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Local News

Last-Minute Christmas Ideas For Kids, Teens, And Adults

As the Christmas holiday looms ever closer, here are a few last minute gift ideas for people of all ages to enjoy. 

Adults

Keep the festive beats alive with a stylish portable Bluetooth speaker. Perfect for home, backyard, or on-the-go entertainment. The Roku Streaming Stick is a perfect present for those embracing the streaming era.

Teens

While it may seem impersonal, let your teens indulge in their desires. Gift cards provide the freedom to choose, ensuring a smile on their faces Christmas morning.

Children

Elevate indoor fun with a Hover SoccerBall. It’s a safe way for kids to be active while staying out of the cold. For a more creative experience, Crazy Forts add a new twist to the blanket fort, turning family time into creative building adventures.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Catapult Student Tech Pitch Competition Calls On Region 6 Eastern Michigan Students To Innovate And Win Big

Aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts in Eastern Michigan’s Region 6 are invited to showcase their creativity in the Catapult Student Tech Pitch Competition. 

Organized by The Underground and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the event encourages university and college students to present STEM-based solutions to real-world challenges using science, technology, engineering, math, or AI. 

The competition, accepting pitch applications from December 18th, to January 10th, 2024, offers a total prize pool of $12,000. With live rounds in Flint and Port Huron, the initiative aims to foster a new wave of technology-based businesses, providing a platform for students to transform innovative ideas into tangible solutions. 

Eligible participants can learn more and apply at: startunderground.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Quaker Oats Issues Nationwide Recall Of Granola Bars And Cereals Amid Salmonella Concerns

In a precautionary move, The Quaker Oats Company has initiated a recall of specific batches of its popular Granola Bars and Granola Cereals distributed across the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Saipan. 

The company cites potential Salmonella contamination as the reason behind the recall, urging consumers to check their products for affected lot numbers. As of now, Quaker Oats reports no confirmed cases of illness linked to the recalled items. 

Consumers experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or fever are advised to report them promptly. The swift reporting of symptoms aids in early outbreak detection and prevention. Those with persistent symptoms are urged to seek medical attention. 

For more information, visit: fda.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Area Rescue Mission Set To Reopen Doors To Homeless Men On Christmas Eve

After a two-year hiatus, the Blue Water Area Rescue Mission (BWARM), located at 1920 24th Street in Port Huron, is gearing up to welcome back St. Clair County’s homeless men on December 24th. Timed perfectly for the holiday season, BWARM invites the community to a special open house on December 22nd, from 5 – 7 p.m., celebrating the mission’s revival. 

Attendees can explore the renovated facility, learn about the Mission’s vital work, and meet the new team. The Mission, under the leadership of Executive Director Renee Pettinger, plans to resume services from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., maintaining the previous capacity of 30 beds. 

Dinner and breakfast will be provided with the help of volunteers. For more information on how you can help support, visit: bwarm.net or call (810) 824-3244.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Tesla Recalls Over 2 Million Vehicles In U.S., Unveils Crucial Autopilot Update After Safety Investigation

In a significant move, Tesla has initiated a recall of more than 2 million vehicles in the United States, aiming to rectify a defective system associated with the Autopilot feature. 

According to documents released by U.S. safety regulators, the software update intends to enhance warnings, alerts, and restrict the operational areas for basic Autopilot versions. This action follows a rigorous two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, prompted by a series of accidents during Autopilot use, some of which proved fatal.

Critics argue that Tesla’s automated systems struggle with identifying and avoiding obstacles, suggesting the update might not address the core issue. The recall encompasses models Y, S, 3, and X produced between October 5th, 2012, and December 7th, 2023, with the update rollout commencing this week.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Accelerates Distribution Of $1 Billion In Tax Cuts: Michigan Families To Receive Working Families Tax Credit Checks Early

In a bold move to provide economic relief, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that Michigan families will receive Working Families Tax Credit checks earlier than expected, starting February 13th, 2024. Over 700,000 households will benefit from the accelerated distribution, putting an average of $550 back into the pockets of Michiganders. These checks are part of the $1 billion in tax cuts signed into law by the governor earlier this year.

Governor Whitmer signed legislation in March, increasing the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit match to 30%, up from 6%. However, the distribution faced delays when Republican lawmakers blocked a procedural vote, pushing back the tax credit for a full year. 

The governor urged eligible Michiganders to apply for the expanded tax credit this year, emphasizing the possibility of receiving both the additional Working Families Tax Credit check from their 2022 tax return and the full 30% tax credit on their 2023 filing next year.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell