Michigan Launches Free Well Water Testing Program To Ensure Safe Drinking Water

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at safeguarding the quality of well water for Michigan families. In collaboration with local health departments (LHDs), EGLE is set to provide free well water testing to residents who rely on household or private wells for their drinking water.

With a $5 million appropriation from the Michigan Legislature, this program intends to address concerns surrounding the safety of well water, which may not always be suitable for consumption. While most wells are initially tested upon construction, EGLE and LHDs emphasize the importance of periodic testing due to potential changes in water quality over time.

Well water can contain various substances, including harmful bacteria, nitrates, and metals like arsenic, which may pose health risks. 

For more information, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress To Tackle AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has signed a letter pressing Congress to investigate the alarming rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The bipartisan coalition seeks legislative action to safeguard children from these predatory abuses.

“Artificial Intelligence poses a serious threat to our children, and abusers are already taking advantage,” warned Nessel. “Our laws and regulations must catch up to the technology being used by those who prey on our children.”

The letter identifies three primary categories of AI-related CSAM dangers, including digitally altered depictions of real children and the creation of entirely fictitious victims. It highlights how AI can easily generate “deepfakes” by manipulating images of abused children, deepening concerns surrounding child exploitation.

The coalition calls for the formation of a specialized commission to examine AI’s role in child exploitation and expand existing regulations to cover AI-generated CSAM. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Marine City Art Drift Celebrates Vibrant Art Culture Across The City

Marine City residents and art enthusiasts, mark your calendars for a unique city-wide event! The Marine City Art Drift is set to sweep the town on Friday, September 15th, from 5 – 8 p.m., promising an unforgettable celebration of the city’s vibrant art culture.

The concept is simple: Immerse yourself in the creative energy of Marine City Art Drift and drift from business to business as you experience artists showcasing their craft. Pick up a map at one of the participating businesses, get it stamped by the artists, and be entered to win a gift basket.

Organized by the Marine City Art Drift Committee, composed of New Century Art Gallery, The Painted Toad, and MC Marketplace, artists will be carefully paired with businesses to ensure a curated experience for attendees.

For more information, visit: newcenturyartgallery.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Free Healthy Breakfast And Lunch For All Port Huron School Students

The Port Huron Area School District is offering a fantastic opportunity for all enrolled students to enjoy a FREE nutritious school breakfast and lunch.

Accessing the menu for these daily meals is now easier than ever, thanks to the Nutrislice App. The app provides detailed information about food items, including images, descriptions, nutrition facts, and allergen information, ensuring students make informed choices.

Studies have shown that school breakfast significantly contributes to academic success by improving test scores, vocabulary, comprehension, memory, reducing tardiness, minimizing mistakes, enhancing attention, behavior, and providing the necessary nutrition for learning. Encourage your child to make the most of this opportunity by joining us for breakfast every day.

All students within the Port Huron Area School District are eligible for free breakfast. For more information, visit: phasd.us. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Unveils Exciting Fall 2023 Arts Calendar Free Events

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is thrilled to announce its exciting fall 2023 arts calendar, promising a cultural extravaganza for all. 

Beginning the month of September until December 9th, SC4 welcomes the public to join in the celebration of arts and culture through a series of events, all free of charge.

Kicking off the season, the renowned Lexington Bach String Quartet will grace SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre with performances at noon and 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 14th. The calendar also boasts a large variety of captivating offerings, including an SC4 faculty gallery show,  the historical “WWII Propaganda Posters” traveling exhibit from the Detroit Historical Society, and captivating performances by the SC4 Symphonic Band and renowned artists.

Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the world of art and culture at SC4 this fall.

For more information, visit: sc4.edu/events.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Friends Of The St. Clair River To Host Native Plant And Rain Barrel Pop-Up Sale

As the growing season draws to a close, Friends of the St. Clair River is gearing up for a grand finale to benefit local wildlife and water with its Native Plant and Rain Barrel Pop-Up Sale

The event takes place on Saturday, September 16th, from 12 – 3 p.m. at Friends’ Thumb Coast Watershed Center. (301 N. Ninth Street, St. Clair), this event offers a variety of eco-friendly options.

Attendees can choose from a diverse selection of 45 to 60 native plant species, including wildflowers, shrubs, vines, and grasses. Specialized kits for butterflies and rain gardens make selection a breeze. Native plants, provided by East Michigan Native Plants from Durand, MI, are well-suited to local conditions, requiring minimal maintenance while providing crucial support for wildlife.

Additionally, a limited supply of 58-gallon rain barrels, up-cycled containers provided by Mi Rain Barrel, will be available. These barrels come complete with everything needed to collect and reuse rainwater, benefiting water quality, plant health, and outdoor tasks.

For more information, visit: scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell