business news

Andrew Kercher Joins WGRT As The New Host Of “Limelight”

WGRT is thrilled to welcome Andrew Kercher as the new host of “Limelight,” the station’s popular show highlighting the people who influence culture, commerce, and community in the Bluewater area. 

Kercher, known for his time as the Community Engagement Manager at Port Huron Museums, is a professional historian with a passion for storytelling. He is the founder of Andrew Kercher Lectures & Tours and has worked in museums across Michigan.

A graduate of Albion College with a degree in History and Philosophy, Kercher also holds a Master’s in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University. He now resides in Port Huron with his wife, Lauren, and their two cats, Gilbert and Sullivan. 

Tune in to “Limelight” weekdays at 12:20 and 6:20 p.m. on 102.3 FM WGRT.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

REAL ID Act Enforcement Begins May 2025 For Federal Facility Access And Air Travel

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, will require state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to meet federal security standards for certain official purposes. These include accessing federal facilities, boarding commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants.

Starting May 7, 2025, federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, will only accept REAL ID-compliant licenses and identification cards, which feature a star marking, at airport security checkpoints. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also valid for these purposes, even without the star.

Travelers should ensure their identification meets the REAL ID requirements before the enforcement date to avoid disruptions when flying or accessing federal sites.

For more information, visit: dhs.gov/real-id.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDHHS Alerts Michigan Families Of Expanded Cinnamon Recall Due To Lead Contamination

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a warning to Michigan families following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) expanded recall of several ground cinnamon brands due to lead contamination. 

The affected brands include El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, and others. Consumers are advised to immediately stop consuming, selling, or serving these products and to check their homes, as cinnamon often has a long shelf life.

“There is no safe level of lead in the blood for any person, and lead is especially harmful to young children, infants, and fetuses,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive. 

MDHHS encourages concerned families to contact their healthcare providers for blood lead testing. Visit the FDA website for more details on the recall and the MI Lead Safe page to learn more about lead testing.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

NIMHD Launches Online Portal To Improve Minority Health And Reduce Health Disparities

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has unveiled the HDPulse Interventions Portal, a new online resource designed to help address health disparities and improve minority health. 

The portal offers healthcare providers, researchers, and community groups access to a repository of evidence-based interventions tailored to specific populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.

Users can easily search and filter interventions by population, targeted diseases, and geographical area, helping them make informed decisions for their communities. Supporting materials, including participant education tools and research publications, are also available.

The HDPulse Interventions Portal is part of NIMHD’s effort to close the gap between research and practical interventions, aiming to boost the dissemination and adoption of effective health strategies.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Heatwaves In Michigan Spark Surge In Rodent Infestations, Warns Expert

As Michigan grapples with summer heatwaves, residents are facing an unexpected consequence: a rise in rodent activity. 

Zachary Smith, from Smith’s Pest Management, warns that the intense heat and drought conditions are driving rodents from the wild into homes, seeking food and shelter. “The summer heatwaves have created the perfect storm for increased rodent invasions,” says Smith.

With vegetation dying and natural food sources dwindling, rodents like rats and mice are turning to homes for survival. Common signs of infestations include droppings, gnaw marks, and scurrying sounds in walls. Smith urges homeowners to seal entry points, store food properly, and eliminate water sources.

“The time to act is now,” Smith advises, stressing that prevention is the best way to protect homes from rodent infestations this summer.

Source: smithspestmanagement.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Reissues Warning On Toll Road Smishing Scam

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued a consumer alert about a smishing scam targeting toll road users. 

The scam involves fraudulent text messages claiming consumers owe money for unpaid SunPass tolls, a Florida-based electronic toll system, with an added $50 late fee if not handled promptly. SunPass does not send such texts.

“These messages are designed to steal personal and financial information,” warned Nessel.

Key signs of a smishing scam include unsolicited texts, long phone numbers, urgent messages, suspicious links, and grammatical errors. Consumers are urged not to click on links or respond to these texts. Instead, use spam-blocking tools and report the texts to the Federal Trade Commission. Nessel’s office encourages vigilance to protect personal data.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell