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Local News

US States Use Anti-Boycott Laws To Penalize Companies Refusing Business With Israeli Settlements

Human Rights Watch revealed that over 250 million Americans, constituting 78% of the population, reside in states wielding anti-boycott laws targeting businesses opposing illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. 

The organization identified 27 states enforcing laws or policies penalizing entities supporting boycotts against Israel. Notably, 17 states, which include Michigan, explicitly extend these measures to companies abstaining from business in Israeli settlements. 

Even in states without explicit settlement provisions, businesses are facing penalties for severing ties with settlements. Andrea Prasow, Deputy US Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the trend, stating, “States with anti-boycott laws are effectively telling companies that if you do the right thing and disentangle yourselves from settlement abuses, you can’t do business with us.” Prasow emphasized the need for states to encourage, rather than sanction, companies avoiding contributions to rights abuses.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Toyota And General Motors Issue Urgent Warning: Owners Of 61,000 Older Models Urged To Stop Driving Due To Airbag Risk

In a joint advisory, Toyota and General Motors have issued an urgent warning to owners of approximately 61,000 older Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, and Pontiac Vibe models, urging them to cease driving immediately. 

The advisory, issued on Monday, specifically targets certain Corolla compact cars and Matrix hatchbacks from 2003 and 2004, RAV4 small SUVs from 2004 and 2005, and around 11,000 Pontiac Vibes from 2003 and 2004, produced at the same California factory as the Matrix. 

The concern revolves around Takata airbag inflators that pose a risk of exploding and projecting shrapnel upon deployment. Toyota emphasized the potential for serious injury or death to both drivers and passengers if the airbag deploys under these circumstances.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Bridge Plaza Upgrade: Tree Removal Marks Start Of Significant Improvements

As part of the upcoming enhancements to the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) plaza, crews have commenced the removal of trees spanning nearly half an acre near Pine Grove Avenue, Harker Street, Scott Avenue, and westbound I-94 from Garfield to the Black River. 

This tree removal, scheduled ahead of Component One of the plaza improvements, involves critical tasks such as relocating the eastbound I-94 exit ramp at Pine Grove Avenue, constructing sound walls within specified project limits, and reconfiguring Pine Grove Avenue and 10th Avenue.

A total of 110 trees are slated for removal, with a strategic effort to preserve mature trees north of Scott Avenue to support a future non-motorized path.

The project began January 29th, with the estimated completion date being Monday, April 1st. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Spectacular ZuZu Acrobats Return To SC4 Fieldhouse For A Thrilling Event

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is gearing up for an electrifying celebration with the highly anticipated return of the sensational ZuZu Acrobats to the SC4 Fieldhouse on Saturday, February 3rd, at 11 a.m. This free family-friendly event promises a day filled with excitement, talent, and community spirit.

The ZuZu Acrobats, acclaimed semi-finalists from America’s Got Talent, will showcase their extraordinary talents with jaw-dropping acrobatics, live music, singing, dancing, and more. 

Following the acrobatic display, the action continues with nationally ranked SC4 Skippers facing Schoolcraft College in the annual Hunger Games. The women’s game tips off at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 3 p.m., featuring halftime performances by the ZuZu Acrobats.

All attendees can gain free admission to the games by bringing a canned or non-perishable food item, supporting Skip’s Corner Pantry at SC4 in the fight against hunger.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Haleon Issues Voluntary Recall Of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day And Night Cough Syrups Due To Microbial Contamination

Pharmaceutical company Haleon has voluntarily recalled eight lots of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult cough syrups at the consumer level due to potential microbial contamination. The recall comes amidst concerns that immunocompromised individuals using the affected product may face severe or life-threatening adverse events, such as fungemia or disseminated fungal infection.

While non-immunocompromised consumers are not likely to experience life-threatening infections, the recall emphasizes the possibility of infections necessitating medical intervention. Haleon assures that, to date, no adverse events related to this recall have been reported.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are urged to cease consumption immediately. Haleon is actively notifying distributors and customers and providing instructions for the return of the affected cough syrups. Adverse reactions or quality problems can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or through regular mail or fax.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan State Sen Kevin Daley Criticizes Governor’s Priorities, Calls For Focus On Key State Issues

Michigan Senator Kevin Daley has voiced strong concerns about Governor Whitmer’s misplaced priorities in her State of the State address, citing a disconnect with the struggles faced by families and small business owners in Michigan. Senator Daley highlights the pressing issues of unemployment, inflation eroding salary increases, and the looming threat to jobs and farmland from the Michigan Green New Deal mandates.

Expressing worries about Michigan’s economic standing, Daley criticizes the state’s ranking in unemployment and median income, along with emphasizing the need for a strategic focus on improving K-12 education. He criticizes recent legislation lowering classroom standards and weakening school accountability, calling for support to elevate Michigan’s schools nationally.

With a call for meaningful tax relief, infrastructure investment, and bipartisan cooperation, Senator Daley aims to reverse Michigan’s downward population trend and set the state on a positive trajectory.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell