marysville

T-Mobile Implements Stricter Measures Against A2P Traffic Violations With New Fines Starting January 1st

Commencing January 1st, 2024, T-Mobile is set to enforce three new fines for non-compliant Application-to-Person (A2P) traffic leading to Severity-0 violations, the most severe form of consumer harm. 

The fines, applicable to all A2P products utilizing T-Mobile’s network, are structured as follows: Tier 1 – $2,000 for offenses like phishing and social engineering; Tier 2 – $1,000 for illegal content, encompassing substances like Cannabis and solicitations; and Tier 3 – $500 for various violations, including but not limited to SHAFT, which is Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco. 

The move underscores T-Mobile’s commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant messaging environment, reinforcing penalties for severe violations.

For more information, refer to Section 5 in the T-Mobile Code of Conduct.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Area Transportation Commission Offers Free Rides On New Year’s Eve To Curb Drunk Driving Risks

In a move to enhance public safety during the New Year’s Eve festivities, the Blue Water Area Transportation Commission (BWAT) has announced free ride services for residents. 

From 6:30 p.m. on December 31st to 2:30 a.m. on January 1st, BWAT will be offering complimentary transportation to individuals in Port Huron, Marysville, Fort Gratiot, Port Huron, and Burtchville townships. The initiative aims to reduce the likelihood of drunk driving accidents over the holiday period. 

To streamline the process, the commission urges residents to schedule their rides in advance, enabling them to allocate resources effectively. This thoughtful initiative reflects BWAT’s commitment to promoting a safe and responsible environment for the community’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sad News For Those Dreaming Of A White Christmas, Mild Holiday Temperatures May Prevent Michiganders From Seeing Snow

In a surprising turn of events, Michigan residents are in for an unusually warm Christmas this year, with no signs of the traditional white landscape. 

Bucking the trend of chilly winters, temperatures are expected to soar, deviating significantly from the norm. Typically, cities like Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Flint, and Detroit experience an average high of 34 degrees on Christmas Day, while Saginaw and Bay City hover around 33 degrees. 

However, this Christmas will defy expectations, as the temperature is predicted to rise by a staggering 20 degrees above the usual highs. The warmth extends beyond the holiday itself, as the days leading up to Christmas are also set to be milder than what we are used to here. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we can always wish for a Christmas miracle.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Apple Races Against Time To Salvage $17 Billion Smartwatch Business Facing U.S. Ban

As a U.S. ban looms just days away, Apple Inc. is undertaking an urgent rescue mission for its $17 billion smartwatch business. The impending ban, slated to hit on Christmas, stems from a dispute with Masimo Corp. over alleged patent infringement related to the smartwatch’s blood oxygen level measurement feature according to Time.com. 

Apple engineers are intensively reworking algorithms to address the contested technology, modifying how it calculates oxygen saturation and presents data to users. This high-stakes engineering effort, unprecedented for Apple, could severely impact one of its major revenue streams domestically. 

Unless the White House intervenes before December 25th, an International Trade Commission ban will take effect. While settlement with Masimo is an option, Apple is presently focused on technological modifications and seeking regulatory approval.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Tesla Recalls Over 2 Million Vehicles In U.S., Unveils Crucial Autopilot Update After Safety Investigation

In a significant move, Tesla has initiated a recall of more than 2 million vehicles in the United States, aiming to rectify a defective system associated with the Autopilot feature. 

According to documents released by U.S. safety regulators, the software update intends to enhance warnings, alerts, and restrict the operational areas for basic Autopilot versions. This action follows a rigorous two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, prompted by a series of accidents during Autopilot use, some of which proved fatal.

Critics argue that Tesla’s automated systems struggle with identifying and avoiding obstacles, suggesting the update might not address the core issue. The recall encompasses models Y, S, 3, and X produced between October 5th, 2012, and December 7th, 2023, with the update rollout commencing this week.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Accelerates Distribution Of $1 Billion In Tax Cuts: Michigan Families To Receive Working Families Tax Credit Checks Early

In a bold move to provide economic relief, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that Michigan families will receive Working Families Tax Credit checks earlier than expected, starting February 13th, 2024. Over 700,000 households will benefit from the accelerated distribution, putting an average of $550 back into the pockets of Michiganders. These checks are part of the $1 billion in tax cuts signed into law by the governor earlier this year.

Governor Whitmer signed legislation in March, increasing the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit match to 30%, up from 6%. However, the distribution faced delays when Republican lawmakers blocked a procedural vote, pushing back the tax credit for a full year. 

The governor urged eligible Michiganders to apply for the expanded tax credit this year, emphasizing the possibility of receiving both the additional Working Families Tax Credit check from their 2022 tax return and the full 30% tax credit on their 2023 filing next year.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell