The State of Michigan is highlighting the need to take your iron pills. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect which is preventable by mothers taking daily folic acid supplements.  

This week is Folic Acid Awareness Week. 

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian is the chief medical officer for the state. She says taking supplements prevents serious birth defects. She says its important for people to take their supplements within the first month of pregnancy. 

Folic acid is also found in leafy greens, beans, peas, asparagus and citrus. A daily supplement is about 400 micrograms.  

Additional headlines for Sept. 14, 2026

Students encouraged to submit civil rights artwork

The City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department invites student artists to create artwork around civil rights. Artwork could be featured through the Civil Rights Summit: Civil Rights in the 21st Century. The summit takes place on Oct. 9th. Three awards will be presented by the Atellier School of Art. Submit artwork by Oct. 2.

Neighborhood Roads Fund invests in transit infrastructure

Governor Whitmer announces the first payments from the Neighborhood Roads Fund. It’s part of a $2 billion annual investment for Michigan infrastructure.

Whitmer says the funding will go toward bridge projects for counties, cities and villages. That includes $100 million to repair and replace bridges, $100 million for public transit and $40 million for rail grade separation projects to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.  

Goal Line program expands after school programming

The city of Detroit investing more than $2 million in after school programs. The funding supports expanding the nonprofit Get On and Learn or Goal Line program. It had served 34 location and 1,000 students.

Now it will be expanded to include locations in four recreational centers and three libraries. Goal Line Executive Director Ricky Fountain says the investment will support an additional 1,000 students across the city.  

Any Detroit Public Schools Community District, Detroit chapter school, or homeschooled students is eligible to join for free.  

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley 

Detroit Cultural Center hosts Educators Night

Detroit’s Cultural Center will welcome teachers to explore five venues Tuesday night.  

The Detroit Institute of Arts, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detorit Historical Museum, the Michigan Science Center and the main brain of the Detroit Public Library will be open for Educators Night.  

Annamarie Boruki from the Detroit Cultural Center Association says the event offers resources and special programs.  “Teachers will be able to connect with more than 80 nonprofit and educational organizations, enjoy workshops, performances, exhibits, and heads-on resources that they can bring back to their classrooms.”

The event is open to classroom teachers, homeschooling parents and school administrators. This is the fourth time the Cultural Center has hosted Educators Night.  

-Reporting by Sascha Raiyn