local news

East China School District Chili-Heart 5k Coming Soon

The East China Educational Foundation (ECEF) is hosting its 11th annual Chili-Heart 5K run and 2-mile walk this month. 

The goal of the event is to provide an endowment fund through the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, to be utilized for enrichment activities for the students of East China Schools District. Proceeds from the race will support ECEF grants for district teachers and staff.

The race will take place in a hybrid style, either in-person or virtually. Last year’s race was done entirely virtual, so with the success of that, it was decided to bring it back as an option this year. There will be chili and bread/snacks available to keep the runners warm and energized. 

The event begins February 12th, at 9 a.m. Registration is now open, with the cost of $15 for youth 17 and younger, and $25 for those 18 and up. Onsite registration is $30. 

To register online, visit: runsignup.com/race/mi/saintclair/chiliheart5k.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Funding Will Help Train Nearly 750 Michigan Businesses

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has a plan to revitalize the job market in Michigan that would possibly help 27,000 workers across the state secure employment.

Whitmer, along with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced that $47,000,000 in Going PRO Talent Fund grants to nearly 750 Michigan businesses. The funds will support their in-demand, high-skill talent needs. 

The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator as we grow our economy, create unparalleled economic opportunity, and empower more people to make it in Michigan.” 

To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit: Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Updates On Protecting Elections and Restoring Drivers Licenses In Michigan

Lawmakers at the state Senate Elections and Ethics Committee were updated on the strength of the Michigan elections and identified legislation that would build on their success. 

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel presented the information earlier this week, as well as updating the House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee on an initiative to restore driver’s licenses to Michigan residents.

The new voting rights that voters set out in the state Constitution include:

  • Nine days of early voting
  • Absentee ballot drop boxes in all jurisdictions
  • The ability to receive an absentee ballot by mail after submitting a single application
  • Prepaid postage and tracking on all absentee ballots and applications

When addressing the drivers license restoration initiative, Nessel says, “Through the driver’s license restoration initiative, we have helped thousands of people start anew and have the opportunity to enjoy better lives.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Race-Related News Events Negatively Affects Black Students Mental Health

Racism is a touchy subject for some, but it doesn’t take away the fact that it exists, and probably will exist as long as there are people of different races, cultures, and skin tones. 

A study conducted by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has revealed that racial unrest and perceived racism can negatively affect the mental health of black students.

The study surveyed students attending medical school with a 37-item electronic questionnaire administered during two weeks in August of 2020. The study measured depression symptoms and perceived discrimination. 

Researchers found that those students who perceived frequent discriminatory experiences as well as negative news coverage, such as the George Floyd incident were more likely to have symptoms of depression. 

Although the results centered around medical students, the results are consistent with other studies of how discrimination affects mental health among black people living in the U.S.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Detroit Pistons HBCU/NPHC Night Coming Soon

The Detroit Pistons will be gearing up to play the Phoenix Suns and the National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) is inviting you to join the Detroit Pistons HBCU/NPHC Night at Little Caesars Arena.

The NPHC is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American international Greek lettered fraternities. Their primary purpose and focus is camaraderie and academic excellence for its members and serving their respective communities through educational, economic, and cultural service activities.

On Saturday, February 4th, starting at 7 p.m., guests are welcome to hang out at Little Caesars Arena to watch the Detroit Pistons take on the Phoenix Suns for a night of fun for a good cause. The event is a fundraising opportunity for the Detroit, Pontiac, Grand Rapids, and Lansing NPHC organizations. 

Tickets are $45 dollars and include a long sleeve Pistons/Divine 9 shirt, post game celebration with the Pistons, and surprise guests. 

For tickets, visit: pistons.com/nphcnight.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Recall On Danielle International LLC Ready-To-Eat Sausage Products

We all hope and expect our food to be free of anything that would make us ill, but due to modern processing methods or just human error, things sometimes slip through the cracks. 

There has been a recent recall for ready-to-eat sausage products from Daniele International LLC. The company is responsible for foods under the names of many other brands including Boars Head, and Frederik’s.

Products are said to have been adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and diarrhea, as well as other symptoms. 

Products were shipped nationwide between December 23rd, and January 17th. Products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST.54” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

For a full list of products that may be contaminated, visit: fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Reporting For WGRT – Choze Powell