environment

Governor Whitmer Backs Michigan Family Protection Act, Advocating For Surrogacy Rights And Equal Treatment For Families

Governor Gretchen Whitmer stresses the importance of the Michigan Family Protection Act, endorsing a suite of legislation aimed at simplifying family planning processes and ensuring equitable treatment under the law. Addressing Michigan’s unique status as the sole state criminalizing surrogacy contracts, the package seeks to repeal this prohibition while enhancing protections for surrogates, parents, and children. 

In a landscape where reproductive rights face mounting challenges nationwide, Michigan stands out in supporting individuals’ choices regarding family-building. Comprising nine bills, the Act advocates for the legalization and regulation of surrogacy, fair compensation and legal representation for surrogates, and equal treatment for children born through assisted reproductive technology. 

Additionally, it strives to eliminate hurdles faced by LGBTQ+ families, streamlining the process of obtaining parental recognition. The Act underscores Michigan’s commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive environments for all families across the state.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lakeside Cemetery Plot Cleanup Deadline March 31st

As the end of March approaches, residents with loved ones resting at Lakeside Cemetery in Port Huron are reminded to remove all winter decorations and non-conforming items from grave sites by March 31st. 

The goal of the clean-up is to keep the cemetery from becoming an eyesore due to old decorations and tributes left by family members and friends. Failure to comply will result in removal and disposal by cemetery personnel starting April 1st, without further notice. Only patriotic flags and flowers are permitted on cemetery plots, with all other items strictly prohibited. 

The City of Port Huron has urged visitors to familiarize themselves with Lakeside Cemetery rules available on the city’s website. Families are encouraged to honor the guidelines to maintain the cemetery’s tranquility and dignity for all visitors and residents alike.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Dollar Tree Reports Surprise Fourth-Quarter Loss, Announces Closure Of Nearly 1,000 Stores

In an unexpected turn, Dollar Tree has announced a fourth-quarter loss and plans to close nearly 1,000 stores, primarily Family Dollar outlets. The discount retailer, grappling with the aftermath of its acquisition of Family Dollar almost a decade ago, cited a significant devaluation of the acquired chain as a major factor.

With Dollar Tree’s move to close approximately 600 Family Dollar stores in the first half of the year and additional closures planned over the next several years, concerns arise over access to affordable goods for economically vulnerable and low-income communities along with the loss of employment opportunities in those neighborhoods as well.

The impairment charge of $950 million against the Family Dollar trade name and substantial store closure costs further underscore the challenges Dollar Tree faces in integrating the acquired chain successfully.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Court Rules City Manager’s Facebook Page Not Subject To First Amendment

In a landmark decision involving Port Huron City Manager James Freed and Port Huron resident Kevin Lindke, the Supreme Court has established a standard for determining the applicability of the First Amendment to government officials’ social media accounts. 

The ruling, issued on Friday, clarified that speech by government officials can only be subject to First Amendment scrutiny if the individual possesses authority to speak on behalf of the state and exercises that authority on the platform in question. This standard, applicable to all government officials, provides clarity on the boundaries of free speech in the digital age. 

The ruling reinforces the Sixth US Court of Appeals’ decision to support James Freed, emphasizing that his social media activity did not align with his official duties as city manager of Port Huron. 

The case will be remanded back to the Sixth Circuit Court for future review. “I am very pleased with the outcome the justices came to. The court rejected the plaintiff’s appearance test and further refined a test for review by the 6th circuit. We are extremely confident we will prevail there once more,” says Freed.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Michigan Launches MiTN: New Online Financial Disclosure System For Elected Officials And Candidates

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has introduced the Michigan Transparency Network (MiTN “Mitten”), an innovative online platform mandating elected officials, candidates, and their spouses to publicly disclose financial details for the first time. 

Rolled out during Sunshine Week, dedicated to government ethics and transparency, MiTN represents a significant stride towards accountable leadership. Following the adoption of Proposal 1 by voters in 2022, Michigan now joins the majority of states in enforcing personal financial disclosure requirements. 

Under the new laws, officials like the Governor, Secretary of State, and State Representatives are obliged to file reports, shedding light on their financial interests and interactions with lobbyists. With deadlines set for April and May, MiTN aims to enhance governmental transparency and bolster public trust in Michigan’s leadership.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Go Green! The Origin And Evolution Of St. Patrick’s Day

The legacy of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, transcends centuries and continents, evolving from ancient traditions to modern-day festivities. Born in Roman Britain, Patrick’s journey from slavery to sainthood reshaped Ireland’s spiritual landscape.

Since the 9th or 10th century, March 17th has marked the Roman Catholic feast day in his honor. Surprisingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade didn’t grace Irish soil but emerged in a Spanish colony, now St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601. Fast forward to 1772, Irish soldiers in New York City began a tradition, marching to honor their patron saint, according to history.com.

Today, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations abound, characterized by parades, pub crawls, traditional recipes like Irish soda bread and corned beef, and the ubiquitous donning of green attire, uniting people worldwide in homage to Irish heritage.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell