environment

Lawmakers Push For Single Food Safety Agency

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) have introduced the Federal Food Administration Act, aiming to streamline food safety oversight by establishing a single agency dedicated to this mission, according to foodsafetynews.com.

Currently, food safety responsibilities are divided among over a dozen agencies, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) handling the majority. However, critics argue that this fragmentation leads to inefficiencies and gaps in food safety regulation.

The proposed Federal Food Administration would consolidate the FDA’s food programs, including the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, the Center for Veterinary Medicine, the Office of Food Policy and Response, and the Office of Regulatory Affairs. This new agency would be part of the Department of Health and Human Services and led by a Senate-confirmed expert.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrate The Yale Bologna Festival As It Celebrates 34 Years Of Fun

If you’re looking for an exciting fun time full of activities, prizes, and more, you don’t want to miss the 34th annual Yale Bologna Festival which will be held beginning Friday, July 26 – 28th, transforming the small town of Yale into a bustling hub of over 20,000 visitors. 

Since its inception in 1989, the festival has become a cherished tradition, drawing attendees from across Michigan and beyond. Highlights include the renowned outhouse races, a lively street dance, fireworks, and a grand parade down Main Street. A key event is the crowning of the King and Queen of Bologna. Additional activities include face painting by Wonderwolf Entertainment, laser tag battle, Port Huron Police Department Gaming Trailer and much more!

For more details and information, visit: yalechamber.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Save the Date: Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway Events Across St. Clair County

Mark your calendars for the upcoming back-to-school backpack giveaway events in St. Clair County, organized by local community groups to support low-income students.

In Port Huron, Blue Water Community Action will host the event on Wednesday, August 14th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at McMorran Place Arena.

Capac’s event will be held on Wednesday, August 21st, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Capac Elementary School, organized by the Capac School District.

East China Area will have multiple events which include: all elementary schools on August 28th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Marine City Middle School on Wednesday, August 21st, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and at St. Clair Middle School on Wednesday, August 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., organized by the East China School District.

Free backpacks will include school supplies, with children needing to be present to receive and proof of St. Clair County residency required. 

For more information and all participating schools, contact Blue Water Community Action at (810) 982-8541.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches Initiative To Boost Child Welfare Workforce

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with five public universities to provide financial stipends to social work students who commit to working in under-resourced communities after graduation. 

This initiative, backed by $1.7 million in federal Title IV-E funds, aims to address the critical shortage of child welfare workers in the state. Students will receive $5,000 per semester to support their education in exchange for their future service.

The universities involved include the University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University. These institutions will provide financial support and educational resources to students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in social work, committed to careers in public, private, or tribal child welfare in Michigan.

For more information, email: marlamg@umich.edu. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Biden Exits 2024 Presidential Race Endorses Vice President Harris

President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 race for the White House following a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. Biden’s decision, coming less than four months before the election, has dramatically shifted the political landscape, according to mlive.com.

In a statement, Biden emphasized his intention to serve out the remainder of his term and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Nearly 30 minutes after announcing his exit, Biden threw his support behind Harris. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” he said in another post on X. 

Harris praised Biden’s decision as a “selfless and patriotic act” and pledged to “earn and win” her party’s nomination, vowing to defeat Trump and his “extreme Project 2025 agenda.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Secures $129.1 Million EPA Grant For Renewable Energy Expansion

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan will receive $129.1 million from the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, funded by the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. This investment aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and storage, helping Michigan meet its clean energy standards of 60% renewable energy and 100% clean energy.

“Michigan is committed to leading the future of clean energy to reduce utility costs, create good-paying jobs, and grow our economy,” Whitmer stated. The funds will support the Renewables Ready Communities Program, which incentivizes local renewable energy projects and overcomes siting barriers.

Senator Gary Peters highlighted the impact of this investment on reducing energy costs and safeguarding Michigan’s environment, emphasizing the significance of the Inflation Reduction Act in bolstering the state’s clean energy economy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell