St. Clair County

Port Huron’s Sanborn Park Secures $500,000 Boost For Major Upgrades

In a significant development for Port Huron residents, the City proudly announces that Sanborn Park has been awarded a substantial $250,000 grant from the DNR Trust Fund. Coupled with a local match of $250,000, these funds are set to create major changes within the park. 

The allocated budget will be directed towards essential upgrades, including a new boiler at Sanborn Pool, extensive repairs to the parking lot for enhanced accessibility, the addition of new park amenities, and the continuation of trail expansion in Phase 3. 

This success follows a prior DNR grant used for replacing the playscape and expanding trails in Phase 2, illustrating the city’s adept use of park millage funds in conjunction with state resources for community improvement.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Unveils Revamped ‘Water Wonderland’ License Plate And Cutting-Edge IDs For 2024

In an announcement that combines a nod to history and a leap into modern security, the Michigan Department of State reveals the reintroduction of the iconic green and white “Water Wonderland” license plate that pays tribute to the civil rights advancements of 1963. 

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson expressed pride in the tribute to civil rights advancements, as well as excitement in the unveiling of a more secure design for Michigan driver’s licenses and state IDs in 2024. The commemorative license plate and enhanced ID’s, which are aimed at protecting residents from identity theft and fraud, will both debut by the end of January. 

This initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to progress and security, emphasizing equality and justice for all.

For more details, visit: michigan.gov.

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

Michigan Attorney General Issues Warning Amidst Massive Comcast/Xfinity Data Breach

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging vigilance among consumers as a significant data breach affecting Comcast/Xfinity customers nationwide comes to light. The breach, disclosed by Comcast on December 18th, exposed personal information of over 35 million Xfinity customers, including usernames, passwords, and additional sensitive details. 

The intrusion, attributed to hackers exploiting a Citrix software vulnerability, occurred in October. Nessel advises affected customers to promptly change passwords not only on Xfinity accounts but also on other platforms using similar credentials. Comcast is actively notifying customers through multiple channels and has initiated a password reset requirement. 

Nessel’s consumer protection team is prepared to assist Michigan residents facing identity theft consequences. Concerned Xfinity customers can contact Comcast at 888-799-2560 for further information.

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

Breakthrough Arrest Made In 40-Year-Old Cold Case Murder Of St. Clair County Woman

In a significant development, authorities announced Monday morning that an arrest has been made in the decades-old cold case homicide of 21-year-old Karen Umphrey in St. Clair County. 

Douglas Laming, 70, from Fort Gratiot Township, is currently in custody taken by St. Clair County Sheriff’s detectives. Umphrey’s life was tragically cut short in 1980, when her body was discovered in the State Game Area in Beards Hills.

Collaborating with the Michigan State Police and forensic genetic genealogy experts at Othram, investigators unearthed crucial information previously deemed unattainable. Detective work spanning four decades included interviews with individuals connected to both victim and suspect. Laming now faces charges of felony murder, he awaits a court appearance for a probable cause conference on December 26th at the St. Clair County Detention and Intervention Center.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell