State Hits the Jackpot with Court Ruling and Lucky Winner

A court decision and sheer luck are set to bring some serious cash into Michigan’s treasury. A recent decision by the First Circuit Court of Appeals allows for revenues from sports betting to be collected. Online sports betting is now legal in Michigan.

The court case clarifies a Department of Justice interpretation of the Wire Act that was ruled to be misconstrued. The ruling states that only interstate wire communications are prohibited.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “This is a major victory for state lotteries across the nation that raise millions of dollars in revenue which directly supports our schools, emergency personnel and other fundamental services for residents.”  

Over a billion dollars went into the Michigan School Aid Fund from lottery proceeds in fiscal year 2018-19.

Unrelated to the sport betting ruling, but a stroke of luck for a Michigan resident and the state, the single winning Mega Millions ticket was sold in Novi, Michigan, with a prize of over a billion dollars. Depending on the payout that the winner chooses, the state will levy a tax bill between $33 million and $43 million.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 to Open Challenger Learning Center

SC4 is working with the Challenger Center to bring a Challenger Learning Center to its campus in early 2022. The Challenger Learning Center will introduce students of all ages to subjects and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The Challenger Center is a nonprofit STEM education organization with a learning center network that has reached 5.5 million students worldwide. They offer hands-on STEM programs that include simulated space-themed missions in fully immersive classrooms.

Dr. Deborah Snyder, president of St. Clair County Community College, said, “The addition of a Challenger Learning Center supports the college and our community by fostering a robust culture of STEM, strengthening STEM education opportunities, integrating business, industry and educational entities, and creating high-quality educational experiences for learners of all ages.”

The Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L. For more information about Challenger Center visit their website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

College Planning Webinars Scheduled

High school seniors can almost taste graduation. It is just a semester away. With graduation on the horizon, thinking about paying for college and making a decision about the field of study are at the forefront of the minds of many students and their parents. A Virtual Financial Aid night, sponsored by the Michigan Department of the Treasury and a ABCC’s of College webinar sponsored by the Blue Water College Access Network could help high schoolers get on the right track.

The Virtual Financial Aid Night will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening during February from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The sessions will include information about FAFSA, federal and state aid, scholarship searching, and student portal accounts. Sessions are open to the public and registration is required.

The Blue Water College Access Network’s webinar will explain the differences between Associate, Bachelor, Credential, and Certificate Programs. It will also give information about high-demand and high-paying jobs. The webinar is planned for February 4th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Registration is required.

Links to both programs:

MI Student Aid – Virtual College Financial Aid Nights (michigan.gov)

https://www.bwcan.org/calendar.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Celebrate Black History Month With Virtual Museum Exhibit

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, which was officially recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. This year’s theme is “Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” The theme encourages people to explore the African diaspora, and the spread of Black Families across the United States.

In a 2016 speech, President Barack Obama said, “Black History Month shouldn’t be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history, or somehow just boiled down to a compilation of greatest hits from the March on Washington, or from some of our sports heroes.”

He went on to say, “It’s about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so we can create a better future. It’s a reminder of where we as a country have been so that we know where we need to go.”

Local families can celebrate Black History Month by browsing Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History’s gallery on their newly launched app. The app includes a virtual tour of some of the museum’s exhibits.

The museum is currently open to the public with timed-entry ticketing Thursday – Saturday from 9 AM – 4 PM and Sundays from noon – 5 PM.

Learn more about the digital app <HERE> and visiting the museum in person <HERE> .

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Leave the Light on For First Responders Feb. 2nd

When Port Huron resident Cathy Solomon suffered from a heart attack, she remembers the care and support she received from local first responders. Now, she and the members of her neighborhood watch group want to show their gratitude.

On Tuesday, February 2nd, 2/2/21, the Seaway Neighborhood Watch group invites the community to join them by turning their porch lights on for first responders. They hope this show of support lights up the city as people turn their lights on at 6 PM and leave them on till morning.

Blue has traditionally been the color for first responders, so adding a blue light bulb to your front door could be an added sign of encouragement to police, fire department, and ambulance workers.

“It’s been such a tough time for everyone, and I thought this would be such an incredibly wonderful thing. We still have so much to be grateful for, and these people that come out and do these jobs, they’re a great place to start showing it!” said Cathy. “We could all use a little more light in our life.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Rising Prescription Drug Costs Prompt Task Force Report

Michigan’s Prescription Drug Task Force has released their report and recommendations. The bipartisan committee was formed in 2020.

The Task Force’s recommendations include requiring transparency reports from drug manufacturers, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), and hospitals; requiring state licensure for Pharmacy Benefit Managers; holding accountable those profiting from skyrocketing prices; and helping to make necessary medications affordable for all Michigan families.  Prices of many common, yet critical medications have doubled in price over the last six years, according to MDHHS.

The report focused on four areas: transparency, affordability, accountability, and accessibility.  The legislature is now tasked with addressing policy solutions to these identified problems.

Melissa Seifert with AARP’s Government Affairs said, “Studies show one of three Michiganders do not take all the medications they need because they can’t afford it. We can have the best drugs in the world but they won’t help people if they are priced out of reach.”

A link to the full report:

Prescription Drug Task Force Report  

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland