environment

Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls 16,243 Pounds Of Ground Beef Contaminated With E. Coli

Cargill Meat Solutions is voluntarily recalling approximately 16,243 pounds of raw ground beef products due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the recall notice. The affected products are marked with the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the label and have the establishment number “EST. 86P” on the back.

The raw ground beef products were distributed to Walmart retail locations nationwide. The establishment discovered the issue after realizing that previously separated products had been mistakenly used in the production of ground beef.

Consumers are urged not to consume the affected products. They should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Warns Of Venmo Scam Tactics

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued a consumer alert about payment apps following a surge in nationwide scams targeting Venmo users. 

The scam involves fraudsters “accidentally” sending money to consumers and then requesting its return. Nessel advises consumers to never send back the money, but to report the incident to the peer-to-peer (P2P) service. 

Scammers typically use stolen funds, which Venmo will eventually flag as fraudulent. If consumers return the money, they risk the money being taken from their personal account when the fraud is discovered. 

Nessel emphasizes the importance of caution in transactions with unknown parties and urges victims to report scams to her department or the Federal Trade Commission. 

For more information or to file a complaint, visit: michigan.gov/consumerprotection.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Under Michigan Law Adultery Is Considered A Felony

Did you know that adultery is a felony under Michigan law, although prosecutions have not occurred in decades? Despite this, extramarital affairs often lead to marriage termination and significantly impact divorce proceedings. 

Section 552.6 of the Michigan Compiled Law cites an “irretrievably broken” marriage as grounds for divorce, with adultery influencing alimony, child support, and property division decisions. Adultery is defined as a sexual relationship involving at least one married person. Interestingly, the law treats adulterous men and women differently, although Michigan’s no-fault divorce status allows dissolution without specifying grounds. However, infidelity can still affect court decisions regarding financial and custodial arrangements. 

Judges may favor the betrayed spouse to compensate for emotional distress caused by adultery, highlighting the misconduct’s legal ramifications. Statistics show that marriages have a shorter life span based on the number of previous marriages. 

Source: isfamilylaw.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Launches PitchMI To Boost Entrepreneurial Innovation In Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced new initiatives to support Michigan’s innovators and entrepreneurs during her keynote at the Mackinac Policy Conference. 

One of the highlights was PitchMI, a statewide shark-tank style competition designed to address Michigan’s biggest challenges. In collaboration with leading organizations, the state will host a public competition to solicit pitches, investing in the most innovative start-up. 

The first PitchMI event will award $100,000 to a groundbreaking solution aimed at transforming transportation for Michiganders, focusing on safety, affordability, and efficiency. Whitmer emphasized that PitchMI demonstrates Michigan’s commitment to entrepreneurial problem-solving, connecting innovators with capital, and fostering a ripple effect of accelerated innovation. This initiative underscores the state’s dedication to building a dynamic, future-focused economy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Enjoy Michigan’s Free Fishing As Part Of Three Free Weekend June 8-9

Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend returns on June 8th and 9th, offering families and friends the chance to fish without a license. 

Residents and out-of-state visitors can fish in both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species. While fishing license fees are waived, all fishing regulations remain in effect.

This special weekend coincides with “Three Free” weekend, granting free access to state parks, boating sites, and off-road trails without a Recreation Passport or ORV permits. During Free ORV Weekend, Michigan residents and visitors can ride off-road vehicles legally without needing an ORV license or trail permit, though all other ORV rules and laws still apply.

Celebrate a child’s first fish or a big fish catch with printable certificates available online. For more details, visit: Michigan.gov/ORVInfo. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Summer Gasoline Standards Implemented for Michigan Beginning June 1st

Beginning Saturday, June 1st, ozone monitoring will resume in eight Southeast Michigan counties, including Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne. 

To combat smog, these counties must now only sell gasoline with a vapor pressure not exceeding 7.0 psi. This measure is part of the summer gasoline program, initiated in 1996 to address ozone level violations in Detroit.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will enforce these regulations to ensure Michigan maintains federal highway funding. “Governor Whitmer’s bold actions to protect our environment are echoed in our efforts at MDARD,” said Director Tim Boring. 

MDARD will conduct on-site testing during the summer gas season, which ends September 15th, to ensure compliance and protect air quality.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell