Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

Michigan Public Housing Authorities Receive $52 Million For Development And Modernization

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated over $52 million to Michigan’s 105 public housing authorities this week, aiming to support the development, financing, and modernization of government-owned housing for low-income families.

With 12 communities securing grants exceeding $1 million, leading recipients include the Detroit Housing Commission with $11 million, the Inkster Housing Commission with $2.7 million, and the Flint Housing Commission with $2 million.

This funding injection facilitates crucial upgrades such as roof replacements, heating system enhancements, and water conservation measures across public housing units statewide. As over 27,000 residents rely on public housing in Michigan, these investments play a vital role in ensuring safe and sustainable living conditions for vulnerable communities, aligning with HUD’s commitment to addressing housing challenges nationwide.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches Partnership With Count The Kicks To Combat Stillbirths

In a concerted effort to combat stillbirths and reduce infant mortality rates, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Maternal and Infant Health has joined forces with Count the Kicks, an evidence-based stillbirth prevention program. The initiative aims to educate expectant parents about the critical importance of monitoring their baby’s movements during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Programs like Count the Kicks help empower expectant mothers to communicate openly about their pregnancy experiences with healthcare providers and loved ones. The initiative provides tools for parents to track their baby’s movements, enabling early detection of potential issues.

Despite advancements in healthcare, stillbirth remains a significant public health concern, with approximately 626 Michigan families affected annually. Racial disparities persist, with a disproportionate number affecting minorities including Black, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Pacific Islanders. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Slams DTE Gas’s “Fast and Flimsy” Rate Hike Request

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel delivered scathing testimony on Tuesday, rebuking DTE Gas’s latest rate increase proposal before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Nessel opposed the corporation’s bid for a staggering $266 million hike, denouncing it as excessive and unjustified.

Highlighting egregious elements within DTE’s request, Nessel spotlighted the inclusion of frivolous expenses, notably executive corporate jet travel, as particularly offensive. She contended that such expenses lacked merit and unfairly burdened consumers.

Nessel advocated for a more restrained approach, suggesting that DTE’s annual increase should not exceed $112.2 million, ensuring a more moderate 4% rise in customer bills. Her testimony aimed to balance the need for infrastructure investment with the imperative to shield consumers from unwarranted financial strain.

The attorney general’s scrutiny underscores a broader commitment to safeguarding consumers’ interests against corporate overreach, signaling a pivotal moment in Michigan’s energy regulatory landscape.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Academy Celebrates 60 Years Of Educational Excellence And Community Spirit

St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Academy in Port Huron proudly marks its 60th anniversary as a cornerstone of educational excellence and community enrichment. For six decades, the academy has been instrumental in shaping young minds and fostering personal growth.

To commemorate this milestone, a series of celebratory events and activities have been organized, inviting alumni, current students, parents, faculty, parishioners, and community members to join in the festivities and reminisce about their experiences.

Kicking off the anniversary celebrations is the Spring Carnival scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the school premises. The carnival promises a fun-filled day with various games, bounce houses, raffles, a touch-a-truck area featuring law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, and more, along with delicious food.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Rotary Club Unveils Plans For 104th Rotary International Day Parade

The Port Huron Rotary Club has announced its eagerly anticipated plans for the 104th Rotary International Day Parade, slated for July 17th, at 6:30 p.m. This long standing tradition, older than both the Detroit and New York Thanksgiving Day parades, promises to be a spectacle of community spirit and celebration.

Themed “All Hands On Deck – A Century of Sailing,” this year’s parade commemorates the 100th running of the Bayview Yacht Club Port Huron-to-Mackinac sailboat race. Leading the procession as Grand Marshals are Casey and Carrie Harris.

Interested participants can register at phrotary.com or paradeday.net. The parade will follow its traditional route, commencing at Huron and Glenwood Avenues in downtown Port Huron and concluding at Court St., albeit on a slightly shorter route compared to previous years.

Reporting from WGRT – Choze Powell

State Rep. Jaime Greene Denounces Budget Proposal Raiding Teachers’ Retirement Fund

During Teacher Appreciation Week, State Representative Jaime Greene condemned a budget proposal from Lansing Democrats aiming to divert up to $670 million from teachers’ retirement funds to other state priorities. The proposal, brought to vote in the House on Wednesday, met  opposition from Greene, who labeled it as an affront to hardworking educators.

Greene emphasized the significance of the retirement fund, designed to honor teachers’ dedication and service, not to serve as a discretionary fund for political agendas. Despite recent strides in funding other post-employment benefits for retirees, the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System remains burdened with a $24.4 billion debt.

Governor Whitmer’s plan to reduce contributions to the teacher retirement system, if enacted, poses significant risks, with economists indicating a 50% chance of underperformance, potentially leaving retirements underfunded. Despite warnings, Democratic legislators persist in endorsing budget proposals redirecting vital resources away from teachers’ well-deserved retirement security.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell