Small businesses across Eastern Michigan have a short window to apply for new grant money aimed at local growth. The Eastern Michigan Small Business Network opened applications starting today for its ’26 Small Business Grant Program, offering awards up to twenty thousand dollars. Funding is available for businesses in Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, St. Clair, Lapeer, and Shiawassee counties. Grants support equipment, inventory, and technology purchases. Applications close December 23rd, with awards announced January ninth.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A judge has denied a request for a new trial in the decades-old murder case of Karen Umphrey in St. Clair County. Douglas Laming, convicted in October of ’24 for her rape and murder, sought a retrial, claiming his trial lawyer failed to challenge key testimony and that the jury wasn’t properly warned about his co-defendant Anthony Harris’s motives. Judge Cynthia Lane rejected the motion Friday, saying the jury had enough information about Harris’s plea deal and the evidence was properly presented. Laming is serving life without parole.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet