A recent national report has revealed that black children in Michigan are significantly lagging behind their peers in terms of graduating high school on time, completing an associate’s degree, and achieving fourth-grade reading proficiency. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Race for Results report, the academic performance of Black children in Michigan falls behind their peers across the country in every measured metric. The metrics encompass a wide range of data, covering early childhood, education, work experiences, family resources, and neighborhood context. According to officials, a recent report has revealed a concerning trend across the nation, indicating a significant...
West Michigan Brewery Unveils State’s First Indoor Pickleball Restaurant
In a groundbreaking move, a brewery in West Michigan is set to make waves as it prepares to open the very first indoor pickleball restaurant in the state. Broad Leaf Brewery and Spirits is set to unveil its latest addition – two brand new indoor pickleball courts. Located at 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE in Kentwood, the brewery will be opening its doors to the public on Saturday, Jan. 20. This exciting new development is sure to attract pickleball enthusiasts from far and wide. The brewery claims that it is the first restaurant in Michigan to incorporate indoor pickleball courts...
Local School Districts Decide if and When to Call it a Snow Day
Several school districts in West Michigan experienced snow days on Tuesday, while others remained unaffected. Various locations have their own unique considerations when making decisions, but as FOX 17 discovered, most districts follow a standardized process to inform their choices. According to Dr. Doug VanderJagt, the Superintendent for Hudsonville Public Schools, it is not a casual matter where one can simply let the kids sleep in. “It is likely that some children enjoy it.” Perhaps the majority. For some, it can be quite a challenge. Ensuring the safety of children is the top priority. When it comes to deciding whether...
Florida Property Insurance Rates Show No Sign of Abating
Lawmakers have returned to Tallahassee for another legislative session, and a Pinellas Park mom is urging them to prioritize curbing home insurance rates. With her renewal coming up in March, she hopes for some relief. Rates are Still Going Up Marisa Borgia, a Pinellas Park homeowner, recently expressed her frustration with the skyrocketing insurance rates on her property. According to Borgia, since purchasing her home in 2018, she has experienced not one, but two instances of her insurance rates doubling. After meticulously archiving copies of every policy over the years, it was discovered that her policy in 2018 amounted to...
California’s Attorney General Calls for DEA to Reclassify Cannabis for Safe Medical Use
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general from multiple states. They have sent a letter expressing their support for the federal government’s efforts to evaluate and reschedule cannabis. The goal is to allow for federal recognition of its medical and research value. In a recent letter, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has been urged to reconsider the classification of cannabis. The request is to move it from a Schedule I controlled substance, which is typically reserved for substances with no recognized medical benefits and high addictive potential, to a Schedule III controlled substance. This...
Lake Superior State Lakers Sweep Northern Michigan University Wildcats, Secure Cappo Cup
The Northern Michigan University hockey team suffered a disappointing loss over the weekend, not only losing possession of the Cappo Cup, but also experiencing a setback in the CCHA standings. NMU lost 5-1 and 5-2 at Lake Superior State to more than blow the three-goal advantage it had for the Cappo Cup entering the weekend as the Soo team won the four-game, total-goals series 17-13. In the mid-November series held in Marquette, Northern emerged victorious with scores of 6-4 and 4-3. The Wildcats’ future outlook was negatively impacted as well. NMU fell to 7-11-2 overall and 5-7 in the league,...
West Michigan Pushes Through Weather Challenges for MLK Day Celebrations
MLK Day events took place throughout West Michigan on Monday, with Albion and Western Michigan University hosting their own commemorative activities. The MLK Community Celebration & Resource Fair in Albion began its seventh year at Marshall Opportunity High School at 5:30 p.m. Local organizations were recently showcased as approximately 300 attendees gathered for a complimentary dinner and program, which shed light on the impactful work taking place in Albion. Albion City Council Member Andrew French said the amount of attendees were down this year because of the weather. “This year, given its proximity to zero, the current numbers are only...
Catastrophic Flooding in Detroit: A Tale of Infrastructure Failure
The city of Detroit recently experienced a significant flooding event, triggered by a combination of a water main break and a vehicle crashing into a fire hydrant. This incident has resulted in extensive water damage, road closures, and disruptions to the daily life of the city’s residents. The flooding was initiated by a vehicular accident that resulted in a fire hydrant being knocked over. This incident, combined with a subsequent water main break, led to widespread flooding across various parts of Detroit. The damage was so extensive that it necessitated the closure of both sides of the Southfield Freeway at...
Texas Attorney General Throws Support Behind Challenger to Speaker Phelan
At the Monday night rally, Republican candidate David Covey focused on addressing what he referred to as “the elephant not in the room – Dade Phelan.” Covey, whose literature says he is “a true conservative champion,” is the foil to what he and Attorney General Ken Paxton described as Phelan’s faux conservative posture behind which lies a Republican kowtowing to Democrats in order to maintain “perceived power.” Paxton expressed admiration for Covey’s bravery in challenging the Speaker of the House during a campaign rally organized by the True Texas Project. The event, held at the MCM Elegante Hotel, drew a...
Hypothermia Concerns: A Guide to Finding Warming Centers in Metro Detroit
As winter intensifies in Metro Detroit, the chilling cold presents a serious threat, particularly hypothermia. Hypothermia, a medical emergency occurring when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature, is a significant concern during Detroit’s harsh winters. To combat this threat, the city has set up warming centers and respite locations, ensuring that those in need, especially the homeless, can find shelter from the cold. This article will guide you through finding these warming centers in Metro Detroit, focusing on their locations, services, and how to access them. City of Detroit Warming...