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Local News

MDHHS Alerts Michigan Families Of Expanded Cinnamon Recall Due To Lead Contamination

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a warning to Michigan families following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) expanded recall of several ground cinnamon brands due to lead contamination. 

The affected brands include El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, and others. Consumers are advised to immediately stop consuming, selling, or serving these products and to check their homes, as cinnamon often has a long shelf life.

“There is no safe level of lead in the blood for any person, and lead is especially harmful to young children, infants, and fetuses,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive. 

MDHHS encourages concerned families to contact their healthcare providers for blood lead testing. Visit the FDA website for more details on the recall and the MI Lead Safe page to learn more about lead testing.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

NIMHD Launches Online Portal To Improve Minority Health And Reduce Health Disparities

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has unveiled the HDPulse Interventions Portal, a new online resource designed to help address health disparities and improve minority health. 

The portal offers healthcare providers, researchers, and community groups access to a repository of evidence-based interventions tailored to specific populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.

Users can easily search and filter interventions by population, targeted diseases, and geographical area, helping them make informed decisions for their communities. Supporting materials, including participant education tools and research publications, are also available.

The HDPulse Interventions Portal is part of NIMHD’s effort to close the gap between research and practical interventions, aiming to boost the dissemination and adoption of effective health strategies.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Heatwaves In Michigan Spark Surge In Rodent Infestations, Warns Expert

As Michigan grapples with summer heatwaves, residents are facing an unexpected consequence: a rise in rodent activity. 

Zachary Smith, from Smith’s Pest Management, warns that the intense heat and drought conditions are driving rodents from the wild into homes, seeking food and shelter. “The summer heatwaves have created the perfect storm for increased rodent invasions,” says Smith.

With vegetation dying and natural food sources dwindling, rodents like rats and mice are turning to homes for survival. Common signs of infestations include droppings, gnaw marks, and scurrying sounds in walls. Smith urges homeowners to seal entry points, store food properly, and eliminate water sources.

“The time to act is now,” Smith advises, stressing that prevention is the best way to protect homes from rodent infestations this summer.

Source: smithspestmanagement.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

21st Annual Empty Bowls Event Brings Community Together Hunger Awareness

Mid City Nutrition is excited to host its 21st Annual Empty Bowls event on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Colonial Woods Church, located at 3240 Pine Grove Ave, Port Huron. 

Empty Bowls is part of an international hunger awareness campaign, where local organizations host events serving a modest meal of soup and bread. Artisans from the community create beautiful bowls, which each attendee selects to keep. It’s an evening filled with generosity and a strong sense of community.

Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased online, at St. Clair County Community Mental Health, or Mid City Nutrition. The evening will also feature raffles and a silent auction, with all proceeds supporting the organization’s mission to fight hunger locally. 

For more information, visit: midcitynutrition.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Reissues Warning On Toll Road Smishing Scam

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued a consumer alert about a smishing scam targeting toll road users. 

The scam involves fraudulent text messages claiming consumers owe money for unpaid SunPass tolls, a Florida-based electronic toll system, with an added $50 late fee if not handled promptly. SunPass does not send such texts.

“These messages are designed to steal personal and financial information,” warned Nessel.

Key signs of a smishing scam include unsolicited texts, long phone numbers, urgent messages, suspicious links, and grammatical errors. Consumers are urged not to click on links or respond to these texts. Instead, use spam-blocking tools and report the texts to the Federal Trade Commission. Nessel’s office encourages vigilance to protect personal data.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Free Concert Series At Riverview Plaza Park

Spice up your Labor Day weekend with St. Clair’s Rockin’ in the Plaza at Riverview Plaza Park located at 201 N. Riverside Ave. in St. Clair. From Sept. 6-8, this event will be hosted by the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce. 

This free summer concert series features performances by local bands including Dusk Til Dawn on Sept. 6 (7-11 p.m.), Northbound on Sept. 7 (7-11 p.m.), and BlueBlaze on Sept. 8 (2-6 p.m.).

Guests are invited to bring chairs or blankets, though seating is available in the courtyard and nearby restaurants. Enjoy food from local restaurants such as War Water Brewery, Hamlin Pub, and The Anchor Pointe Bistro.

For more information, visit: the St. Clair’s Rockin’ in the Plaza event page on Facebook.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell