Michigan Community Service Commission Supports 19 Organizations for 9/11 Day of Service

In honor of the upcoming 9/11 National Day of Service, the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) is backing 19 Michigan organizations as they host volunteer projects aimed at promoting unity and community engagement.

Volunteers will be involved in activities to benefit veterans, military personnel, first responders, and will also focus on environmental preservation, disaster preparedness, and support for youth education. These initiatives are set to engage 2,800 volunteers, dedicating over 7,000 hours of service.

The MCSC has allocated nearly $10,000 in grants to support these initiatives. AmeriCorps has also contributed to the funding.

Projects for the 9/11 National Day of Service are taking place in communities throughout the state, with some areas still in need of volunteers.

For more information, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Spreading Awareness With Taking A Shot At Breast Cancer’s 6th Annual 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk

On Sunday, October 1st, the community is invited to participate in the 6th Annual 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk,Hosted by Taking a Shot at Breast Cancer. The event will be held on the Ft. Gratiot Trail, starting near the south Meijer parking lot area.

Participants are encouraged to don pink attire to mark the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photos from the run will be featured in the “Taking a Shot at Breast Cancer” Calendar.

All proceeds from the event will support the “Taking a Shot at Breast Cancer” Fund, managed by the St. Clair County Community Foundation, which aids local individuals in their battle against breast cancer. Notably, 100% of the funds raised will remain within St. Clair County.

Packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, September 29th, from 12  – 7 p.m., at Photographs by Emily, located at 3919 Pine Grove Ave. 

For more information, visit: takingashotatbreastcancer.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

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