Strange Love, The Mysterious Origins Of Valentine’s Day

Scholars and historians speculate on the origins of St. Valentine’s Day, suggesting it may have roots in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Celebrated between the 13th and 15th of February, Lupercalia honored the Roman god of agriculture, Faunus, and the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, according to history.com.

During Lupercalia, Roman priests would conduct rituals involving the sacrifice of animals, particularly goats and dogs, to promote fertility and purification. They would then use the hides of these animals to gently slap women and crop fields, believing the practice enhanced fertility.

Additionally, a tradition emerged where young women would place their names in an urn, and city bachelors would choose a name to become paired with for the year, often resulting in marriages. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week To Michigan Households

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the rollout of Working Families Tax Credit supplemental checks, commencing this week, to aid eligible families across the state. This initiative, part of a broader $1 billion tax cut plan, will inject an average of $550 into the pockets of over 700,000 Michigan households.

Governor Whitmer emphasized the significance of this measure in alleviating working poverty, supporting families, and bolstering Michigan’s economy. The Working Families Tax Credit, a state adaptation of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, requires individuals to meet specific criteria and file a federal income tax return.

Starting February 13th, eligible taxpayers will begin receiving these supplemental checks via the U.S. Postal Service over a 5-to-6-week period. This move marks a significant stride in providing immediate financial relief to Michigan’s hardworking families, reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering prosperity and economic resilience.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Universal Background Checks And Safe Storage Mandates Help Keep Michiganders Safe From Gun Violence

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has taken decisive action in the fight against gun violence by signing several bills into law aimed at enhancing firearm safety. 

The new legislation establishes universal background checks for all gun purchases and mandates safe storage practices. Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of these measures in saving lives, stating, “Universal background checks and safe storage are long-overdue steps that will keep guns out of the hands of criminals, domestic abusers, and children.” 

The signed bills include Senate Bills 79, 80, 81, and 82, as well as House Bills 4138 and 4142. These commonsense gun control measures signify a significant step forward in promoting safer communities and preventing tragic incidents involving firearms.

Lt. Governor Garland Gilchrist II says, “Universal background checks and safe storage laws will save lives and help keep families and kids safe at home, in the streets, at school, and at work.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Honors Victims Of Michigan State University Shooting With Half-Staff Flags

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an order for U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff today across the State Capitol Complex and all public buildings and grounds in Michigan. 

This solemn gesture commemorates the tragic events of February 13th, 2023, when a shooting at Michigan State University in East Lansing claimed the lives of several students. Governor Whitmer expressed heartfelt condolences, stating, “Today we honor the memories of those we lost and hold each other close as we continue to grieve and process.” 

The action aims to unite the state in solidarity with the Spartan community and provide support during a challenging time. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and organizations are urged to participate in displaying flags at half-staff. The flags will return to full staff on Wednesday, February 14th.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Disparity In Breast Cancer Mortality Rates Highlighted, Study Points To Healthcare Access As Crucial Factor

Despite similar incidence rates between Black and White women, the mortality gap in breast cancer remains glaring, with Black women experiencing a 40 percent higher death rate, according to recent research. Particularly alarming is the doubled mortality rate among young Black women compared to their White counterparts under 50. 

A study from 2017 identified key factors contributing to this disparity, including insurance status, tumor characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment differences.

Recent findings led by Dr. Marianna Chavez MacGregor emphasize the significance of healthcare access. States expanding Medicaid after the Affordable Care Act show reduced survival disparities in stage 4 breast cancer patients. 

Additionally, cities with enhanced resources and increased access to cutting-edge mammography facilities have made strides in narrowing the mortality gap. Addressing healthcare inequalities is crucial to achieving equitable outcomes in breast cancer survival.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell