Adoptee Advocates Of Michigan At Blue Water Festival

Join the Adoptee Advocates of Michigan at the Blue Water Festival in Port Huron, where they will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Bayview Mackinac Race. The festival runs from July 18th to 19th with 80 art vendors and various festivities. Visit Booth #86, located at the intersection of McMorran and Huron Street near the food trucks.

The Adoptee Advocates of Michigan will be educating the public about the Adoptee Citizenship Act 2024, how it affects the rights of international adoptees and the challenges Michigan-born adoptees face in accessing vital information. 

Connect with fellow adoptees and learn more about available resources on July 18th from 4 to 9 p.m. and July 19th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Study Uncovers Top Barriers Preventing Physicians From Addressing Addiction

A comprehensive review of 283 studies over 61 years, published in JAMA Network Open, reveals why physicians hesitate to address addiction according to nih.gov. 

The primary barrier, cited in 81% of studies, is the “institutional environment,” encompassing lack of support, insufficient resources, and organizational challenges. Other significant barriers include insufficient skills (74%), lack of cognitive capacity (74%), and inadequate knowledge (72%). Negative social influences and fear of harming patient relationships also deter interventions. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes the need for institutional changes to support evidence-based addiction treatment. Dr. Nora D. Volkow, NIDA Director, calls for increased training and resources to ensure compassionate, effective care for substance use disorders across all medical disciplines.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, visit: bwroc.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Trash Bash In Port Huron Is A Unique Community Cleanup And Festival

On July 20th, starting at 11 a.m., Port Huron residents are invited to join a community cleanup day, beginning at the Charles A. Hammond American Legion Post 8. 

Participants will spend the day filling bags with litter, and those who bring filled bags to the evening event will be entered into a raffle for prizes. 

The festival continues into the night with local vendors and live music by Breakfast at 2pm, Yeddie, Storm Theory, and Criminal Rock. Attendees can also collaborate on an art project with Trash the Clown, decorating trash barrels for the community. Trash the Clown will also offer face painting. Sponsored by The Process, this event aims to beautify the community while offering fun and creative activities for all ages.

For more information, visit: trashbashporthuron.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan DNR Expands Deer Hunting Regulations To Manage Rising Population

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is altering deer hunting regulations this fall to address the increasing deer population in the Lower Peninsula. The changes include extended doe hunting seasons and expanded hunter access programs. The declining number of hunters over the past two decades has contributed to this issue.

Notable changes to this year’s regulations include:

  • Liberty and Independence hunts will be antlerless only statewide from 2025 to 2029.
  • Antlerless hunting with archery equipment in the Upper Peninsula (UP) is prohibited after December 10th in certain units.
  • The UP’s DMU 122 will have a 3-point antler point restriction (APR).
  • The muzzleloader season in Zone 2 now permits any legal firearms.
  • A late antlerless season will run from January 2nd through the second Sunday in January in select counties and units, requiring a separate license.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Secures $657 Million For EV Transition

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan has received $657 million from the Department of Energy to upgrade factories for electric vehicle (EV) production, supporting manufacturing jobs and building EV infrastructure. 

This funding is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants for Electrified Vehicles program, promoting American-made hybrid, plug-in, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of this investment in maintaining Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing. 

General Motors will receive $500 million to upgrade the Lansing Grand River Plant, while ZF North America will get $157 million to modernize its Marysville facility, including up to $10 million from a matching grant from the Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund. Whitmer praised the grants for driving economic momentum and enhancing Michigan’s manufacturing legacy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Warns Consumers Of Scams On Amazon Prime Day

With Amazon Prime Day taking place on July 16th and 17th, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel cautions consumers to be wary of scams. “Prime Day offers great deals but also attracts scammers,” Nessel said, advising vigilance and simple precautions for a safe shopping experience.

Tips to Avoid Scams:

Prepare: Make a shopping list and set a budget.
Verify: Confirm models and items before buying.
Check Policies: Review return policies.
Compare Prices: Use competitors’ sites.
Watch for Fake Reviews: Research products and sellers, check reviews on other sites, and focus on verified reviews.
Avoid Phishing: Verify emails and texts by logging in directly on Amazon’s official website, and report suspicious messages.
Beware of Spoofing: Ensure websites start with “https://” and include “amazon.com”.
Fake Customer Support: Don’t share personal info with unsolicited callers. Report impersonators to Amazon and Michigan’s Robocall Crackdown Team.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell