local news

Michigan Secures $657 Million For EV Transition

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan has received $657 million from the Department of Energy to upgrade factories for electric vehicle (EV) production, supporting manufacturing jobs and building EV infrastructure. 

This funding is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants for Electrified Vehicles program, promoting American-made hybrid, plug-in, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of this investment in maintaining Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing. 

General Motors will receive $500 million to upgrade the Lansing Grand River Plant, while ZF North America will get $157 million to modernize its Marysville facility, including up to $10 million from a matching grant from the Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund. Whitmer praised the grants for driving economic momentum and enhancing Michigan’s manufacturing legacy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Warns Consumers Of Scams On Amazon Prime Day

With Amazon Prime Day taking place on July 16th and 17th, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel cautions consumers to be wary of scams. “Prime Day offers great deals but also attracts scammers,” Nessel said, advising vigilance and simple precautions for a safe shopping experience.

Tips to Avoid Scams:

Prepare: Make a shopping list and set a budget.
Verify: Confirm models and items before buying.
Check Policies: Review return policies.
Compare Prices: Use competitors’ sites.
Watch for Fake Reviews: Research products and sellers, check reviews on other sites, and focus on verified reviews.
Avoid Phishing: Verify emails and texts by logging in directly on Amazon’s official website, and report suspicious messages.
Beware of Spoofing: Ensure websites start with “https://” and include “amazon.com”.
Fake Customer Support: Don’t share personal info with unsolicited callers. Report impersonators to Amazon and Michigan’s Robocall Crackdown Team.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Sheriff Launches Innovative Smartphone App

St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King is thrilled to unveil a new custom smartphone app, enhancing connectivity between the Sheriff’s Office and the community. The app offers a streamlined platform for residents and visitors to access Sheriff resources, read news, and provide feedback. 

Developed by TheSheriffApp.com, the app underscores the importance of modern technology in public safety. “With over 80 percent of Americans using smartphones, this app allows us to better inform and serve our citizens,” said OCV Partner Kevin Cummings. Sheriff King emphasized his commitment to innovation, stating, “The community deserves the same advanced tools our employees use.” The app is now available for free download in the App Store and Google Play. 

You can also find the app by clicking this link.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

AG Dana Nessel Warns Michigan Residents Of Scams Amid Hurricane Beryl Flooding

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to stay vigilant against scammers targeting those affected by the heavy rains from Hurricane Beryl. The storm has flooded communities, damaged homes, and left thousands without power.

“Education and awareness are the best tools we have to fight against bad actors looking to take advantage of those experiencing hardship,” Nessel stated. She encouraged reporting suspected fraud to her office.

Residents should avoid flooded areas, adhere to barricades, and follow detours. The MIREADY website provides storm recovery tips.

Nessel re-issued alerts on Michigan’s towing laws, buying flood-damaged vehicles, and researching home repair contractors to avoid scams. She advised taking time to assess damage, contacting insurance agents, and thoroughly vetting contractors before making any payments.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

State Rep. Jaime Greene Condemns State Budget Cuts To School Safety And Mental Health Funding

State Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, criticized the new state budget, highlighting its severe impact on local school districts due to significant cuts in school safety and mental health funding. The budget slashes per-pupil school safety grants by 92%, reducing the funds to $26.5 million after a $300 million cut.

“As a mom, seeing these reckless cuts and thinking about how they will affect the safety and well-being of our kids is absolutely infuriating,” Greene said.

Utica Community Schools is set to lose over $5 million, with Oxford and Romeo losing more than $1 million each. Other districts face losses in the hundreds of thousands, impacting their ability to maintain safety measures and provide mental health support.

The Michigan Education Association called for supplemental funding to address these cuts, emphasizing the need for safe learning environments.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

E. Coli Contamination Closes Chrysler And Holland Beaches In St. Clair County

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Chrysler Beach in Marysville and Holland Beach in Port Huron due to elevated E. coli levels. The beaches will remain closed until water samples show acceptable E. coli levels, as advised by the State of Michigan.

E. coli, a common microbe in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, indicates fecal contamination. Elevated levels often follow storms or strong winds, which carry bacteria in stormwater runoff and stir it up from waves.

Advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches are available on the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the Michigan BeachGuard website at egle.state.mi.us/beach. 

For more information, visit: scchealth.co or contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell