port huron

Michigan Increases Income Guidelines for WIC, Allowing More Families to Qualify

Effective June 1, Michigan has raised its income guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), opening the doors for additional families to qualify for assistance. 

A family of four can now qualify for WIC with an annual income of up to $55,500, representing an 8.1% increase from last year’s threshold. WIC is accessible to participants with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level. Families who receive Medicaid, SNAP benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families already meet the income qualifications for WIC.

This expansion in eligibility is welcome news for Michiganders, as the program offers vital nutritional education and access to healthy foods. Pregnant individuals, new parents, and guardians of children up to age five are encouraged to reach out to their local county health department or WIC agency to apply.

For detailed income guidelines for various family sizes, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Impact of Social Media on Children Raises Concerns

The usage of social media among children has become a topic of growing concern. Recent research highlights the potential harm associated with excessive social media use, taking into account various factors such as the amount of time spent, content exposure, and the disruption of essential activities like sleep and physical exercise. 

Studies reveal that adolescents spending more than three hours daily on social media face twice the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. Alarmingly, a 2021 survey found that teenagers, on average, spend 3.5 hours per day on social media.

Social media can perpetuate body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, social comparison, and low self-esteem, particularly among adolescent girls. Many girls aged 11-15 admit to feeling “addicted” to specific platforms, and a majority of teenagers find it challenging to give up social media. 

For more information, read U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Bluewater YMCA: Making Healthy Living Accessible to All

The Bluewater YMCA is dedicated to ensuring that healthy living is accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. To achieve this goal, the Y offers a Financial Assistance program that provides vital support to those in need.

Through the income-based assistance program, the Y aims to alleviate the financial burden of membership by offering discounted rates and flexible payment due dates. The Y believes that no one should be deprived of the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle due to financial constraints.

To apply for financial assistance, interested individuals can access the application form on the Bluewater YMCA’s website. Applicants are required to submit a completed form along with proof of one month’s household income, such as pay stubs, bank statements, SSI statements, or SNAP/Food Stamps case actions.

These types of programs are made possible by the community’s donations and support. Help support the YMCA’s Open Arms Campaign today! 

For more information, call (810) 987-6400.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Black History 101 Mobile Museum Celebrates 50 Years of Hip Hop Culture on National Tour

St. Clair County Library System presents the Black History 101 Mobile Museum national tour which commemorates 50 Years of Hip Hop culture. The tour will stop at the Don Dodge Auditorium, located at 200 Grand River Avenue, Port Huron. 

The exhibit begins Friday, June 16th, from 10 am – 3 pm. Attendees can drop in at any time during tour hours to view the exhibit. The museum’s founder, Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, will deliver a presentation at 1 PM.

Featuring more than 150 original artifacts, the exhibition captures the evolution of Hip Hop culture and its profound impact on American society. It emphasizes the contributions of Black artists and innovators within the genre. 

The exhibit takes a unique approach by examining Hip Hop culture through the lens of significant social movements like the Anti-Apartheid Movement and the Stop the Violence Movement. 

For more information, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The USCGC Hollyhock Gets A New Captain

The United States Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock, located in Port Huron has had a changing of the guard, as they welcomed aboard their new Lieutenant Commander last week.

The Hollyhock held their Change of Command Ceremony last Friday that saw former Commander Stephen Brickey’s departure and its new Captain, Lieutenant Commander Kent Hunt stepping into his new role. 

Former Captain Brickey served aboard the Hollyhock as Captain from 2021 until 2023. 

LCDR Hunt graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering. Hunt has also served aboard the USCGC Active as Electronics Officer, Auxiliary Officer, Fueling Officer, and Damage Control Assistant. 

LCDR Hunt also served aboard the Hollyhock as Operations Officer and most recently as the Executive Officer aboard the Alder and Spar. Hunt recently moved to the area along with his wife and their first child.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer Celebrates One-Year Anniversary Of Caring For MI Future

In a recent update, Governor Whitmer revealed that 687 child care entrepreneurs have successfully opened new child care programs, while an additional 1,829 center- and home-based programs have expanded their services to accommodate more children. These efforts have resulted in lower costs and increased access to quality child care for families across the state.

The announcement coincided with the one-year anniversary of the launch of Caring for MI Future, a comprehensive strategy aimed at opening 1,000 new child care programs by the end of 2024. 

Michigan is making remarkable progress in achieving this goal, as evidenced by the nearly 700 new child care licenses already issued, surpassing expectations for this stage in 2023.

Governor Whitmer emphasized the significance of investing in high-quality and affordable child care, highlighting the benefits of lower costs for working families, increased parental employment, and the provision of a safe and nurturing environment for children’s growth and development.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell