Choze Powell

Save the Date: Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway Events Across St. Clair County

Mark your calendars for the upcoming back-to-school backpack giveaway events in St. Clair County, organized by local community groups to support low-income students.

In Port Huron, Blue Water Community Action will host the event on Wednesday, August 14th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at McMorran Place Arena.

Capac’s event will be held on Wednesday, August 21st, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Capac Elementary School, organized by the Capac School District.

East China Area will have multiple events which include: all elementary schools on August 28th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Marine City Middle School on Wednesday, August 21st, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and at St. Clair Middle School on Wednesday, August 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., organized by the East China School District.

Free backpacks will include school supplies, with children needing to be present to receive and proof of St. Clair County residency required. 

For more information and all participating schools, contact Blue Water Community Action at (810) 982-8541.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches Initiative To Boost Child Welfare Workforce

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with five public universities to provide financial stipends to social work students who commit to working in under-resourced communities after graduation. 

This initiative, backed by $1.7 million in federal Title IV-E funds, aims to address the critical shortage of child welfare workers in the state. Students will receive $5,000 per semester to support their education in exchange for their future service.

The universities involved include the University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University. These institutions will provide financial support and educational resources to students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in social work, committed to careers in public, private, or tribal child welfare in Michigan.

For more information, email: marlamg@umich.edu. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Biden Exits 2024 Presidential Race Endorses Vice President Harris

President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 race for the White House following a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. Biden’s decision, coming less than four months before the election, has dramatically shifted the political landscape, according to mlive.com.

In a statement, Biden emphasized his intention to serve out the remainder of his term and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Nearly 30 minutes after announcing his exit, Biden threw his support behind Harris. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” he said in another post on X. 

Harris praised Biden’s decision as a “selfless and patriotic act” and pledged to “earn and win” her party’s nomination, vowing to defeat Trump and his “extreme Project 2025 agenda.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Secures $129.1 Million EPA Grant For Renewable Energy Expansion

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan will receive $129.1 million from the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, funded by the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. This investment aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and storage, helping Michigan meet its clean energy standards of 60% renewable energy and 100% clean energy.

“Michigan is committed to leading the future of clean energy to reduce utility costs, create good-paying jobs, and grow our economy,” Whitmer stated. The funds will support the Renewables Ready Communities Program, which incentivizes local renewable energy projects and overcomes siting barriers.

Senator Gary Peters highlighted the impact of this investment on reducing energy costs and safeguarding Michigan’s environment, emphasizing the significance of the Inflation Reduction Act in bolstering the state’s clean energy economy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance Hosts Inaugural Clean Cruise EV Festival

On Saturday, August 3rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance (MEVA), in partnership with Moms Clean Air Force, EDF Action, Sierra Club, and Tesla Owners Club, will host the inaugural Clean Cruise EV Festival in Downtown Ferndale. The event aims to promote sustainable transportation and will bring together Michigan elected officials, EV industry leaders, and climate advocates.

Amy Rogghe, MEVA’s Executive Director, expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the pivotal role of electric vehicles in addressing environmental and economic challenges. Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) also voiced her support, emphasizing the importance of clean air for future generations.

The festival will showcase a variety of electric vehicles, offer educational presentations, and feature activities for families, including an EV cruise on Woodward Avenue at 3:00pm.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Submit Your Photos For The 2025 Blue Water Area Calendar

Calling all photographers! The Blue Water Area Calendar is returning for 2025, and submissions are now open. 

Capture the beauty of the Blue Water Area, from Lexington to Algonac, and submit your best shots for a chance to be featured. Both amateur and professional photographers are welcome, with artistic shots encouraged.

Each photo should highlight recognizable landmarks, events, or people in the area (no kids or pets). Submit up to five clear, high-quality JPEGs without resizing.

Email your entries to artontheriverph@gmail.com by September 1st. Selected photos will be announced on September 19th. Proceeds from the calendar will support Art on the River, an annual art and music festival.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell