Governor Gretchen Whitmer Establishes MiLEAP: Michigan’s Path to Lifelong Education and Advancement

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order creating a new department called the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP.

This department’s primary objective is to improve educational outcomes for individuals from preschool through postsecondary education, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to “make it in Michigan.”

MiLEAP will achieve this goal by establishing clear metrics, fostering collaboration with leaders from various sectors at the local, regional, and state levels, and developing a shared action plan. The department will work closely with the Michigan Department of Education and the State Board of Education, complementing their long-term planning efforts.

MiLEAP aims to provide pathways to tuition-free higher education and forge strong partnerships between the education system and employers to facilitate good-paying, high-skill, and in-demand job opportunities.

MiLEAP will also collaborate with the Growing Michigan Together Council, focusing on strengthening preschool to postsecondary learning while simultaneously growing the state’s economy and population. 

For more information about MiLEAP, click here. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Juneteenth Declared State Holiday In Michigan As Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Legislation

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Senator Sylvia Santana and state Representative Helena Scott, designating June 19th as Juneteenth, a state holiday in Michigan. 

Juneteenth is an occasion to recognize and celebrate Black history and culture, as well as commemorate the end of slavery in America, highlighting the fundamental values of freedom, liberty, and equality that are cherished by all.

Governor Whitmer expressed the significance of Juneteenth, stating that it is a time for celebration and reflection while also urging the community to take action. Throughout her tenure, Governor Whitmer has been focused on fostering equity and equal opportunity for all Michiganders. The state has made investments in communities across regions, worked to close racial gaps in healthcare and education, and banned race-based discrimination against natural hair.

Moving forward, June 19th will forever be recognized as Juneteenth in Michigan. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sperry’s Moviehouse Port Huron’s Second Floor Getting a PLAYful Makeover

Exciting news for adults looking for a place to hang out to enjoy some gaming and adult beverages. 

Sperry’s Moviehouse, located at 301 Huron Ave, is undergoing a makeover! The second floor of the theater is getting an adult-focused glow-up with a new installation of more than 10 Hollywood-themed pinball machines, pool tables, and a virtual jukebox. Not only that, but the bar is reopening too, with a new menu in the works. 

The updated installation will open sometime after Thursday, July 13th, so be sure to check in with Sperry’s Moviehouse for updates, and mark your calendars. In the meantime, you can still enjoy the theater’s movies on the big screen and hit up the arcade on the lower level. Head down to Sperry’s Moviehouse in Port Huron for a new exciting atmosphere to get your game on.

For more information, visit: sperrysmoviehouse.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

One Lucky Winner Could Win The Mega Millions Jackpot Valued At Almost $600 Million

The Mega Millions jackpot has increased by $60 million, and now stands at almost $600 million for Friday’s drawing as there were no winners matching all six numbers in Tuesday’s drawing. 

If a player wins Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot, it would be the second largest Mega Millions jackpot won this year. The Mega Millions jackpot was last won in Michigan in January 2021 by an Oakland County lottery club. The club won a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot. That jackpot was the largest ever won in Michigan and the sixth largest in U.S. lottery history.

The Mega Millions jackpot was last won in April, when one ticket purchased in New York matched the five white balls and Mega ball to win a $20 million jackpot.

 The odds of matching all six numbers is approximately 1 in 302,575,350. Tickets are $2 each to purchase, with the winner(s) being announced Friday at 11pm. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

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