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Distracted Driving Month highlights many dangers

In support of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, police agencies throughout Michigan have teamed up with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning for a high-visibility enforcement effort during April. Throughout the month, police officers across the state will remind drivers about the dangers of distracted driving while enforcing Michigan’s Hands-Free Law, which took effect June 30, 2023. The goal of this initiative is to reduce traffic crashes caused by distracted drivers, ultimately preventing injuries and deaths associated with mobile device use and texting while ...

Food safety and spring preparations needed

Spring is a season of rebirth and celebrating, including the celebration of Easter and Passover and the food-centered traditions they bring. As Michiganders prepare to celebrate, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reminds hosts to keep food safety in mind as they cook for their families and friends. Taking a few simple precautions to keep your food safe and your guests happy and healthy can ensure a successful celebration. ≤ Wash Hands Frequently: Handwashing is one of the most important steps to preventing foodborne illness. Research shows that ...

Head Start programs need support

The Department of Government Efficiency has made serious funding cuts to programs and services affecting the state. DOGE terminated and rescinded all funding to Michigan Humanities, one of the 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, as well as the Head Start regional office in Chicago which oversees Head Start in Michigan and five other states. “The federal employees that were terminated today by the administration’s DOGE are essential partners to the operations of Head Start providing services and guidance ...

Proposed nutrition cuts lack sense

Around 18% of children in Michigan live in food-insecure homes. Unfortunately, the issues they face could potentially snowball under proposed cuts by congressional Republicans that would make it more difficult for schools to provide universal free meals, according to state officials. GOP lawmakers want to change an existing federal program that makes subsidized meal programs more efficient and accessible by allowing schools in impoverished communities to qualify to offer free meals to all students, as opposed to independently verifying each student’s family income, as reported by ...

Attending draft in Green Bay? Guard against ID theft

In roughly two weeks, Green Bay will take center stage of the pro football world as the 2025 NFL Draft takes place for the first time at historic Lambeau Field. The three-day event April 24-26 is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region to cheer — hopefully — who their favorite team chooses over seven rounds. It also will draw the attention of identity thieves hoping to steal private information from those traveling to Green Bay or staying in surrounding communities to watch the draft. With that in mind, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and ...

Road construction season is returning

Construction season is approaching, which means crews will soon be out fixing and building roads and bridges. Drivers have one of the biggest roles in keeping work zones safe for construction crews, the Wisconsin State Patrol advises. WSP’s Law of the Month for April highlights work zone safety, encouraging drivers to help create a safe space for crews who work on and alongside the road. “Construction crews and county highway personnel often work within feet of traffic,” WSP Superintendent Tim Carnahan said in a news release. “These people need to be able to rely on drivers ...