environment

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Sheds Light On Unique Struggles Faced By Racial And Ethnic Communities

In observance of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, let’s raise awareness about the distinctive challenges confronted by racial and ethnic minority communities concerning mental illness.

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as our stress management, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making.

Unfortunately, racial and ethnic minorities frequently experience inferior mental health outcomes due to various factors, such as limited access to quality mental health care services, cultural stigma surrounding mental health, discrimination, and inadequate knowledge about mental health issues.

St. Clair County Community Mental Health is dedicated to helping all members of the community no matter their race, color, or creed. They are here to help our minority communities by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health care services, information, and resources.

For more information on mental health services, visit: scccmh.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Allowing Alcohol Sales At College Sporting Events And Making Liquor-To-Go Permanent

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed bipartisan legislation that marks a significant change for college sporting events in Michigan. 

The new law permits alcohol sales at these events, leveling the playing field and bringing Michigan State University and the University of Michigan in line with other Big Ten schools. The move aims to enhance fairness, safety, and revenue generation. 

Governor Whitmer highlighted the potential for reduced binge drinking, as attendees will no longer feel the need to excessively consume alcohol before games. Reports from universities that have already implemented similar policies indicate a decline in alcohol-related incidents.

The legislation, Senate Bill 247, enables the issuance of liquor licenses to sporting venues on public university premises, benefiting both fans and the student experience. Furthermore, Governor Whitmer also signed Senate Bill 141, making the liquor-to-go policy permanent to support small businesses while adhering to CDC guidelines.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Freeways Boost Surveillance With License Plate Readers, Sharing Data With Law Enforcement Agencies

Michigan freeways are now equipped with automated license plate readers (ALPRs) as several law enforcement agencies in the state have adopted or are considering implementing this technology. 

ALPRs scan license plates and cross-reference them with key databases, enabling the identification of associated records. 

The Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) file, which integrates data from the LEIN and National Crime Information Center (NCIC), is now accessible to all authorized LEIN user agencies. 

The license plate readers will help authorities in cases involving stolen vehicles, stolen license plates, wanted persons, missing persons, gang affiliations, suspected terrorists, supervised releases, national sex offenders, and immigration violators. 

With these advancements, Michigan law enforcement aims to enhance public safety and improve their investigative capabilities.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

City of Port Huron Commences Water Main Replacement Project on Russell Court

The City of Port Huron has initiated a significant infrastructure upgrade with the replacement of the water main on Russell Court, spanning from 10th Avenue to Stone Street. 

The project encompasses the installation of a new water main, partial replacement of the aggregate roadway, concrete pavement, and the enhancement of ADA ramps, drive approaches, as well as curb and gutter. The project is funded through the City of Port Huron’s utility fund.

To facilitate the construction activities, temporary road closures will be implemented. 10th Avenue in the vicinity of the project area and Stone Street will be closed for specific periods. Motorists are advised to follow the posted detour signs to navigate around the work zone. 

Russell Court will remain closed to through traffic throughout the duration of the project. Completion of the entire undertaking is expected by August 25th.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at: (810) 984-9730.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Registration Opens for Michigan State University Extension’s Conservation Stewards Program in St. Clair County

Michigan State University Extension’s Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) in St. Clair County is now accepting registrations. 

This 10-week program, in partnership with the St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission and other organizations, offers participants the opportunity to learn about local conservation heritage, Michigan’s natural communities, and engage in community science projects.

The CSP is a hybrid program that combines virtual self-paced lessons with in-person evening sessions held on Wednesdays from September 13th to November 15th. Two Saturday field trips within St. Clair County will also be organized on September 23rd and October 7th. Participants will complete applied capstone projects related to restoring and conserving Michigan’s ecosystems under the guidance of a local mentor.

Registration closes on August 30th, or when the class is full. Partial scholarship opportunities are available. 

For more information, visit: canr.msu.edu/csp.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan’s Food Insecurity Rate Higher Than National Average

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michigan has an 11.4% food insecurity rate, this puts Michigan in 39th place among all states. The national food insecurity rate stands at 10.4%.

The report also shows that New Hampshire has the lowest food insecurity rate among all states, at 5.4%, while Mississippi has the highest rate, at 15.3%. The report recommends measures to address food insecurity, such as increasing access to healthy food options, improving economic opportunities, and increasing funding for programs that provide food assistance to those in need.

While Michigan’s food insecurity rate is higher than the national average, efforts are being made to combat the issue. Local organizations and food banks are working to provide food and resources to those in need, and government programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provide assistance to eligible individuals and families.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell