Choze Powell

St. Clair County Community College To Host Free Total Solar Eclipse Celebration On April 8th

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is gearing up for a spectacular event as they prepare to host a celebration in honor of the April 8th total solar eclipse. The college invites the public to join in the festivities from 2 to 4 p.m. at the campus opposite the College Center on River Street.

Attendees can anticipate a variety of engaging activities, including informational sessions, interactions with SC4 professors, and the opportunity to peer through solar telescopes for a firsthand view of the eclipse. 

Instructor of Physics/Astronomy, Patrick Wilcox, emphasized the significance of experiencing such a phenomenon locally, remarking on the lasting impact it leaves on observers. The eclipse, wherein 98.1 percent of the sun will be obscured as seen from Port Huron, will reach its peak visibility around 3:15 p.m.

SC4 is committed to ensuring safe viewing practices, providing resources to protect attendees’ vision from the potentially harmful effects of direct sun exposure.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Senate Introduces Bill To End Daylight Saving Time

Michigan Senators Thomas A. Albert and Joseph N. Bellino Jr. has proposed Senate Bill 770, aiming to abolish daylight savings time in the state. 

The bill, introduced on March 7th, seeks to exempt Michigan from following daylight savings time as mandated by federal law. Instead, the state would maintain a consistent time throughout the year. However, this change is contingent upon approval by the electorate. A referendum is slated to be held during the general election on November 5th. Should a majority of Michigan voters support the bill, it will take effect 30 days after the official declaration of the vote. 

This move could potentially end the biannual clock adjustments, offering residents more stability in their daily schedules.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Popular Platform Tik Tok Could Be Banned In The U.S. With Today’s Vote

With TikTok emerging as a pivotal issue in the 2024 presidential campaign, House leadership has scheduled a vote for Wednesday, March 14th, on legislation that could determine the fate of the popular video-sharing app. 

The proposed bill mandates ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest its U.S. assets within six months or face a nationwide ban. TikTok vehemently opposes the legislation, arguing it infringes on free speech and harms small businesses. The House committee’s unanimous vote in favor of the bill underscores the bipartisan consensus on addressing TikTok’s perceived security risks.

President Biden’s campaign recently joined TikTok despite his expressed national security concerns, previous bans on federal devices, and his statement that he would sign the Bill to have the platform banned.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

James C. Acheson Donor Advised Fund Allocates $30,000 To Blue Water Recovery For Crucial Engagement Center

The James C. Acheson Donor Advised Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, has allocated a substantial $30,000 grant to the Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center (BWROC) located at 619 A 10th Street, Port Huron. This funding aims to establish an engagement center, addressing a critical need highlighted by Patrick Patterson, the Executive Director of BWROC.

Patterson emphasized the urgency, stating, “An engagement center is a vital resource, especially during the precarious time between relapse and treatment when lives are at risk.” Currently, St. Clair County lacks such a facility, leaving individuals in vulnerable situations.

The grant will be instrumental in furnishing the engagement center, situated above the Outreach Center, covering essential startup expenses. Patterson voiced hopes for additional support from the county commissioners to ensure sustained operation, stressing the importance of addressing this pressing community need.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Pine Grove Avenue Lane Reduction For Utility Repairs From March 12th To March 15th

The Department of Public Works will undertake essential utility repairs on Pine Grove Avenue between Pine Grove Park Drive and Prospect in the City of Port Huron. The repair work is expected to continue until approximately Friday, March 15th.

During this period, the northbound lanes of Pine Grove Avenue will be restricted to one lane, spanning from Pine Grove Park Drive to Prospect. However, southbound traffic will remain unaffected by the repairs.

The Department of Public Works regrets any inconvenience caused by these necessary repairs and advises motorists to plan alternate routes or anticipate delays if traveling through the affected area. 

For inquiries or further information, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Department of Public Works directly.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Declares March 11-April 9 As Ramadan Month In Michigan, Celebrating Muslim Contributions

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially designated the period from March 11th to April 9th as the month of Ramadan in Michigan, recognizing the significance of this sacred time for Muslims across the state. 

In her proclamation, Governor Whitmer highlighted the importance of Ramadan as a period of spiritual reflection, charity, and unity within the Muslim community. This year, the celebrations carry added weight as Michiganders come together to pray for peace, particularly in light of recent events in Gaza. 

The Governor commended the Muslim community for their invaluable contributions to the state, citing their economic impact, charitable endeavors, and commitment to education and civic engagement. Additionally, amid rising threats against Muslims, Governor Whitmer continues to advocate for increased security funding for places of worship, emphasizing the state’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its residents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell