Freighter Refloated After Running Aground

A massive 740-foot cargo ship that ran aground along a busy stretch of the St. Clair River near Sarnia is back on the move after a coordinated recovery effort. The Algoma Equinox, loaded with grain and headed to Baie-Comeau, struck bottom Tuesday afternoon but remained stable with no injuries, leaks, or hull damage reported. By Wednesday afternoon, tugboats helped free the vessel, which then powered away on its original route as normal shipping traffic continued through the area without disruption.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Girl Injured After ATV Crash

A teenage girl was injured Monday evening after crashing an ATV along Urban Road near Townline Road in Moore Township. Deputies say the 17-year-old lost control of a 2007 Polaris Hawkeye while heading east, causing the vehicle to veer into a ditch and throw her off. Emergency crews arrived shortly after 7:30 p.m. and rushed her to McKenzie Health System with injuries. Investigators say drugs and alcohol do not appear to be involved, and the crash is still under review.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Inmate Charged in Brutal Prison Killing

A Dearborn Heights man already serving time for killing his mother is now accused of a brutal prison murder in Macomb County. Prosecutors say 50-year-old Aaron Akel strangled his 73-year-old cellmate, Daniel Hosmer, then attacked him with a broken broom handle inside a Lenox Township correctional facility on April 22nd. Hosmer, a convicted child sex offender, was found by another inmate later that morning. Staff tried to save him but failed. Akel now faces first-degree murder and weapons charges. He is due back in court August 10th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Murder Trial Delayed

A Port Huron woman accused of killing her boyfriend will wait longer for trial as prosecutors say key forensic evidence is still not ready. Jennifer Goodall, charged in the September of ’25 shooting death of 23-year-old Chase Hoyt at a home on 10th Avenue, faces delays while state police finish reviewing bloodstain evidence. A judge approved the postponement Monday, noting a packed fall court schedule. Goodall, jailed for about 10 months, called 911 after the shooting and is charged with first-degree murder and firearm offenses.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Compact Roundabout Aims To Cut Crashes

Drivers in Cottrellville Township are adjusting to a new compact roundabout at Shea and Starville roads, replacing a four-way stop tied to years of crashes, including fatal ones. The St. Clair County Road Commission says the smaller design slows traffic and reduces severe injuries while costing less to build. The $445,000 project, backed by a safety grant, features a tight center circle, truck-friendly concrete apron, and visual speed bars. Officials say similar roundabouts are already planned at other high-risk intersections across the county.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Garage Fire at Lapeer Villas

In Lapeer, firefighters quickly contained a garage fire at the Lapeer Villas apartments early Saturday after a homeowner spotted flames through a security camera just after 7 a.m. Crews say the fire started when a lithium-ion battery inside a charging motorcycle helmet malfunctioned. Because the call came in right away and crews responded fast, damage was limited to a small section of one garage, with only light smoke residue and no injuries reported. Fire officials are reminding residents to monitor charging devices.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet