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Local News

St. Clair County TEC Shines At National SkillsUSA Competition In Atlanta

Five students from St. Clair County TEC represented Michigan at the national SkillsUSA Competition in Atlanta from June 24-28. 

Competing against peers nationwide, TEC students demonstrated their expertise in various fields. Samantha Halsey (Virtual Learning Academy) and Janiah Curry (Port Huron Northern High School) placed 16th in Nail Care, while Hannah Plucinski (St. Clair High School) secured 24th in Cosmetology Overall. Allane Stamplis (St. Clair High School) finished 33rd in Welding Sculpture, and Gavin Ward (Marysville High School) achieved 14th in CNC Programming.

“We are incredibly proud of our students who competed at the national SkillsUSA competition,” said TEC Principal Lesley Murphy. “Their commitment, hard work, and passion for their respective fields have truly shone through.”

SkillsUSA is the premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students, featuring over 6,000 state champions from across the United States competing in 115 skilled and leadership contests.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Urgent Recall: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Products Pulled Due To Severe Health Risks

Microdosing of mushroom related products are all the rage as of late, but you may want to steer clear of this particular brand due to major health concerns, according to fda.gov.

All flavors of Diamond Shruumz-brand products, including Microdosing Chocolate Bars, Infused Cones, and Micro-Dose and Mega-Dose Gummies, have been recalled due to severe health risks. Consumers reported symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, abnormal heart rates, and nausea after consuming these products. 

Consumers are advised not to eat, sell, or serve these products and should discard them or return them for a refund. Parents should ensure these products are not accessible to children and teenagers. Retailers must cease sales immediately and contact the recalling company to manage returns. 

Updates on the recall status will be provided as they become available.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Champions Educator Investments In Historic State Budget

Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted significant investments in the newly passed state budget to support educators past, present, and future. “This year’s budget builds on our historic efforts to invest in educators and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed,” she stated. 

The budget includes $181 million to support veteran teachers, scholarships to reduce higher education costs for future educators, and continued student loan repayment programs. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the budget’s role in creating an environment where educators can thrive, while Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi applauded the pre-funding of the school employee retiree health system. 

This budget marks the largest investment in Michigan’s education history for the sixth consecutive year.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Best Medicine: How A Good Laugh Can Keep You Young And Healthy

Enjoying a good comedy or hanging out with your funny friends could be more beneficial to your health than you may think, according to mcpress.mayoclinic.org 

Laughter can alleviate stress by reducing stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol, according to Mayo Clinic expert and oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D. These hormones are linked to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. 

“When we laugh, there’s a decrease in cortisol and an increase in endorphins,” he explains. Laughter, whether with friends or through funny videos, floods the body with feel-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. Studies show laughter can reverse the body’s stress response and may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, boost self-esteem, improve social skills, and enhance memory. 

Dr. Creagan emphasizes laughter’s broad benefits, including better heart health and a stronger immune system. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

8th Annual Mainstreet Memories Car Show Returns To Port Huron

  1. The 8th Annual Mainstreet Memories event, a world-class car show in beautiful downtown Port Huron, returns this year, uniting car enthusiasts with local businesses to support the community and local charities. 

This year’s event taking place Saturday, July 27th, at 10 a.m., will feature MainStreet Memories Sponsors and Vendors Displays, music by DJ/Emcee Scott Kool, and door prizes every 15 minutes along with 50/50 raffles. There will also be interactive experiences and activities for children.

Attendees can enjoy a diverse food court featuring local restaurants/businesses, food trucks, a pancake breakfast, corn roast, hospitality tent, and a farmers market. Additionally, the Salvation Army will present “Cars, Coffee, & Kettles,” showcasing exotic cars including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and vintage automobiles. 

For more details, visit: mainstreetmemoriesph.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Supreme Court Grants Former Presidents Absolute Immunity in Trump v. United States

In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in Trump v. United States that former presidents have absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for exercising their core constitutional powers, and presumptive immunity for other official acts. 

Justice Sonia Sotomayor condemned the ruling for effectively making the president “a king above the law.” She warned that this decision could shield presidents from prosecution for severe abuses of power, such as ordering assassinations or accepting bribes.

President Biden expressed concern, calling the ruling a “terrible disservice” to the American people, who he believes deserved clarity on the matter before the upcoming election. Trump, on the other hand, celebrated the decision on social media, declaring it a “Big win for our constitution and democracy.”

The ruling has sparked intense debate about the balance of presidential power and accountability in American democracy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell