February 1st is Unclaimed Property Day in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Treasury is the custodian of assets and works that get abandoned or forgotten by residents. To spread awareness so that individuals may reclaim lost assets, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared February 1st, Unclaimed Property Day.

The unclaimed properties that individuals can inquire about include dormant bank checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, stock certificates, and uncashed checks. 

The process for recovering you or a relative’s assets is free. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, more than $2.87 billion dollars in unclaimed property was returned in 2021. In Michigan, nearly $137 million was returned to their rightful owners. 

To find out if you have unclaimed property, you can visit Michigan’s Unclaimed Property website to search for a specified name. Or you may call (517) 636-5320 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Race-Related News Events Negatively Affects Black Students Mental Health

Racism is a touchy subject for some, but it doesn’t take away the fact that it exists, and probably will exist as long as there are people of different races, cultures, and skin tones. 

A study conducted by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has revealed that racial unrest and perceived racism can negatively affect the mental health of black students.

The study surveyed students attending medical school with a 37-item electronic questionnaire administered during two weeks in August of 2020. The study measured depression symptoms and perceived discrimination. 

Researchers found that those students who perceived frequent discriminatory experiences as well as negative news coverage, such as the George Floyd incident were more likely to have symptoms of depression. 

Although the results centered around medical students, the results are consistent with other studies of how discrimination affects mental health among black people living in the U.S.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Black History In Radio: Jack L Cooper

The month of February is set aside to remind America of the contributions and impact that African Americans have had on shaping this country. 

Jack L. Cooper is considered the first African American radio announcer in the U.S. Cooper was a veteran stage performer and columnist for the Chicago Defender. His radio career began in the 1920’s as a comedian at WCAP in Washington DC. Cooper realized there was a large population that was under-represented in radio. 

He later became the host, producer, and announcer of The All-Negro Hour at WSBC in Chicago, a show created specifically for black performers who were trying to avoid the perpetuation of negative stereotypes. 

Cooper went on to utilize radio as a social force on behalf of the black community. He created the Search For Missing Persons show as well as Listen Chicago, a program that focused on current events. 

Cooper passed away in 1970, and was later inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell 

Source: radiohalloffame.com

Conagra Brands Recall Canned Meat And Poultry Products

Conagra Brands Inc., is recalling approximately 2,581,816 pounds of canned meat and poultry products due to a packaging defect. The defect may cause products to become contaminated without showing signs of contamination. 

Conagra Brands supply canned meats and poultry products under brand names such as Armour Vienna Sausage, Kroger brand, Prairie brand, Great Value, and others. The products were shipped to retail stores nationwide. 

The products in question were produced between December 12th and January 13th. Recalled products bear the establishment number “P4247” on the product cans.

The damaged cans may not be visible to those who may purchase them, but can still allow foodborne pathogens to enter. There have been no confirmed reports of people suffering from adverse reactions, but if you do experience adverse symptoms after consuming, be sure to contact a physician immediately.

For more information on particular brands affected, visit: fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Veteran Homes Seek Volunteers For No Member Dies Alone Program

When they were called upon to defend our country, our veterans were there serving and protecting. When it comes time for the hero’s farewell, many of our vets spend their last days alone.

The Michigan Veterans Homes (MVH) is seeking volunteers to join the No Member Dies Alone (NMDA) program. This one-of-a-kind program allows volunteers to provide bedside comfort when friends and family are unable to be there for their loved ones. 

Volunteers will partake in acts of kindness such as having conversation, reading or playing music, or just holding the hand of one of our veterans so that they don’t have to transition alone.

MVH needs volunteers at their facilities located in Grand Rapids, Chesterfield Township, and Marquette. They will provide all necessary training such as bedside protocol, communication skills and self-care, as well as privacy regulations. 

For more information, visit: michigan.gov/nomemberdiesalone.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Detroit Pistons HBCU/NPHC Night Coming Soon

The Detroit Pistons will be gearing up to play the Phoenix Suns and the National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) is inviting you to join the Detroit Pistons HBCU/NPHC Night at Little Caesars Arena.

The NPHC is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American international Greek lettered fraternities. Their primary purpose and focus is camaraderie and academic excellence for its members and serving their respective communities through educational, economic, and cultural service activities.

On Saturday, February 4th, starting at 7 p.m., guests are welcome to hang out at Little Caesars Arena to watch the Detroit Pistons take on the Phoenix Suns for a night of fun for a good cause. The event is a fundraising opportunity for the Detroit, Pontiac, Grand Rapids, and Lansing NPHC organizations. 

Tickets are $45 dollars and include a long sleeve Pistons/Divine 9 shirt, post game celebration with the Pistons, and surprise guests. 

For tickets, visit: pistons.com/nphcnight.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell