Michigan House and Senate Vote to Ban Child Marriage

Child marriage could soon be a thing of the past in Michigan as the state’s House and Senate voted on Wednesday and Thursday to ban child marriage. 

Under the new legislation, Michiganders aged 16 and 17 will require written consent from a parent or guardian to get married. However, if approved by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the legal age for marriage will be raised to 18. 

The bills, known as House Bills 4293-4302 and Senate Bills 209-217 and 246, not only ban marriage for those under 18 but also eliminate exceptions allowing minors to enter into a marriage contract with parental consent. The legislation also seeks to prevent probate judges from marrying minors and prohibit parents from authorizing marriages of underage children. 

These bills also involve the removal of marriage-related exceptions from criminal sexual conduct violations that are currently available to teachers, school employees, administrators, and others.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan’s Food Insecurity Rate Higher Than National Average

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michigan has an 11.4% food insecurity rate, this puts Michigan in 39th place among all states. The national food insecurity rate stands at 10.4%.

The report also shows that New Hampshire has the lowest food insecurity rate among all states, at 5.4%, while Mississippi has the highest rate, at 15.3%. The report recommends measures to address food insecurity, such as increasing access to healthy food options, improving economic opportunities, and increasing funding for programs that provide food assistance to those in need.

While Michigan’s food insecurity rate is higher than the national average, efforts are being made to combat the issue. Local organizations and food banks are working to provide food and resources to those in need, and government programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provide assistance to eligible individuals and families.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

How To Safely Travel With A Firearm On An Airplane

Traveling with a firearm can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is some information to make your flight hassle free. 

Make sure you have your gun, a locking box, a suitcase, and your ammo in its original box. Place the ammo in your suitcase, then lock your unloaded gun in the locking box and place it in your suitcase.

When checking in for your flight, inform the ticket counter employee that you need to check a firearm. A TSA agent will then inspect your gun to ensure it’s properly stored. Different airlines may have varying rules, so be sure to check their website for specific guidelines.

It’s also important to check if your concealed carry license is valid at your destination. If not, it’s recommended that you don’t bring your gun. USCCA offers a concealed carry reciprocity map, or you can contact your state’s attorney general for more information.

By following these steps, you can safely and legally travel with your firearm on an airplane.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Get Ready For The Bayview Mackinac Race Setting Sail In Port Huron

The Bayview Mackinac Race is an exciting and challenging freshwater boat race that attracts participants from around the world. This year’s race is set to begin on July 15th, at 10 am and will span from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. 

The Bayview Mackinac Race has become a beloved tradition and a vital part of Great Lakes, Michigan, and sailing history. This year marks the 98th consecutive year of the race, making it the longest consecutively run freshwater race in the world.

Each year it brings excitement and celebration to Port Huron and the Blue Water Area as the race kicks off. Be sure to check out Boat Week and all of the events and activities at the Blue Water Festival taking place in Downtown Port Huron.

Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, this race is sure to be an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Send Love And Cheer To The Children And Families Of St. John’s Hospital

The Caring for Kids event is happening on Saturday, August 12th, from 10am – 12pm at the Blue Water Convention Center, located at 800 Harker St., in Port Huron. 

School-age children will make cards for kids in the pediatric unit at St. John’s Hospital. Each card will come with a stuffed animal and a DoorDash or GrubHub gift card for families to order food while they’re at the hospital.

The organizers want to spread love and kindness to those in need and encourage families to attend. There will be punch and cookies for everyone. Families must register and only one person per family should register, but they can indicate how many children are attending.

The event is open to all, and families with younger children are welcome. Attendees can also bring a $30 gift card to DoorDash, GrubHub, or UberEats to add to the cards, but it’s not required.

For more information, visit: eventbrite.com, or to donate: funraise.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

OPP Provides New Text Service To Better Serve And Protect Residents

Members of the public in Ontario will now be able to receive automated text messages from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) regarding certain events that have taken place. The OPP has created a limited list of event types that are eligible for messages to be sent, with the majority being events reported after the fact and events where no suspects are present.

When someone contacts the OPP through an SMS-enabled device and their call is categorized as one of these eligible event types, they will receive a text message with their event number. 

After the call is cleared by the responding officer, the initial caller will receive an invitation to a brief voluntary survey to provide feedback on their experience with the OPP. The information collected through the automated surveys will be used to assist the OPP in identifying opportunities to better serve the public and protect the citizens of Ontario.

For more information, visit: opp.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell