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United Way Of Sarnia-Lambton Surpasses Fundraising Goal, Raises $1.42M For Community Programs

In a remarkable achievement, the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton proudly announced that its 2023 fundraising campaign has not only met but exceeded expectations, raising an impressive $1,420,000, nearly 101.4% of the initial target of $1.4 million. 

Vicky Ducharme, the 2023 United Way Campaign Chair, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and revealed that key anonymous donations played a crucial role in surpassing the goal. She highlighted that, despite the official goal being $1.4M, the actual community needs are closer to $1.6M.

The success comes after the United Way faced challenges during the COVID pandemic, missing previous fundraising goals. The campaign anticipates ending near 104%, supporting 18 agencies and 30 local programs, primarily focused on poverty-related services, youth programming, and community well-being.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Rep. Mike Harris Urges Committee Action On GOP Plan To Revamp Troubled Unemployment Insurance Agency

State Representative Mike Harris (R-Waterford) pressed the House Ethics and Oversight Committee to deliberate on a comprehensive plan, introduced by House Republicans, aimed at overhauling Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). The call for action follows an audit released Wednesday by Michigan’s nonpartisan Office of the Auditor General, revealing systemic failures within the UIA during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The audit disclosed negligence by the UIA in investigating improper payments, leading Rep. Harris to challenge Governor Whitmer’s assurances that the issues were resolved. “Our tax dollars went to the incarcerated and deceased just a year ago. Democrat policies have burdened employers, leaving countless individuals jobless through no fault of their own,” says Harris. 

The proposed GOP reforms focus on transparency, fraud prevention, and enhanced customer service for both unemployed workers and contributing employers.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Americans Anticipate Increased Take-Home Pay In 2024 As Higher Federal Tax Brackets And Deductions Take Effect

Effective beginning in January, Americans are poised to experience a potential boost in their take-home pay in 2024, as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ushers in higher federal income tax brackets and standard deductions. 

The IRS, addressing concerns about “bracket creep,” announced these adjustments in November, with the intention of preventing taxpayers from being pushed into higher-income brackets due to inflation. 

In a year where inflation remains higher than the pre-pandemic average and the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, the 5.4% increase in tax brackets is expected to result in substantial savings for taxpayers across all income levels. As the adjustments take effect, millions of Americans may find relief in shielding more of their income from IRS scrutiny.

For more information, visit: irs.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Unusual Earthquake Strikes St. Clair County, Prompting Urgency For Residents To Familiarize Themselves With Safety Measures

On Wednesday, December 27th, an unexpected earthquake hit the St. Clair County area measuring at 2.5 on the Richter scale, prompting earthquake awareness and safety precautions for Michigan residents. 

While earthquakes are uncommon in the state, the recent seismic activity underscores the importance of preparedness, especially given Michigan’s proximity to states with a higher seismic risk. Notably, parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee lie on the New Madrid fault line, where earthquakes as high as 7.7 on the Richter scale have occurred. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides a map highlighting earthquake-prone areas in the U.S. Residents are advised to recognize earthquake signs, including roaring sounds, violent shaking, and jolts, and to prepare for potential aftermaths such as structural damage, fires, land disturbances, and hazardous material releases.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Secretary Of State Confirms Donald Trump’s Inclusion In 2024 Presidential Primary Ballot

In a pivotal decision, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson declared today that, barring intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court, former President Donald Trump will be featured on the Republican presidential primary ballot scheduled for February 27th, 2024. 

Emphasizing her commitment to nonpartisan governance and adherence to the law, Secretary Benson, a former election law professor, highlighted the importance of securing democracy and ensuring fair and accessible elections. 

Michigan’s state Supreme Court, along with lower courts, has upheld the Secretary of State’s limited authority in determining ballot access for presidential primary candidates. Secretary Benson expressed optimism for swift resolution from the U.S. Supreme Court, underscoring the necessity of clarity as the nation gears up for the 2024 election season.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Massive Cybersecurity Breach Exposes Personal Health Data Of Over One Million Michigan Residents

In a startling revelation, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced a cybersecurity breach at HealthEC, LLC, a population health management platform serving Corewell Health’s properties in southeastern Michigan.

The breach, impacting over a million residents, has raised concerns about the security of sensitive health information. HealthEC, a vendor for Corewell Health, specializes in identifying high-risk patients and improving care accessibility. On December 22nd, HealthEC initiated the process of notifying affected individuals, acknowledging the compromise of personal data such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, medical records, and health insurance information.

The exposed information also includes medical diagnoses, prescription details, and billing information, posing a significant threat to privacy and highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the healthcare sector.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell