business news

DTE Retires Two SE Michigan Coal Plants

In another step of DTE Energy’s plan to deliver affordable, clean energy, they have announced the retirement of two more coal plants in Southeast Michigan. 

The decision to retire the two facilities was accomplished without losing or laying-off any of their workforce. Workers employed at either of the two facilities affected will be trained for opportunities elsewhere in the company. The coal plants, located in Trenton and St. Clair had been in operation for nearly a century. 

Under their CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan, DTE has the goal to have net zero carbon emissions by 2050, along with the development of more than 15,000 megawatts of wind and solar energy sources. Jerry Norcia, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy says, “These steps today will lead to a cleaner environment and energy future for Michigan families, communities, and businesses.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Pistons Owner Providing Christmas Gifts For The Community

The holiday season is the time of year when people tend to become more thoughtful, more giving, and spreading good cheer amongst their fellow man. Detroit Pistons Owner Tom Gores is celebrating the holiday spirit with a special donation for children in the local community. 

More than 10,000 toys, tablets, and bikes were distributed to families in Detroit, Flint, and the surrounding communities on Tuesday, December 13th. Volunteers from the U.S. Marines, as well as those from the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, provided a helping hand with the special event. Gores will also be supporting The Salvation Army Downriver Corps with an additional $25k donation.

When asked the reason for such a generous donation to the community, Gores says, “All children should experience the joy of receiving gifts during the holiday season. There’s nothing better than children smiling and experiencing real joy.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MVH Publishes Wish List For Veteran Members

Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH) has compiled a wish list of items to help support the quality of life for its members this holiday season.

The Michigan Veteran Homes located at 47901 Sugarbush Rd., Chesterfield Township is seeking both monetary as well as in-kind donations such as seasonal clothing, board games, fishing equipment, or other items that may be beneficial this holiday season. Items can be dropped off at the main entrance of the home. In addition to the Chesterfield location, they will also be accepting donations at their other locations in Marquette, and Grand Rapids.

Michigan Veteran Homes provides day-to-day operational oversight of the state’s veteran homes on behalf of the Michigan Veterans Facility Authority, and is a branch of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. 

For more information on how to help, visit: michigan.gov/mvh.   

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Hottest Toys For Christmas 2022

With Christmas just a couple weeks away there is still some time for last minute shoppers to find some of the hottest toys this season. 

For the toddlers on your list, check out the Flybar FunPark Racer Bumper Car. Moving at a safe 1 mile per hour, and equipped with a soft foam bumper, the FunPark Racer Bumper Car will keep not only your little ones safe, but also your walls and furniture. 

For children 5 and up, there is the Hot Wheels Mario Kart Rainbow Road Raceway Track. With the sights and sounds of their favorite plumber, and a track that reaches 8 feet long and 24 inches high, it’s a guaranteed hit for fans of the Mario Kart videogames. 

For those on your list ages 10 and up, there is the Mega Cyborg Hand by Thames & Kosmos. The Mega Cyborg Hand is designed for those who are into STEM projects, and teaches children about pneumatic and hydraulic technology.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Twenty-Four Small Michigan Manufacturers Receive Tech Grant

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced that twenty-four small Michigan manufacturers have been awarded a total of $559,005 in grant funding.

The funding was part of the $3million Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Program, which  will help them adopt Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. The grants are reimbursement-based and cover up to 50 percent of technologies such as additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and automation, and more.

CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board, Quentin L. Messer Jr. says “As Michigan continues to lead the world in advanced manufacturing, these Industry 4.0 grants will help Michigan manufacturers of all sizes adopt new and innovative technologies that will enable them to remain competitive well into the future.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Christmas Toys To Avoid This Holiday Season

The joy of opening Christmas presents is unmatched, but could that new toy be a disaster waiting to happen? Here’s what to watch out for to keep your children safe this holiday season. 

Nonprofit organization, W.A.T.C.H (World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc.) has issued a list of toys for the 2022 Christmas season that are a potential hazard, and should be taken into consideration before purchasing. 

Hazards include toys that contain coin cell batteries, toy weapons, toxic substances, and plush toys that could potentially lead to suffocation in infants. Here is a list to help you make safe choices this holiday:

  • Cocomelon Musical Learning Watch
  • Disney Raya’s Action & Adventure Sword
  • Li’l Woodzeez Tickle-Your-Taste-Buds Bakery
  • Black Panther Wakanda Battle Claws
  • Zeus Lion
  • Dingray Musical Bath Toy
  • Ooze Labs Chemistry Station
  • Bunny Rabbit Cuddly Pillow
  • Pop’n Fidget Spinners
  • Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic Blasters

For the detailed list visit: toysafety.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell