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St. Clair County Sheriff Warns Community Of Bitcoin Scam Posing As Law Enforcement

Sheriff Mat King is alerting St. Clair County residents about a scam involving a local 810 number impersonating law enforcement. 

The scammer, claiming to be “Deputy Mark Williams” or “Lt. McMillan,” informs victims that they have outstanding warrants and must pay via a Bitcoin kiosk to avoid arrest. The caller uses official-sounding language and local names to appear legitimate, and the voicemail mimics that of the St Clair County’s Sheriff’s Office.

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that it will never contact individuals about warrants or demand payments, especially via Bitcoin or gift cards. Residents are urged to be cautious when answering unfamiliar calls and to avoid sharing personal information. If you receive a suspicious call, do not send money—contact the Sheriff’s Office at 810-987-1700 to verify its legitimacy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan’s STEAM Ahead Program Breaks Records, Doubling Internship Participation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) rebranded “STEAM Ahead” program is setting new records, funding over 570 summer internships in the first half of 2024 alone. This achievement more than doubles the program’s previous best semester in 2022, when 272 internships were funded. 

Originally launched as the STEM Forward initiative in 2021, the program was rebranded earlier this year to better incorporate roles that blend arts with science, technology, engineering, and math, such as front-end web development and industrial design. The revamped program offers increased financial incentives and a streamlined employer-reimbursement structure, attracting a growing number of participants. 

MEDC’s STEAM Ahead initiative is part of a broader effort to support Michigan’s priority industries, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring a robust talent pipeline for the state’s future. Companies interested in participating can submit funding requests for fall 2024 internships beginning Aug. 12.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MiABLE Celebrates First National ABLE Savings Day With $100 Match Offer

In celebration of the inaugural national ABLE Savings Day on Aug. 14, MiABLE is offering a $100 match to those who open eligible disability savings accounts during August. MiABLE, part of Michigan’s disability savings program, empowers individuals with disabilities to save for the future without jeopardizing government assistance.

“We are proud to have been among the earliest states to establish access to ABLE accounts as life-changing financial empowerment tools,” said R. Scott de Varona, MiABLE program director.

The national ABLE Savings Day encourages people to share their experiences and highlights the importance of these accounts. Despite 500,000 eligible individuals in Michigan, only about 1% have enrolled. To learn more, three national webinars are being offered this month to educate the public about ABLE accounts.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association Of St. Clair County Gears Up For 5K Run & Walk

The Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association of St. Clair County is set to host its annual 5K Run & Walk on Sept. 21, at Kiefer Park in Port Huron. 

This event, a staple in the community’s efforts to raise awareness and funds, kicks off with registration at 8 a.m. The run begins at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 9:15 a.m. Registration fees range from $20 to $35, with special rates available for children and early registrants. Participants can choose to forgo a t-shirt for a reduced fee. 

The funds raised will provide crucial support to local caregivers through the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association (DAA) Respite Grant and Educational Speaker Series. Additionally, a portion will help fund ongoing research at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center. 

For more information and to register, visit: DAASCC.org or call (810) 990-9558.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan AG Dana Nessel Warns Residents To Protect Personal Data After McLaren Health Care Cyberattack

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their personal information following a cyberattack on McLaren Health Care. 

The breach, reported on Aug. 6, has disrupted the healthcare provider’s IT systems, raising concerns about the exposure of sensitive data. While McLaren assures the public that its facilities remain “largely operational,” Nessel warns that cybercriminals may have accessed private information.

Nessel highlights the importance of monitoring for signs of identity theft, such as unexpected medical bills, errors in insurance statements, and unrecognized debt collections. She emphasized the lack of Michigan state laws requiring notification of significant data breaches, leaving many consumers vulnerable. 

Nessel advises residents to consult her office’s consumer alert at Data Breaches: What to Do Next for guidance on responding to data breaches and protecting personal information.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

U.S. House Advances Legislation Targeting Chinese-Made DJI Drones Over National Security Concerns

The U.S. House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward banning drones manufactured by China’s DJI, pushing the legislation closer to becoming law. This move is part of the Countering CCP Drones Act, which was incorporated into the broader National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), according to michiganfarmnews.com. 

The act requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to investigate Chinese drone companies for possible inclusion on the Chinese Military Company list and places DJI on the FCC’s “Covered List,” which restricts the marketing, sale, or operation of newly designated equipment within the United States.

Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who sponsored the bill, stressed the importance of limiting China’s influence in the U.S. drone market and telecommunications infrastructure. Although the ban would not apply to DJI drones purchased before the regulations are enacted, it follows growing concerns over potential security risks posed by Chinese-manufactured drones. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell