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Port Huron To Hold 9/11 Service Of Remembrance For Fallen Heroes

As the anniversary of the tragic events at the World Trade Center and Pentagon approaches, the city of Port Huron is preparing to honor the courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001. Among those remembered will be the 343 firefighters, 72 police officers, and numerous EMTs who selflessly ran into danger while others fled.

The community is invited to attend a solemn Service of Remembrance on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. at the International Flag Plaza, located on Thomas Edison Parkway, just north of the Blue Water Bridges. 

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Public Meeting Room of the Municipal Office Center at 100 McMorran Blvd. 

For more information, contact Port Huron Police Assistant Chief Brian Kerrigan at: (810) 984-9710.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Begins Holland Avenue Improvement Project

On Monday, Aug. 12, the City of Port Huron began significant improvements on Holland Avenue, stretching from Pine Grove Avenue to Gratiot Avenue. 

The project includes repaving the asphalt, upgrading select curb and gutter areas, installing ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, and lawn restoration.

Due to the construction, Holland Avenue will be closed to thru traffic until the end of August. The project is funded by the voter-approved street millage and Federal Surface Transportation Program Funding. The city appreciates the community’s patience as these essential upgrades are completed to enhance the safety and accessibility of the roadway.

For questions about the construction you may contact the Department of Public Works at: (810) 984-9730. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

U.S. House Advances Legislation Targeting Chinese-Made DJI Drones Over National Security Concerns

The U.S. House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward banning drones manufactured by China’s DJI, pushing the legislation closer to becoming law. This move is part of the Countering CCP Drones Act, which was incorporated into the broader National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), according to michiganfarmnews.com. 

The act requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to investigate Chinese drone companies for possible inclusion on the Chinese Military Company list and places DJI on the FCC’s “Covered List,” which restricts the marketing, sale, or operation of newly designated equipment within the United States.

Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who sponsored the bill, stressed the importance of limiting China’s influence in the U.S. drone market and telecommunications infrastructure. Although the ban would not apply to DJI drones purchased before the regulations are enacted, it follows growing concerns over potential security risks posed by Chinese-manufactured drones. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Highlights New WIC Guidelines For 2024, Urges Families To Reapply

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) is reminding residents about updated guidelines for the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program, which took effect on Jun. 1, 2024. 

Under the new federal rules, families can earn slightly more and still qualify for assistance through this vital nutrition program. WIC, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides benefits via the Michigan WIC EBT card, enabling participants to purchase essential foods like milk, eggs, fresh produce, and infant formula.

Public Health Nursing Supervisor Becki Hartman encourages those who were previously ineligible to reapply, as they may now qualify under the revised criteria. In addition to food assistance, the SCCHD’s WIC program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthcare referrals, and immunizations. 

For more information, residents can call: (810) 987-8222.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

“Batman Effect” Study Reveals Role-Playing Boosts Emotional Regulation In Children

A study conducted by the University of Minnesota has uncovered new insights into the “Batman Effect,” a phenomenon where children perform better on challenging tasks by pretending to be a fictional character like Batman, according to reflectionsciences.com. 

Researchers tested 139 children, ages 4 and 6, by giving them a frustrating task: unlocking a toy box with a set of keys that, unbeknownst to them, didn’t contain the right key.

The study found that children with lower executive function (EF) skills experienced significantly less frustration when adopting the perspective of a fictional character. By role-playing as Batman, Dora the Explorer, or other popular figures, these children were able to create “psychological distance” from the task, helping them manage their emotions more effectively. This suggests that role-play could be a valuable tool for improving emotional regulation, especially in children with lower EF skills.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Study Highlights Significant Gaps In Vision Care Coverage For Medicaid Enrollees

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), published in Health Affairs, reveals alarming disparities in vision care coverage for Medicaid enrollees across the United States. According to the study, 6.5 million enrollees (12%) live in states where routine adult eye exams are not covered, and 14.6 million (27%) reside in states that do not provide coverage for eyeglasses.

It found significant variability in coverage, with 20 states excluding glasses under fee-for-service Medicaid, and seven states offering no coverage for either eye exams or glasses. Additionally, 35 states do not cover low vision aids, such as magnifiers, leaving many, particularly older adults, without essential vision support.

The findings highlight an urgent need for policy changes at the state level to address these gaps, especially as the aging U.S. population faces a projected doubling of vision impairment cases by 2050.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell