George James

Businesses Looking for Relief in New State Budget

There’s no question that small businesses took a hit during the past 18 months, but there is some light at the end of the tunnel, according to the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB.

The NFIB is endorsing a few items, including the deposit of $150 million to reimburse the Unemployment Trust Fund that was used to pay out fraudulent claims. Lack of agency oversight is blamed for the proliferation of bogus checks handed out.

They are also pleased with Governor Gretchen Whitmer agreeing to sign a bill that would allow small businesses to take the same deduction on state and local taxes as large corporations. Whitmer vetoed the bill in July but is expected to sign it when presented again.

There is also optimism on the part of the National Federation that emergency orders will be under local oversight with the new legislation.

Amanda Fisher, assistant state director of NFIB Michigan said, “We appreciate the efforts of the Legislature as they continue to pass legislation to help those businesses most affected by government shut-downs and restrictions, but there is much more to be done, and time is running out for small businesses that are hanging on by a thread.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

S.O.N.S. Offers “Your Future Now” Career Program

S.O.N.S. Outreach is planning a “Your Future Now” Career exploration program to be held at Port Huron’s Harrison School. The program was created with input from students coordinated by Generation Z and the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation.

The program will expose students in grades 7-12 to career opportunities in the trades. Careers in HVAC, computer programing, welding, masonry, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry will be featured, along with robotics. There are opportunities for paid internships.

The program will be held after school on Mondays through Thursdays from 2:45-6:00 p.m. with tutoring, meals, and occasional field trips. There will also be time for kids to just unwind with games and activities.

An Open House will be held on Thursday, October 7th from 4-6 p.m. at Harrison School located at 55 15th Street. The program begins on October 11th. 

To sign up or to get more information, parents can go to sonsoutreach.org or call S.O.N.S. at 810-334-6710.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Update Your iPhone ASAP

Phones get viruses, too. If you have an Apple iPhone, you will definitely want to install the latest update as soon as possible. Spyware called “Pegasus” has been discovered to be able to infect iPhones without even a click, leaving the user totally unaware and vulnerable to unwanted surveillance. iPads, Apple Watches, and Mac computers are also at risk.

Journalists have been targeted specifically, but anyone is vulnerable. The virus was first detected when a Saudi Arabian activist was hacked and investigators traced the Pegasus virus back to an Israeli firm. The spyware is called “zero-click” because of its ability to infect invisibly. It uses the iMessage app to get in and can access camera, microphone, and messages.

Apple has developed a patch to fix the problem. To safeguard your device from this hacking attack, plug it in, go to Settings, click “general”, then click “software update” and click “install now” to update to iOS 14.8.

If you’re concerned, you’re not alone. The vulnerability could have affected 1.65 billion Apple products.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Scarecrow Saturday to be Held at Fort Gratiot Pond

Break out the flannel shirts and pour a glass of cider; fall is officially here. To ring in the season, Fort Gratiot Township is hosting Scarecrow Saturday this weekend at the Fort Gratiot Pond off of Parker Road from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The annual event is being modified with social distancing and the removal of hands-on activities, but there will still be plenty to do to keep families entertained, and candy stops are still part of the fun.

Sharon Wilton, Fort Gratiot Township Community Development Director said, “Fort Gratiot Township has continued to provide this free event for a number of years and we enjoy seeing the smiles of the children!”

A firetruck and sheriff vehicle will be onsite for the kids to check out, and local firefighters and law enforcement officers will be there to talk to the children.

There will be an animal show in place of the traditional petting zoo, along with a magician scheduled to do two shows at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The pond will be full of action as radio-controlled sailboats will be out on the water to entertain the crowds and food trucks will be onsite.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Another Month of U.S.-Canada Border Closure Announced

The U.S.-Canada border remains closed to non-essential traffic for at least another month. That’s the same story that has been told since March 2020.

The restrictions have been extended due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of the Delta strain of the virus that has been stressing healthcare systems on both sides of the border. The latest extension goes until October 21st.

Canada has lifted restrictions on vaccinated Americans. They have been allowed to enter Canada since August 9th.

The Biden administration is under pressure from lawmakers to clarify the reason for the land travel restrictions. Canadians are allowed to travel by air into the United States, as are other international travelers if they can show proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test.

The Mexican border is also closed to non-essential travel for at least another month.

Non-essential travel is defined as travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. Essential travel, that is permitted, includes work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services, and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Ford Creating Jobs to Ramp Up Electric F-150 Production

Electric trucks are on their way to a driveway near you.

Michigan is about to be at the forefront of electric vehicle production with the Ford Motor Company rolling out the all-electric F-150 Lightning in the spring of 2022 and expanding the job market in the region.

Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company, said, “We knew the F-150 Lightning was special, but the interest from the public has surpassed our highest expectations and changed the conversation around electric vehicles. So we are doubling down, adding jobs and investment to increase production. This truck and the Ford-UAW workers who are assembling it in Michigan have a chance to make history and lead the electric vehicle movement in America.” 

Jobs are opening up throughout southeast Michigan production facilities to increase capacity to 80,000 F-150s per year.

If electric trucks seem impractical, skepticism could be quelled with the stats of a 300-mile driving range on a single charge and a $40,000 base price, according to Ford. Over 150,000 have already been ordered.  Ford says the battery system yields “zero tailpipe emissions” and can generate power for homes and businesses if needed.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland