environment

House Passes Measure For Automatic Selective Service Registration

The House of Representatives passed a measure to automatically register men aged 18 to 26 for selective service according to foxnews.com 

This measure is part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines the U.S. government’s military and national security priorities for the next fiscal year, authorizing $895.2 billion in military spending, a $9 billion increase from fiscal 2024. Though the draft hasn’t been used in over half a century, registration remains mandatory; it is classified as a felony for those who do not register. 

Supporters argue this change will reduce legal challenges and cut taxpayer costs associated with prosecuting registration failures. Led by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., the measure passed overwhelmingly in the House Armed Services Committee in May with a 57 to 1 vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Festival Set To Make Waves In Port Huron

Port Huron’s Boat Weekend, part of the Blue Water Festival, returns July 17-20, promising an exciting lineup of events. 

The festivities begin with the Rotary International Day Parade on Wednesday, July 17th, in Downtown Port Huron. On Thursday, July 18th, visitors can enjoy Concerts from Los Gringos and LANCO, along with Operation Transformation’s Family Night, and the unique and eye-catching Mannequins Making a Difference. Other highlights include a drone show, performances by The Strumbellas, Elle King, and more. 

The event, presented by the Blue Water Area Conventions & Visitors Bureau, will also offer free shuttle service by Blue Water Transit to help attendees navigate the festival Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. – Midnight. 

For more information, visit: thebluewaterfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan AG Nessel Joins Bipartisan Effort To Combat AI Child Exploitation

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 state and territory attorneys general in endorsing the Child Exploitation and Artificial Intelligence Expert Commission Act of 2024. This Act, sponsored by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and co-sponsored by a bipartisan 16-member coalition, aims to tackle the growing issue of AI-facilitated child exploitation.

“Child exploitation is a heinous crime, and as artificial intelligence advances, new issues arise that demand our immediate attention,” said Nessel. “Safeguarding our children requires robust legislation like this Act.”

The Act proposes establishing a commission to investigate and recommend solutions for improving law enforcement’s ability to combat AI-driven child exploitation crimes. Nessel also supports Michigan’s Protection from Intimate Deep Fakes Act, which addresses non-consensual intimate deep fakes, imposing severe penalties for offenders.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Drug Task Force Seizes First Batch Of Dangerous “Krokodil” In Community

Last week, the Drug Task Force (DTF) made a significant breakthrough with its first seizure of Desomorphine, infamously known on the streets as “Krokodil.” 

This synthetically engineered opioid-like substance is approximately ten times more powerful than morphine. It gets its street name due to the horrific effects on the skin of long-term users, which becomes greenish, scaly, and rugged, resembling a crocodile’s hide. The severe tissue damage results from damaged blood vessels, thrombosis, and infections around injection sites, often leading to thrombophlebitis, gangrene, and eventually, limb amputation or death.

Sheriff Mat King highlighted the DTF’s dedication to staying ahead of new drug trends through constant education and proactive measures. The community is urged to remain vigilant and aware of this drug’s presence. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Staying Safe In Extreme Heat: Tips For Michigan Residents

Next week, NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has forecasted a slight risk of excessive heat for the southern two-thirds of Lower Michigan. Indiana and Ohio face a more certain risk. Extreme heat poses significant health risks, particularly for older adults, children, and those with health issues.

To stay safe, follow these tips:

  • Stay Cool: Use air conditioning or visit a cooling center. Take cool showers or baths.
  • Dress Appropriately: Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
  • Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid strenuous activities during midday heat; if outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Check on Others: Ensure family, older adults, and neighbors are safe.
  • Pet Safety: Provide pets with water and shade, and avoid hot pavement.

Stay informed and take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Source: ready.gov

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrating Dads: The Origins Of Father’s Day In The U.S.

With Father’s Day around the corner lets discover it’s origins and why we celebrate dads across the nation.

On July 5th, 1908, a West Virginia church held the nation’s first event in honor of fathers. This Sunday sermon was a heartfelt tribute to the 362 men who had tragically died in the Fairmont Coal Company mine explosions the previous December. 

The following year, Sonora Smart Dodd, a woman from Spokane, Washington, sought to create an official day to honor fathers. She campaigned tirelessly, reaching out to local churches, the YMCA, shopkeepers, and government officials to gather support for her idea. Her efforts paid off, and on June 19th, 1910, Washington State celebrated the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the occasion by using telegraph signals to unfurl a flag in Spokane when he pressed a button in Washington, D.C., demonstrating national recognition of the holiday. 

Source: history.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell