business news

Coretta Scott King Calls For Justice Department Review Following Verdict On Martin Luther King Jr.’s Assassination Conspiracy

In a historic revelation, Coretta Scott King, widow of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., feels vindicated by a Memphis jury’s 1999 finding that her husband was a victim of conspiracy, not a lone assassin. King urges the Justice Department to examine the evidence presented in the Memphis case, according to CBSNewscom.

The jury, comprising six blacks and six whites, deliberated briefly before ruling in favor of the King family in a civil lawsuit against Lloyd Jowers, a retired Memphis businessman. Awarded $100 in damages, the Kings sought validation for their call for a new investigation into King’s assassination. 

Attorney William Pepper alleged a vast conspiracy involving the Mafia, federal government agents, and a cover-up by the FBI, CIA, media, and Army intelligence. With a sense of closure, King’s son, Dexter, sees the verdict as liberating, rewriting history and sending a message to those in power.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Game Area Target Shooting Banned Due To Safety And Environmental Concerns In St. Clair County

In response to persistent issues of safety hazards, environmental pollution, and public complaints, target shooting activities at the Port Huron State Game Area in St. Clair County are set to be halted. 

The director of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is expected to sign an order prohibiting target shooting at this 7,000-acre site located just 20 minutes west of Port Huron.

Repeated incidents of structures being shot, noise complaints, and lead bullets contaminating wetlands and habitats have led to the decision. The area, encompassing Grant, Clyde, and Kimball townships, has faced challenges since the closure of Shoefelt Road in 1989 due to indiscriminate firing of automatic and semi-automatic rifles. 

Despite redirecting target shooters to other sites, ongoing complaints from residents and documented instances of unsafe shooting practices have necessitated the closure. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

A Beautiful Me Hosts Prom Fashion Show & Sale, Showcasing Affordable Dresses In Downtown Port Huron

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 17th, as A Beautiful Me presents a spectacular “Prom Fashion Show & Sale” at Wrigley Hall in downtown Port Huron from 12 noon to 3 pm. 

As a nonprofit, A Beautiful Me recently received a heartwarming donation of 600 dresses from a closing Allen Park, Michigan store, fueling the mission to provide affordable, beautiful dresses. Founder Karen Palka emphasizes that every purchase supports confidence-building programs for girls in 3rd-12th grades.

The event includes a Fashion Show with 40 dresses modeled by local students and adults, followed by a chance to shop and try on dresses, aided by an alteration specialist. Guests, with purchase of a $10 ticket, also receive a $5 coupon towards a dress purchase at The Closet by A Beautiful Me. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sherman Woods Homeowners Association Rings In Holiday Spirit, Raises Record $8,337 For Port Huron Salvation Army

In a heartwarming display of community generosity, the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association in Port Huron has reported a remarkable achievement in their 2023 Red Kettle Christmas Season campaign. 

The association’s volunteer residents, for the eighth consecutive year, managed a Red Kettle drop-off in Sherman Woods, raising an impressive $8,337. This marks a significant 42 percent increase over the contributions collected in the previous year.

Throughout eight weekend evenings in December, as well as an additional Christmas Eve night, residents and visitors alike donated generously while enjoying the spectacular Christmas light displays organized by the neighborhood. Fred Kemp, president of the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “It’s certainly remarkable and heartwarming to see such a robust increase in donations in 2023 over last year’s total.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Department Of Treasury Promotes Financial Freedom For Residents With Disabilities Through MiABLE Savings Accounts

The Michigan Department of Treasury is urging hundreds of thousands of Michiganders with disabilities to explore MiABLE savings accounts as a pathway to greater financial freedom. 

Nationally, individuals with disabilities receiving government benefits face a $2,000 federal asset limit. With double the likelihood of living in poverty compared to their peers, and increased challenges in employment, the MiABLE initiative aims to empower this demographic. 

MiABLE allows eligible individuals and their families to save up to $18,000 annually, with employed beneficiaries having the opportunity to contribute an additional amount equal to their current-year gross income, up to $14,580. For those interested, a free webinar on the benefits of MiABLE is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17th.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Rep. Greg Alexander Criticizes Gov. Whitmer’s Income Tax Hike, Warns of Economic Consequences

State Representative Greg Alexander, representing Carsonville, strongly criticized Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent push for income tax reforms, labeling them as detrimental to working families across Michigan. 

Alexander, a vocal opponent of the tax hike, asserted that Democrats’ decision to increase income tax was a flawed attempt to counterbalance excessive spending, leaving hard working citizens with less take-home pay.

Michigan’s individual income tax rate saw a recent hike from 4.05% to 4.25%, betraying a commitment to returning funds to taxpayers. Alexander emphasized the repercussions of such measures, arguing that the state’s competitiveness for job retention would suffer. He accused Democrats of diverting budget resources away from smaller communities like Carsonville, negatively impacting residents. Michigan is still 0.6% below its pre-pandemic job numbers, according to the latest payroll jobs data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell