Michigan Human Trafficking Commission Releases 2020 Report

The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission has released their 2020 Annual Report. The Commission is planning to introduce a package of 30 bills to the Michigan legislature.

The bills include implementing statewide best practices for interacting with survivors of human trafficking; further expansion of resources available on the recently redesigned Commission webpage; deployment of safe in-person listening sessions with COVID-19-compliant protocols for victims of human trafficking; and identifying additional funding partners.

The Commission works through seven subcommittees: training and education, data collection and research, victim services, public awareness, policy and legislation, courts, and funding and resources.

Human trafficking is a pervasive criminal activity that targets vulnerable individuals for forced labor and sexual exploitation. The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission continued their work through the pandemic, as the prevalence of human trafficking did not subside.

The Commission focused on educating people in how to identify and reach out to suspected victims.

A link to a video with training information and to the full report :

Understanding and Reporting Human Trafficking | Polaris & Attorney General Nessel (MI) | Uber – YouTube

2020 Michigan Human Trafficking Commission Report to the Governor and Legislature

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Celebrate Edison’s Birthday with Flashlight Tour

Thomas Edison’s 174th Birthday is coming up, and the Port Huron Museums are providing a unique way to celebrate. The Thomas Edison Depot Museum is offering a guided flashlight tour of the museum led by Depot Dave.

Guests can register for a time slot on February 11th to participate in the tour. Tours will be limited to 10 people and the cost is $10 per person or $8 per member. The interactive tour will feature quirky Edison facts and guest can learn even more about the areas that interest them by shining their flashlight on them during the tour.

Andrew Kercher, Manager of Community Engagement at the Port Huron Museums, said, “This is a new, fun event that has been structured to keep people safe and give them something fun to do. It’s a new way to engage with our history!”

Tickets are available on EventBrite <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Portillo’s Chicago-Style Restaurant Coming to Hall Road

Craving a Chicago-style hot dog? You can hop on the Amtrak train and head to Chicago for the weekend, or you can plan a quick trip to M-59 in Sterling Heights to get an authentic taste of Chicago. Portillo’s, which specializes in Chicago-style street food, has announced the March 16th grand opening of its first Michigan restaurant.

The “fast-casual” restaurant will be located on Hall Road in front of Lakeside Mall. The restaurant is hiring staff right now. They estimate having a staff of 150 employees.

Portillo’s CEO Michael Osanloo said, “We always look forward to opening Portillo’s in new markets. Fans in Michigan have been asking for a Portillo’s for years, so we’re very excited to bring our unrivaled Chicago street food and the signature Portillo’s experience to the community of Sterling Heights.”

Prior to the opening of the nearly 8,000 square foot restaurant, Portillo’s will be operating a “Beef Bus” Food Truck to give customers a taste of their food, starting February 17th.

A link to the food truck schedule: Beef Bus Tour Schedule | Portillo’s

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Hits the Jackpot with Court Ruling and Lucky Winner

A court decision and sheer luck are set to bring some serious cash into Michigan’s treasury. A recent decision by the First Circuit Court of Appeals allows for revenues from sports betting to be collected. Online sports betting is now legal in Michigan.

The court case clarifies a Department of Justice interpretation of the Wire Act that was ruled to be misconstrued. The ruling states that only interstate wire communications are prohibited.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “This is a major victory for state lotteries across the nation that raise millions of dollars in revenue which directly supports our schools, emergency personnel and other fundamental services for residents.”  

Over a billion dollars went into the Michigan School Aid Fund from lottery proceeds in fiscal year 2018-19.

Unrelated to the sport betting ruling, but a stroke of luck for a Michigan resident and the state, the single winning Mega Millions ticket was sold in Novi, Michigan, with a prize of over a billion dollars. Depending on the payout that the winner chooses, the state will levy a tax bill between $33 million and $43 million.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 to Open Challenger Learning Center

SC4 is working with the Challenger Center to bring a Challenger Learning Center to its campus in early 2022. The Challenger Learning Center will introduce students of all ages to subjects and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The Challenger Center is a nonprofit STEM education organization with a learning center network that has reached 5.5 million students worldwide. They offer hands-on STEM programs that include simulated space-themed missions in fully immersive classrooms.

Dr. Deborah Snyder, president of St. Clair County Community College, said, “The addition of a Challenger Learning Center supports the college and our community by fostering a robust culture of STEM, strengthening STEM education opportunities, integrating business, industry and educational entities, and creating high-quality educational experiences for learners of all ages.”

The Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L. For more information about Challenger Center visit their website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand