MDHHS Reminds Individuals About The Medicaid Eligibility Renewal Process

In an effort to ensure Medicaid eligibility for Michigan residents who are required to complete renewal forms by the end of June, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced new measures. 

Medicaid beneficiaries who received renewal packets with a June 30th, deadline are urged to complete and submit their forms by that date to avoid coverage loss, MDHHS will not disqualify individuals for not returning the paperwork until the end of July. This extension aligns with the updated guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

MDHHS will solely implement this change for beneficiaries with renewals due in June. During this additional time, the department will review and adopt further strategies authorized by the federal government to conduct outreach, ensuring that Medicaid coverage is preserved for eligible individuals.

Medicaid enrollees are advised to check their renewal month at: michigan.gov/MIBridges. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sperry’s in Port Huron Introduces Summer Family Fun Series Sponsored by State Farm Agent – Megan Simmons

Port Huron’s Sperry’s Moviehouse is excited to announce the Summer Family Fun Series, a delightful lineup of family-friendly movies, made possible through the generous sponsorship of State Farm Agent, Megan Simmons. The event promises a summer full of fun for all ages. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

It begins June 21st until August 24th, on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11am. Admission is free and will allow you and your family to enjoy a host of enjoyable movies at no cost! The list of movies include favorites such as, Toy Story, A Goofy Movie, Zootopia, Wreck-It-Ralph, and more. 

So get ready to plan a day of family-fun in Downtown Port Huron starting with a trip to Sperry’s Moviehouse.

For movie showtimes, visit them on Facebook at: Sperry’s Moviehouse.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Registration Opens for NOMA’s 2023 Project Pipeline Summer Camps in Detroit and Kalamazoo

The Detroit Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) has announced the opening of registration for its 2023 Project Pipeline Summer Camps in Detroit and Kalamazoo. 

The week-long camp in Detroit will begin Monday, July 28th, at 9am, at the University of Detroit-Mercy, while the camp in Kalamazoo will start on Thursday, July 27th, at 9am, taking place at North Kohrman Hall on Western Michigan University’s campus. 

The annual Project Pipeline event aims to challenge youth to recognize the significance of architecture in their daily lives and understand the broader implications of design. It seeks to serve and expose underrepresented communities to the field of architecture and design. 

By connecting young individuals with real-world architects, planners, and other design professionals, NOMA aims to nurture the growth and preparation of a diverse future generation of design professionals.

For more information and to register, visit: nomadetroit.org/project-pipeline. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Government Funded Meeting Reveals Teachers Plotting to Hide Information from Parents

Teachers in the Midwest are accused of disregarding parents’ concerns and laws with the help of the federal government. A meeting, funded by the Department of Education, and hosted by the Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center was held to aid teachers in facilitating gender changes for trans students at school without parental knowledge.

Republican laws concerning sex and identity were criticized during the session, where approximately 30 teachers attended the four-hour online gathering, they strategized on bypassing regulations in Republican-run states regarding gender, pronouns, names, parental rights, bathroom access, and sports teams.

Some teachers claimed to follow the rules, while others argued that personal ethics should supersede existing legislation. Kimberly Martin, a DEI director in Michigan, revealed plans to hide certain information from parents, stating, “We’re working with our record-keeping system so that certain screens can’t be seen by the parents… if there’s a nickname in there we’re trying to hide.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Hands-Free Law Passed

Michigan drivers should be aware that the distracted driving laws are changing. A new Michigan hands free law has been passed. Beginning June 30, it will be illegal in Michigan to use a cellphone while driving, unless it’s being used with a hands-free technology or mounted inside cars without modern hands free technology. Michigan becomes the 26th state in the nation that has a hands free law.

This means Michigan drivers cannot text, check out their social media, browse the internet, or watch videos will holding their phone.  The updated distracted driving law includes holding a phone while being stopped at a red light or stop sign.

Exceptions to the new law include making emergency calls or reporting a crime. Emergency responders, utility workers, police officers and ambulance drivers, are excluded from the new law, as long as they are using their phone for their work duties.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Local Man Purchases Winning Ticket

June was a lucky month for a St. Clair County man as he changed his mind at the last minute and it led to the Lottery win of his lifetime as he brought home a $886,062 jackpot.

The winner says he went to Good Time Charlie’s in Capac to get food and play Club Keno. The 52-year-old winner who chose to remain anonymous bought two Club Keno tickets and won $10. He was going to use the winnings to purchase an instant ticket, but changed his mind and when he saw the Fast Cash jackpot was over $800,000, so he decided at the last minute to purchase a Jackpot Slots ticket instead.

The winner said, “When I got back to the table, I looked the ticket over and saw we had won the jackpot. I showed my brother the ticket and we started shouting with excitement! We couldn’t believe it and were in shock for a while.”

The winner says he plans to help his family with the winnings.

Reporting for WGRT – George James