Berkey Water Filter Manufacturer Sues EPA Over Alleged False “Pesticide” Label

New Millennium Concepts, the manufacturer behind Berkey water filters, has taken legal action against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), claiming that the federal agency’s classification of its products as “pesticides” is erroneous. 

The dispute arises from a stop-sales order issued by the EPA to multiple Berkey vendors and distributors in May, causing significant financial losses for the Texas-based company, which has been in operation since 1998.

In a 49-page complaint, Berkey asserts that it has operated in the United States for 25 years without any prior regulation or incidents involving the EPA. The lawsuit contends that in 2022, the EPA compelled the company to register its mechanical filter as a “pesticide device” and subsequently labeled it as a “pesticide,” all without adhering to Administrative Procedures Act (APA) guidelines.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan DHHS Inspector General Awarded $750K Grant To Bolster SNAP Fraud Detection and Prevention

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) has been selected as one of five recipients of the SNAP Fraud Framework Grants, granted by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). 

The OIG has secured a substantial $749,987 grant to execute innovative strategies and best practices over the next three years, with the primary goal of enhancing Michigan’s efforts to identify, investigate, and deter the misuse of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The awarded funds will support diverse program integrity initiatives, including investments in cybercrime-fighting software and hardware, targeted education for beneficiaries, investigative training, and the implementation of an integrated fraud management tool. This tool will enable better monitoring and early identification of potential fraudulent activities, ensuring the proper use of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and safeguarding SNAP beneficiaries from misuse by bad actors.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Allocates Over $553 Million In Protecting MI Pension Grants To Support 123 Michigan Communities And Retirees

In a significant move to bolster the financial security of Michigan retirees and ease the burden on local communities, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the allocation of more than $553 million in Protecting MI Pension Grant awards. These funds will benefit 123 Michigan communities, providing much-needed relief.

Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of honoring the hard work of Michigan’s senior citizens, including police officers, firefighters, sanitation workers, and various other vital professions. She stated, “Today’s Protecting MI Pension Grants will ensure that Michiganders who served our communities receive the stable, secure retirement they earned.”

Eligible cities, villages, townships, counties, and road commissions were encouraged to review their retirement system funding and apply for grants by mid-June.

For more information, visit: michigan.gov. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Community Foundation Of St. Clair County Hosts 12th Annual 100+ Women Who Care Event At Boardwalk Theatre

This evening the Community Foundation of St. Clair County invites the community to an evening of both enjoyment and philanthropy at the newly unveiled Boardwalk Theatre in St. Clair. The 12th annual 100+ Women Who Care event promises to be a night of collective giving, with over $10,000 slated to be distributed.

From 6 – 8 p.m., guests, dressed in snappy casual attire, will join 100+ other women in contributing $100 each, showcasing the strength of collective generosity. These funds will support local nonprofits and the Women’s Initiative endowment fund.

Adding excitement to the evening, two first-time attendees will be selected by random draw to present their chosen local nonprofit with a $500 grant.

One lucky non profit will also be the winner of a $10,000 grant, or one of two additional grants later this evening as well. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Mainstreet Memories Board Gifts $26,500 Check To Council On Aging, Total Donations Exceed $140,000 In 7 Years

In a special meeting convened by the Mainstreet Memories Board of Directors, the Council on Aging was bestowed with a generous check totaling $26,500. When combined with the in-kind contributions from the Board, the cumulative donation over the past seven years has surged to just over $140,000.

The Wheels on the Waterfront Car Show surpassed expectations with 545 registered vehicles and a strong turnout. Moran Automotive and ZF Marysville served as presenting sponsors, while Diamond Sponsors included Ford Performance, WGRT 102.3 FM, Cedar Hill Graphics, and Magna International.

Main Street Memories Vice President Tim Floyd noted, “This year’s event drew the largest turnout to date, and plans are underway to expand for 2024.”

Mark your calendars for next year’s show on July 27th, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

American Foods Group, LLC Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To E. Coli Contamination

In a precautionary measure, American Foods Group, LLC, operating as Green Bay Dressed Beef, LLC, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has initiated a recall of approximately 58,281 pounds of ground beef products due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O103. 

STEC O103 infections can cause symptoms such as severe diarrhea, often bloody, and vomiting. Although most individuals recover within a week, some cases may lead to more severe illness, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a form of kidney failure, particularly in children under 5, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

The affected products, bearing establishment number “EST. 18076” inside the USDA mark of inspection, were distributed to distributors in Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio. Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for these products and return or dispose of them as necessary to ensure their safety.

For more information, visit: fsis.usda.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell