Holland Beach in St. Clair County was closed to swimmers after routine weekly water tests revealed E. coli levels above the state’s safety limit of 300 per 100 milliliters. Health officials said recent rain likely caused runoff that washed animal waste into the lake, triggering the spike in bacteria. They warned that contact with the contaminated water could have led to stomach problems, skin infections, or more serious health issues. The beach remained off-limits as a precaution and is now open to swimmers. 

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron Northern High School, college advisor Maya Savedra helped nearly 50 students overcome big challenges to plan for college. Over two years, she boosted FAFSA completion rates from 30% to 47%, making college more accessible for many first-generation and low-income families. Now, due to nationwide AmeriCorps funding cuts, Savedra’s role—and others like hers—have been eliminated, leaving students without critical support. Savedra has joined St. Clair County Community College to continue helping students, but she warns the impact won’t be the same.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet