Choze Powell

Michigan Launches MiTN: New Online Financial Disclosure System For Elected Officials And Candidates

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has introduced the Michigan Transparency Network (MiTN “Mitten”), an innovative online platform mandating elected officials, candidates, and their spouses to publicly disclose financial details for the first time. 

Rolled out during Sunshine Week, dedicated to government ethics and transparency, MiTN represents a significant stride towards accountable leadership. Following the adoption of Proposal 1 by voters in 2022, Michigan now joins the majority of states in enforcing personal financial disclosure requirements. 

Under the new laws, officials like the Governor, Secretary of State, and State Representatives are obliged to file reports, shedding light on their financial interests and interactions with lobbyists. With deadlines set for April and May, MiTN aims to enhance governmental transparency and bolster public trust in Michigan’s leadership.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

WGRT Radio’s Vickie Lemonis Named Alignable’s 2024 Business Person Of The Year For The Second Year In A Row

In a remarkable feat, Vickie Lemonis, account executive behind WGRT Radio, secures the prestigious title of Alignable’s 2024 Business Person Of The Year for Port Huron, marking her second consecutive win. 

Alignable is a business oriented platform where business owners build trusted relationships through business networking and networking events. Their highly anticipated contest, boasting record-breaking participation levels, witnessed Lemonis’s exceptional leadership and dedication shine through. 

Since joining WGRT in 2020, Lemonis has exemplified a steadfast commitment to community service and business growth, earning her widespread acclaim. Her warm personality, tireless work ethic, and unwavering dedication to her clients have set her apart in Port Huron’s bustling business landscape. 

Lemonis’s remarkable achievement not only underscores her individual excellence, but also highlights the invaluable impact of local business leaders in fostering prosperity and resilience within their communities. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Go Green! The Origin And Evolution Of St. Patrick’s Day

The legacy of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, transcends centuries and continents, evolving from ancient traditions to modern-day festivities. Born in Roman Britain, Patrick’s journey from slavery to sainthood reshaped Ireland’s spiritual landscape.

Since the 9th or 10th century, March 17th has marked the Roman Catholic feast day in his honor. Surprisingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade didn’t grace Irish soil but emerged in a Spanish colony, now St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601. Fast forward to 1772, Irish soldiers in New York City began a tradition, marching to honor their patron saint, according to history.com.

Today, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations abound, characterized by parades, pub crawls, traditional recipes like Irish soda bread and corned beef, and the ubiquitous donning of green attire, uniting people worldwide in homage to Irish heritage.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Apple iPhone Update Enhances Security With Stolen Device Protection Feature

The latest iOS 17.3 update introduces a critical security feature called Stolen Device Protection, aimed at safeguarding user data and preventing unauthorized access in case of theft. This proactive measure offers users crucial time to utilize Apple’s Find My tool for remotely locking or wiping stolen devices, thwarting potential theft and ensuring data security.

Upon installation, users are prompted to activate this feature, which requires additional authentication for accessing sensitive information and restricts changes if the device isn’t in a trusted location.

Once activated, attempting certain actions like changing passwords or passcodes prompts a delay and requires secondary authentication via Face ID or Touch ID. This measure effectively prevents thieves from exploiting your unlocked iPhone to carry out fraudulent activities like unauthorized transactions or opening an Apple credit card in your name, thereby safeguarding your financial assets and personal information.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Technical Education Center Excels At Regional SkillsUSA Competitions

St. Clair County Technical Education Center (TEC) celebrates its students’ exceptional performance at the recent Regional SkillsUSA competitions.

Across diverse program areas like Automotive, Collision Repair, Construction, Culinary Arts, and Welding, TEC students showcased their prowess, clinching numerous medals and accolades. Principal Lesley Murphy lauded their hard work and thanked educators, advisors, and families for their support. 

The top three winners will advance to the state contest, joined by those who medaled at the local SkillsUSA event. A total of 68 students are set to participate in the state contest scheduled for April 12-14 in Grand Rapids. TEC extends congratulations to all competitors and wishes success to those progressing to the statewide competition.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Scholastic And Little Free Library Launch “Power Up With Reading” Initiative Across The U.S.

Scholastic and Little Free Library have teamed up for the “Power Up with Reading” initiative, aiming to provide Dog Man-themed Little Free Library book-sharing boxes to sites nationwide.

With a generous donation of 50,000 books from Dog Man author and illustrator Dav Pilkey, communities across all 50 states will benefit from this initiative, fostering a love for reading among children and families. 

Planned installations in major cities like New York, Detroit, and San Francisco are just the beginning, with more locations to follow. Each library box will include copies of “Dog Man: The Scarlet Shredder” and diverse children’s titles from Scholastic’s “The Power of Story” collection. 

Organizations in our community catering to children are encouraged to apply for a Dog Man Little Free Library and Scholastic book donation via an online application form.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell