Local News

A 46-year-old woman has pleaded no contest to running a large-scale human trafficking operation tied to two massage parlors in Macomb County. Jingyu Jin, a Chinese national, owned businesses in St. Clair Shores and Sterling Heights that investigators say were used to exploit women brought from overseas for forced commercial sex. Authorities describe the case as one of the largest of its kind uncovered locally, with multiple victims rescued. Jin is scheduled to be sentenced September 3rd, while a co-defendant is already serving a lengthy prison term.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A massive 740-foot cargo ship that ran aground along a busy stretch of the St. Clair River near Sarnia is back on the move after a coordinated recovery effort. The Algoma Equinox, loaded with grain and headed to Baie-Comeau, struck bottom Tuesday afternoon but remained stable with no injuries, leaks, or hull damage reported. By Wednesday afternoon, tugboats helped free the vessel, which then powered away on its original route as normal shipping traffic continued through the area without disruption.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A teenage girl was injured Monday evening after crashing an ATV along Urban Road near Townline Road in Moore Township. Deputies say the 17-year-old lost control of a 2007 Polaris Hawkeye while heading east, causing the vehicle to veer into a ditch and throw her off. Emergency crews arrived shortly after 7:30 p.m. and rushed her to McKenzie Health System with injuries. Investigators say drugs and alcohol do not appear to be involved, and the crash is still under review.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Police in Warren say a five-day crackdown called “Operation Summer Heat” led to multiple arrests and the takedown of suspected drug and gun activity across the city. From July 14th through the 18th, officers teamed up with federal agents to serve four search warrants, seizing four illegal firearms, about $17,000 in cash, and a mix of drugs including marijuana, cocaine, meth, fentanyl, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms. Officials say the coordinated effort targeted violent crime hotspots and shows how joint operations can quickly remove dangerous weapons and narcotics.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron woman accused of killing her boyfriend will wait longer for trial as prosecutors say key forensic evidence is still not ready. Jennifer Goodall, charged in the September of ’25 shooting death of 23-year-old Chase Hoyt at a home on 10th Avenue, faces delays while state police finish reviewing bloodstain evidence. A judge approved the postponement Monday, noting a packed fall court schedule. Goodall, jailed for about 10 months, called 911 after the shooting and is charged with first-degree murder and firearm offenses.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drivers in Cottrellville Township are adjusting to a new compact roundabout at Shea and Starville roads, replacing a four-way stop tied to years of crashes, including fatal ones. The St. Clair County Road Commission says the smaller design slows traffic and reduces severe injuries while costing less to build. The $445,000 project, backed by a safety grant, features a tight center circle, truck-friendly concrete apron, and visual speed bars. Officials say similar roundabouts are already planned at other high-risk intersections across the county.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet