State Superintendent: Teach Students About Race and Racism

Michigan’s State Superintendent is not outright endorsing critical race theory instruction, but he is saying that students need to learn about race and racism as part of their education.

Critical Race Theory is a buzzword that generates strong feelings on both sides of the debate. It is an academic concept that is over forty years old. Its premise is that racism is systemic and inherent to American legal systems and government policies. It also states that race is a social creation.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said, “To choose to ignore race and racism in our teaching is to efface or erase history, implicitly or explicitly, and to shortchange our children, who deserve to learn the full breadth and complexity of our extraordinary history.”

Both requiring and banning Critical Race Theory have been legislative objectives for Michigan lawmakers on opposite sides of the aisle. As someone directly involved in education, Rice chimed in with his opinion when meeting with the State Board of Education.

Rice said, “Race and racism may be inconvenient for some, uncomfortable for others, and searing for still others, but, because they are inextricably a part of our history, they must be taught.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

More Travel options Coming to Flint Bishop Airport

A quick trip to Vegas or Florida is about to get even quicker with the addition of Allegiant Airlines’ aircraft and crew bases to Flint Bishop International Airport.

Just a one-hour drive from Port Huron, the Flint airport is expanding its options with the Allegiant partnership. The expansion is expected to bring high-wage jobs to Flint as well, with locally-based crews that follow the “out and back” model and return home each night.

Along with Flint, Allegiant is expanding to Appleton, Wisconsin. Drew Wells, Senior Vice president of Revenue and Planning for Allegiant, said, “Flint and Appleton have been incredibly successful cities for Allegiant, where we’ve grown our operations steadily over the years. It makes perfect sense to establish aircraft and crew bases in these great communities, furthering our presence as a hometown airline.”

Wells said that the expansion will provide more options and more frequent flight offerings. In 2019, over 197,000 passengers flew Allegiant out of Flint. Non-stop destinations include Nashville, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, along with four Florida cities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Vaccines Required at Some Colleges

Many colleges and universities are requiring students to have proof of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is raising concerns, colleges are putting masks back on and reinstating restrictions and social distancing.

St. Clair County Community College is currently at an “Orange Level”, meaning that there is substantial transmission risk. At this time, in-person classes and activities are continuing as planned and face masks are required for unvaccinated students. There is no requirement, only an encouragement, to get the vaccine.

Other schools are taking a harder line. Michigan State University is requiring all students and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 31st. All individuals are required to wear a mask. Those who get a religious or medical exemption will be tested weekly.

The University of Michigan not only requires vaccination but has a Responsiblue App with which all who enter campus track symptoms, report test results, and show compliance to the requirements. Weekly testing is required for those who do not report their vaccination status.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

U.S. Census Shows Slow Population Growth, More People in Big Cities

New 2020 Census Results have been released. The results are used for legislative redistricting data, as required by law.

Acting Census Bureau Director Ron Jarmin said, “We are excited to reach this milestone of delivering the first detailed statistics from the 2020 Census. We appreciate the public’s patience as Census Bureau staff worked diligently to process these data and ensure it meets our quality standards.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the data shows an increase in populations in metro areas compared to a decade ago. More people are living in big cities. Eighty-six percent of American’s live in metro areas, and the top ten largest cities all saw growth.

Overall, the total population grew at its slowest rate since the 1930s. Michigan’s population increased by 2%, with the largest growth on the west side of the state. Grand Rapids/Kentwood reached the one million mark in the population count.

A link to complete 2020 U.S. Census data can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/rdo/summary-files.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Weather Disasters May Attract Scammers

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued two consumer alerts that tend to pop up when people experience damage from severe weather and a state of emergency is declared. She is urging consumers to look out for Government Imposters and Disaster Scams.

Gov. Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Armada Township last week in response to a tornado that went through the area on July 24th, 2021, and Nessel said that bad actors may try to take advantage of people cleaning up after storm damage.

Government Imposters contact consumers and tell them they’ve been selected to receive government funding to assist with repairs.  The scammers then ask the person to share their personal or banking information in order to secure or transfer funds.

Disaster Scams can come in the form of contractors or individuals who approach consumers, usually door-to-door, and use high-pressure sales tactics, confusing terms, and cash-only terms to encourage a quick sale.

“Unfortunately, bad actors look at storm cleanup as an opportunity to take advantage of victims who are desperate to repair damage right away,” Nessel said. “I continue to urge Michiganders to do their research before making any decisions that will impact your home or business.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides legitimate disaster relief, but individuals must register with them to establish eligibility. FEMA’s number is 1-800-621-FEMA

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Mansfield and Gratiot Parks to Get New Playgrounds

The parks are hopping this summer in the city of Port Huron. The new playscape at Palmer Park is incredibly popular, and there are more improvements in store for other parks in time for next summer’s adventures.

Nancy Winzer, Director of Port Huron Recreation Department, told us that two new structures are coming to Mansfield and Gratiot parks, as well as the addition of a toddler area and new swings at Palmer Park.

Winzer said that Gratiot Park has the oldest equipment in the city, and it is soon to be replaced. The design has been coordinated with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and will be accessible and fun for kids of all abilities.

Mansfield Park is getting renovated as part of Rock the Block, in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity. The park will have a dinosaur theme and a new pavilion. Private donors and Habitat for Humanity are partnering with the City to enhance the neighborhood.

There are some material delays, but Winzer hopes to have the installation done by next spring. The total cost for the Mansfield and Gratiot improvements is over $400,000 with funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, The Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and the City of Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland