Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is giving out $150,000 in new grants to help 24 animal shelters statewide. The money comes from the Animal Welfare Fund—supported by tax return donations. Local recipients include Macomb County Animal Shelter with $10,000, Gratiot County with $8,600, and Sanilac County Humane Society with $6,500. Most projects this year will boost spay and neuter services, expand vaccinations in underserved areas, and provide pet microchips. Since 2010, Michigan has awarded over $2 million to shelters improving animal care.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

McLaren Port Huron has become the first hospital in St. Clair County to offer a new stroke-prevention option for patients with atrial fibrillation. Doctors there can now implant the Watchman device — a small plug that seals off a part of the heart where dangerous blood clots often form. The minimally invasive procedure can reduce the need for long-term blood thinners. Hospital leaders say bringing this advanced cardiac treatment to the Blue Water region shows their commitment to improving local heart care.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A longtime St. Clair County physician will spend the next 15 years in federal prison. Sixty‑two‑year‑old Robert Glapinski of Mussey Township was sentenced in Detroit after admitting to distributing child pornography. Investigators say Michigan State Police began looking into him last year after a national tip led to his Google account. Officers later found more than 3,000 illegal images and videos on his devices. Prosecutors say Glapinski’s actions fueled the abuse of children, while defense attorneys said he’s accepted responsibility for his crimes.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Deputies in Port Huron Township are investigating after a welfare check turned tragic. On March 26, officers were called to a home on the 2600 block of 24th Street when a man didn’t show up for work. After getting no response at the door, deputies forced entry and found evidence of a recent fire in the kitchen and living room. Inside, 61-year-old Robert Baker was found dead. Investigators say there’s no sign of foul play, but the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department are still looking into what caused the fire.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Millington, police say a false bomb threat at Millington Community Schools Thursday morning turned out to be a hoax. The call came in around 10:46 a.m., prompting a full lockdown and heavy police presence, including deputies from the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office and a bomb-sniffing dog. Officers swept the buildings and found no danger. The lockdown was lifted once everything was cleared. Investigators say this was a “swatting” incident — a fake emergency meant to trigger a police response. Police continue to investigate who made the call.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet