adolescent girls. Many girls aged 11-15 admit to feeling “addicted” to specific platforms, and a majority of teenagers find it challenging to give up social media. 

For more information, read U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

McLaren Lapeer Nurses Vote Unanimously to Authorize Strike

Nurses at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital have unanimously voted in favor of authorizing their bargaining team to call for a strike if deemed necessary. 

Over the past few days, the nurses held a strike authorization vote, with 100% of the voting nurses choosing to grant their bargaining team the power to initiate a strike. The move follows growing concerns among nurses regarding patient safety and the impact of corporate greed on healthcare.

Carie Babcock, RN, president of the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) says, “Nurses are rising up because we are tired of watching our patients’ lives be jeopardized due to corporate greed. We are the frontlines. We will do whatever it takes to win a contract that will protect our patients.”

While hospital executives have often cited a nursing shortage, publicly available data from government agencies reveals that there are over 50,000 registered nurses with active Michigan licenses who are presently not working in nursing roles.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Bluewater YMCA: Making Healthy Living Accessible to All

The Bluewater YMCA is dedicated to ensuring that healthy living is accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. To achieve this goal, the Y offers a Financial Assistance program that provides vital support to those in need.

Through the income-based assistance program, the Y aims to alleviate the financial burden of membership by offering discounted rates and flexible payment due dates. The Y believes that no one should be deprived of the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle due to financial constraints.

To apply for financial assistance, interested individuals can access the application form on the Bluewater YMCA’s website. Applicants are required to submit a completed form along with proof of one month’s household income, such as pay stubs, bank statements, SSI statements, or SNAP/Food Stamps case actions.

These types of programs are made possible by the community’s donations and support. Help support the YMCA’s Open Arms Campaign today! 

For more information, call (810) 987-6400.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell