U.S. Supreme Court To Weigh Constitutionality Of Government Officials Blocking Critics On Social Media

A Michigan case poised for consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court delves into the constitutional boundaries of government officials’ actions on personal social media accounts. The pivotal question revolves around whether it violates the First Amendment for an official to delete comments or block critics on such platforms.

Parties involved in the case, along with interested groups, have submitted briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court, urging the establishment of a clear standard for public officials’ social media use. The heart of the matter is determining whether such actions qualify as “state action.” 

The dispute originated during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Port Huron resident Kevin Lindke criticized City Manager James Freed’s handling of the crisis on Freed’s Facebook page. Freed’s subsequent deletion of comments and blockage prompted Lindke to sue, alleging a violation of his First Amendment rights.

For case details, visit: supremecourt.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Special Olympics Parent Meeting In St. Clair County To Unveil Exciting Opportunities For Athletes

An informative Special Olympics parent meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27th, at 6:30 p.m. in Grieg Park, located at 795 N Carney Dr, St. Clair. The event, hosted by Blue Water Connection, aims to introduce remarkable athletic prospects for individuals aged 8 and up in St. Clair County.

Aspiring athletes, parents, and guardians are encouraged to attend and discover the diverse range of Special Olympics activities available. With an emphasis on fostering inclusivity and sportsmanship, this meeting will explore the countless benefits that participation in Special Olympics can bring such as building a stronger community and empowering individuals through athletics.

To secure a spot, participants are requested to register in advance. 

You can register by sending an email to: bluewaterconnectionsomi@gmail.org, or by texting (810) 434-0257. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

S.O.N.S. Outreach Launches Registration For 2023 Flag Football Season

S.O.N.S. Outreach announces the commencement of registration for the eagerly awaited 2023 Flag Football Season. Boys and girls in grades 1st through 8th are cordially invited to join this dynamic league, designed to foster sportsmanship and teamwork.

Enrollment is open at a fee of $25 per child which includes a jersey, promising a season of excitement and growth. The registration, drill, and draft day are scheduled for Saturday, September 9th, from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and will be hosted at the S.O.N.S. Outreach located at, 55 15th St, Port Huron.

Games will be played on Saturdays from September 23rd through October (weather permitting). For those interested in becoming potential coaches, assistant coaches, or for more information, visit: sonsoutreach.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Kindness Goes A Long Way: Today Marks The Beginning Of Be Kind To Humankind Week

What better way to start Friday off than by celebrating “Be Kind to Humankind Week” which kicks off today, reminding individuals worldwide of the power of kindness. 

Created in August 1988 by Toms River, New Jersey resident Lorraine Jara, the week-long celebration encourages people to exhibit acts of kindness and empathy towards one another.

Jara’s inspiration to initiate the event stemmed from a tragic incident involving two men from her hometown. Their unfortunate fate led her to establish Be Kind to Humankind Week. Notable figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Paul Simon, and several U.S. Presidents, have acknowledged Jara’s efforts in promoting kindness.

Though celebrated annually, Jara hopes that this initiative sparks a continuous culture of kindness and empathy, transcending the boundaries of a single week. The event also holds the potential to instill these values in young minds, fostering a brighter and kinder future for all.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Limited-Time Opportunity: $100 Bonus For Opening MiABLE Disability Savings Account Ending Soon

As August draws to a close, a mere 8 days remain for individuals with disabilities and their families to capitalize on a time-limited incentive. 

The first 200 people to initiate an eligible MiABLE (Michigan Achieving a Better Life Experience) disability savings account during August will receive a matching bonus of up to $100. With around 500,000 eligible individuals in Michigan, merely 1% of that potential beneficiary pool is currently enrolled in MiABLE accounts statewide. 

Since its establishment in 2015 by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MiABLE has empowered families and individuals with disabilities to save for both immediate and future financial needs without jeopardizing crucial assistance programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

For more information, visit: savewithable.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell