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April 23rd Deadline Looms For Michigan Candidates Eyeing Primary Ballot In 2024 Elections

As Michigan gears up for the 2024 elections, the April 23rd filing deadline marks a crucial date for candidates vying for various positions. To secure a spot on the August 6th primary ballot, candidates must submit their filing paperwork by 4pm. 

This deadline applies to a range of offices including Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, District Court, and District Probate Court. Additionally, partisan candidates for state House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, and U.S. Senate must also adhere to this deadline. Notably, candidates for probate judge, certain U.S. House of Representatives, and some House candidates are required to file with their county clerk, as opposed to the Bureau of Elections. 

To facilitate the process, the Bureau of Elections recommends candidates set up appointments through the Michigan Secretary of State online appointment system.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Introduces No-Cost High-Quality Preschool For 2024-2025 Academic Year

St. Clair County is pioneering accessible early education with its 2024-2025 offerings through the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), Strong Beginnings (SB), and Tuition Preschool Application. 

This initiative provides a golden opportunity for children aged 0-5 to access high-quality preschool education at no cost.

Parents seeking enrollment must ensure their child meets specific age criteria. Children aged 3 or 4 are eligible for tuition programs, or they must be turning 3-year-old by September 1st, to enroll in the Strong Beginnings Program at Memphis or Port Huron. Additionally, those who will be turning 4-year-old by the same date, qualify for the Great Start Readiness Program.

The initiative underscores St. Clair County’s commitment to early childhood development, aiming to provide a strong educational foundation for its youngest residents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Calls For Federal Relief Expansion Amid Warmest Winter On Record

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has intensified efforts to secure federal assistance for businesses impacted by the unusually warm winter, sending a compelling letter to congressional leaders, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Despite previously secured aid for drought-affected areas, numerous counties in Michigan, notably in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, remain ineligible under current federal guidelines.

In response to this urgent need, the SBA has approved a declaration extension for Houghton County, marking a significant milestone in relief efforts. However, recognizing the widespread ramifications, Governor Whitmer advocates for broader regulatory or legislative solutions to address the impacts of the warm winter comprehensively.

Furthermore, the SBA’s extension of application deadlines in select counties offers affected businesses vital extra time to quantify losses and seek necessary federal support. 

Governor Whitmer’s proactive stance underscores a commitment to aiding Michigan’s economic resilience amidst climatic challenges.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County RESA Ensures Education Rights For Homeless Families

St. Clair County RESA is stepping up efforts to support families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, ensuring their children’s right to education is upheld. According to federal law, families in such situations have the right to enroll their children in school immediately, regardless of documentation or housing status.

The RESA’s Homeless Student Coordinator, Laura McDowell, stands ready to assist families with enrollment procedures, even if they lack necessary documents. Whether families are doubled up with relatives, residing in temporary accommodations like shelters or motels, or even without a fixed residence, their children are entitled to a free and appropriate education.

McDowell can be contacted at (810) 364-8990 for further information and assistance, ensuring that no child is left behind due to housing instability.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Esports Tryouts At Athletic Factory: Level Up Your Game

As the esports scene continues to thrive, the Athletic Factory located at 1517 10th St., Port Huron, is gearing up to host tryouts for aspiring gamers. 

With opportunities across popular titles like Fortnite, Rocket League, Madden 24, and NBA 2K24, players are encouraged to showcase their skills and compete for coveted spots on competitive teams. 

The tryouts cater to a wide age range, from 6th to 12th grade. Five teams are eligible with three to six players per team ensuring inclusivity and fostering talent development among younger gamers. Scheduled on April 9th, 11th, and 16th, players have multiple chances to prove their mettle. 

Whether seeking a team or flying solo, the doors are open for all passionate gamers willing to take their gameplay to the next level. Mark your calendars and head to the Athletic Factory for a shot at esports glory.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Irregular Sleep Patterns Tied To Poor Grades And Behavioral Issues Among Teens, NIH-Funded Study Finds

In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers from Stony Brook University, led by Dr. Gina Marie Mathew and Dr. Lauren Hale, reveals alarming connections between irregular sleep habits and academic performance in adolescents. 

Published in Sleep journal, the study scrutinized data from nearly 800 adolescents, highlighting a correlation between inconsistent bedtimes and lower grades. Adolescents with variable sleep patterns were more likely to receive poor grades and face school-related behavioral problems. The researchers underscored the importance of interventions to promote regular sleep schedules, emphasizing their potential to enhance academic performance and curb behavioral issues among adolescents. 

This research sheds light on the critical role of sleep in adolescent well-being and academic success, urging for strategies to address sleep irregularities in educational settings.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell