local news

Elite Feet’s 10th Annual Brooks Bash Promises Fun, Freebies, And Fantastic Deals

Join Elite Feet Running Store for their 10th Annual Brooks Bash, a two-day celebration on Friday, June 28th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 29th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Located at 327 Huron Ave in Downtown Port Huron, Elite Feet invites the community to a weekend filled with fun activities, special offers, and exclusive deals.

Spend $175 or more and receive a complimentary pair of Spenco sandals or flip flops. Purchase any Brooks shoes and get free Brooks swag. Meet knowledgeable Brooks Representatives for personalized assistance and try on demo shoes during a demo run. 

Don’t miss out on closeout sales on all brands, including apparel and accessories. Celebrate your passion for running in style with Brooks and Elite Feet!

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Rite Aid Closes 27 More Locations Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Shutdowns

The pharmaceutical industry is currently suffering, with major chain Rite Aid set to close 27 more stores, including 12 in Michigan and 15 in Ohio, as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. This move follows the company’s earlier closures, which included 19 stores in Michigan last year. Rite Aid’s bankruptcy filing listed $8.6 billion in debts against $7.6 billion in assets.

The closures reflect a broader trend in the industry, with more than 7,000 U.S. pharmacies shutting down since 2019, as reported by University of Pittsburgh researcher Lucas Berenbrok. Notably, 54% of these closures were independent drugstores. 

Other major chains are also scaling back, CVS closed around 600 locations at the end of 2023 and Walgreens set to shutter over 150 stores this year. 

Source: apnews.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Unemployment Rate Drops Below National Average

Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated Michigan’s unemployment rate falling below the national average in May. The state’s rate of 3.9% marks the first time it has been lower than the national rate since May 2023. Whitmer praised the hard work of Michiganders for driving economic growth and community development.

“Michiganders are rolling up their sleeves and working hard,” Whitmer said. She emphasized the need for a balanced budget to address key issues, bolster economic development, and support small businesses.

Michigan’s labor force grew to 5,054,000, with 53,000 new workers in May alone. Payroll jobs increased by 8,000 in May, continuing a four-month growth streak. The leisure and hospitality sector saw the largest job gains, adding 6,000 positions.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Establishes Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2024-4, creating the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to tackle gun violence in the state. This initiative builds on last year’s legislative efforts, including background checks, safe storage laws, and extreme risk protection orders.

“Michiganders deserve to feel safe everywhere,” Whitmer stated. “The new task force aims to reduce gun violence rates and instances, enhancing the safety of our communities.”

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the task force’s role in addressing gun violence through community intervention programs and legislation. The task force, housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, will identify root causes, compile data, and recommend policies.

The group includes diverse stakeholders, such as state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, and tribal representatives. Their mission is to make Michigan safer for all residents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Port Huron To Begin Major Street Resurfacing Project On June 24th

Beginning the week of June 24th, the City of Port Huron will embark on a significant street resurfacing project, impacting several streets. 

The construction will cover 4.3 miles, including Nelson, Carleton, Gordon, Francis, Wells, Miller, 14th, 15th, 16th, Taylor, Botsford, and Locust Streets. Enhancements include new asphalt pavement, select concrete curb and gutter replacements, and ADA-accessible sidewalk ramps. 

Funded by the city’s voter-approved street millage, the project will necessitate street closures to thru traffic. There will be signs and detours posted to guide local traffic. The expected completion date of the project is set for September 13th. Keep these projects in mind on your daily commute through the City of Port Huron.

For further details, contact the Department of Public Works at (810) 984-9730.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Area Braces For Annual Mayfly Swarms

Residents in the Blue Water Area and surrounding communities will soon witness the annual swarms of mayflies, or “fish flies,” especially near and around bright lights. 

Emerging from the water as adults for about two days solely to mate, these harmless insects do not bite or sting. Mayflies spend most of their life as larvae in water, hatching after one to two years. 

Michigan is home to over 100 species of mayflies, which resemble dragonflies with long, thin abdomens that can be gray, yellow, or brown, and range from a quarter inch to just over an inch in length. Residents can expect to see swarms around gas stations, grocery stores, parking lots, and ATMs. With their short life spans they often litter areas with hundreds or thousands of their crunchy corpses that often leave a fishy odor when crushed or stepped on. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell