by orionontv | May 16, 2025 | Agriculture
| For immediate release: May 15, 2025
Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734
MDARD Advises Consumers and Michigan Food Industry of Potentially Harmful, Unapproved Ingredients in Some Food Products
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reminds consumers to check product labels for unapproved ingredients amid a rise in the availability of foods and dietary supplements containing potentially harmful psychotropic or psychoactive substances.
“Psychoactive or psychotropic substances, when added to foods or dietary supplements and consumed, can affect mental processes like perception, consciousness, cognition or mood and emotions and are not legal to use as food ingredients,” said Tim Slawinski, MDARD Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health director. “Many food products claiming to contain these and similar ingredients may be inaccurately labeled and could produce unexpected or potentially harmful side effects.”
Unapproved ingredients include psychotropic and/or psychoactive mushrooms like psylocibin and A. muscaria, cannabis-based ingredients, non-noble forms of kava, kratom and other potentially harmful ingredients. Potential side effects of consuming these types of unapproved ingredients could include liver toxicity, seizures, elevated blood pressure and heart rates, reduction in motor skills and hallucinations. Foods containing these ingredients are considered adulterated according to the Michigan Food Law and the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (Sec 402(f)(1)(B)). Dietary supplements are defined as food under the Michigan Food Law.
Many consumable products containing these unapproved ingredients have entered the market in recent years. However, these products are unlawful and cannot be legally sold or produced in Michigan or cross state lines. These ingredients have not satisfied the criteria necessary for being listed on the generally recognized as safety (GRAS) list for use. Consumable products containing any form of these unapproved ingredients are suspected of adulteration and therefore are not allowed in the manufacturing, holding, distribution or sale of food in Michigan.
Outside of the marijuana regulations, any substance that will be added to food, drink or animal feed (including dietary supplements) must first be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for that intended use. There is no legal path for manufacturing, selling or holding food products containing other psychoactive or psychotropic food additives in Michigan.
If you have questions, please contact the MDARD Human Food Division at [email protected]. |
by orionontv | May 16, 2025 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench
LANSING, Mich. —Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Judge Aliyah Sabree and Nicole Castka to the Third Circuit Court in Wayne County.
“Today, I am proud to appoint Judge Sabree and Nicole to the bench,” said Governor Whitmer. “Both of these skilled legal professionals bring years of experience to their new roles, where I am confident they will serve the people admirably and uphold the rule of law.”
Third Circuit Court– Wayne County
Honorable Aliyah Sabree currently serves as chief judge pro tem at the 36th District Court in Detroit, where she has served since her appointment to the bench in 2017. Prior to serving on the bench, Judge Sabree worked as an associate general counsel at the Detroit Water and Sewage Department, as a liaison to the City Council at the Detroit Mayor’s Office, and as an Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor.
Hon. Aliyah Sabree earned her Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Youngstown State University.
“It is with extreme gratitude that I accept Governor Whitmer’s appointment to the Third Circuit Court bench,” said Judge Sabree. “I look forward to serving the Wayne County community with dedication and integrity.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term following Judge Charles Hegarty’s decision to vacate this seat. Judge Sabree’s term will commence on June 9, 2025, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.
3rd Circuit Court – Wayne County
Nicole Castka is a sole practitioner focused on criminal defense at the Law Office of Nicole L. Castka, PLLC., in Detroit, which she founded in 2003. Castka is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar Association, the Michigan Association of Justice, Women Lawyers Association, and the Detroit Bar Association. She is also an alumnus of the National Criminal Defense College.
Nicole Castka earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Otterbein College.
“I am so deeply honored and grateful for the trust put forth by Governor Whitmer and her office to give me the opportunity to serve the citizens of Wayne County in a much deeper capacity than I have been able to in my private practice,” said Castka. “I will ensure that all parties appearing before the bench will be treated with dignity and respect and that justice will be upheld.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Mariam Bazzi. Castka’s term will commence on June 30, 2025, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.
by orionontv | May 15, 2025 | Transportation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2025
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MEDIA CONTACT
James Lake
906-250-0993
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Weather delays Mackinac Bridge joint replacement completion
ST. IGNACE, Mich. – Cold, rainy weather early in the season has delayed completion of this year’s work to repave portions of the Mackinac Bridge and replace a modular joint, which will result in extended lane closures.
While contractors have completed replacement of half of the modular joint over Pier 34 on the bridge at the start of the north viaduct span, as well as repair and repaving the southbound lanes of the north viaduct, work continues on replacing the other half of the modular joint on the northbound lanes of the bridge. That work is currently anticipated to be completed by May 29, about a week later than expected.
“We worked with the contractor to ensure that the planned work could be completed prior to the Memorial Day weekend, but poor weather conditions delayed this year’s start of work and the modular joint installation took longer than expected,” said Bridge Director Kim Nowack. “Unfortunately, this means that there will be lane closures in place for the holiday weekend, but crews are working diligently to wrap the project up and get those lanes reopened.”
Weekend traffic peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. often result in traffic backups, even with all toll lanes open. Drivers should consider crossing at off-peak times or prepare for delays.
“While Memorial Day weekend typically marks the seasonal increase in traffic volumes on the bridge, we fortunately did not see backups during last year’s work, and traffic flowed smoothly,” Nowack said. “We hope that will be the case this holiday weekend.”
To ensure the work is completed prior to the seasonal rise in traffic volumes on the bridge, the scope of work for this season was reduced with the goal of reopening all lanes of the bridge before Memorial Day weekend.
Deck repairs and repaving of the remaining sections of the southbound side of the bridge will be scheduled at a later date as a separate project.
Last year, the northbound side of the bridge was repaired and repaved. While scheduled for completion prior to Memorial Day 2024, work and lane closures extended into mid-June.
by orionontv | May 14, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Softball Districts-2025
Written Wednesday March 12th at 3:45 PM
District 17 at Ferndale
FERNDALE vs Redford Thurston
Detroit Mumford vs Detroit Renaissance
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district. Ferndale should play Detroit Renaissance in the district final. Early edge has to be to the Phoenix.
District 21 at Troy
TROY vs ROYAL OAK
TROY ATHENS vs BERKLEY
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is oddly a tough district, anyone can take this district. All four teams have a legit shot of getting to the regional.
District 22 at Romeo
ROCHESTER vs Romeo
ROCHESTER/Romeo vs Utica Eisenhower
ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK
EARLY THOUGHTS: The good news is that Lake Orion is not in the district. Stoney Creek is still loaded despite losing some proven talent. Rochester could be a sleeper. I think the Cougars have the early edge but don’t count out Adams or Romeo.
District 25 at Avondale
AVONDALE vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
GROVES vs SEAHOLM
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a tough district, Bloomfield Hills should be the early favorite but Groves and Seaholm will be there. Avondale is the wildcard. Anyone could win this district.
District 26 at Farmington Hills Mercy
NORTH FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
EARLY THOUGHTS: This has the makings of a North Farmington/Farmington Hills Mercy district finals but even still no one is touching the Marlins.
District 30 at Walled Lake Northern
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Lakeland
Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Northern
EARLY THOUGHTS: West Bloomfield is going to have a really tough time in this district especially if Lakeland and Walled Lake Northern get their way. One of the Bougie Lake schools has the early edge in this district.
District 31 at Oxford
LAKE ORION vs Waterford Kettering
LAKE ORION/Waterford Kettering vs Waterford Mott
CLARKSTON vs OXFORD
EARLY THOUGHTS: Clarkston has a new coaching staff but they have to go through a transition period. Oxford should be improved but this district runs through Dragon Country. I don’t see any of these teams touching Lake Orion.
District 54 at Livonia Clarenceville
Districts will be updated once matches come out.
Livonia Clarenceville
OAK PARK
Detroit Lincoln King
Hazel Park
Redford Union
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district. Livonia Clarenceville is the early favorite with home field. Hazel Park and Detroit Lincoln King Academy could be challengers. Overall not a really strong district as mentioned.
District 56 at TBD
Districts will be updated once matches come out.
HARPER WOODS
Detroit Denby Tech
Detroit Martin Luther King
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a strong district but the MHSAA moved Harper Woods further south into Detroit. The Pioneers could have a really tough time with Detroit Denby Tech who has beaten them earlier in the season. It won’t be easy for Harper Woods.
by orionontv | May 14, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Baseball Districts-2025
Written Wednesday March 12th at 3:55 PM
District 14 at West Bloomfield
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Central
NORTH FARMINGTON vs Walled Lake Western
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks really interesting. West Bloomfield is the favorite to come out of this district because of home field but North Farmington should challenge them.
District 15 at Northville
Northville vs Livonia Stevenson
Northville/Livonia Stevenson vs FARMINGTON
Novi vs Novi Detroit Catholic Central
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a tough district, anyone can win this district. There is a ton of proven teams. It’s too bad one team will come out of this district, this has too much quality programs.
District 23 at Southfield Arts and Tech
FERNDALE vs Detroit Renaissance
FERNDALE/Detroit Renaissance vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Detroit Mumford
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district, when in doubt trust Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit.
District 24 at Groves
GROVES vs Warren Mott
BERKLEY vs ROYAL OAK
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district, three teams have a shot to win this district. I would say Groves is early favorite but Berkley and Royal Oak aren’t that far behind.
District 25 at Seaholm
TROY vs Birmingham Brother Rice
TROY/Birmingham Brother Rice vs SEAHOLM
AVONDALE vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
EARLY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Brother Rice looks to be the favorite with their experience but Seaholm could have a say being at home. Bloomfield Hills is the wildcard. This looks like this is the Warriors district to lose.
District 26 at Utica
TROY ATHENS vs Sterling Heights
TROY ATHENS/Sterling Heights vs Utica
Utica Ford II vs Sterling Heights Stevenson
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district. Utica and Troy Athens look to be the favorites in this district. Sterling Heights Stevenson looks to be the wildcard. This is either an orange and black or red and gold district all over it.
District 30 at Rochester
ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK
ADAMS/STONEY CREEK vs Utica Eisenhower
ROCHESTER vs LAKE ORION
EARLY THOUGHTS: Rochester had a special run last season and will look to repeat but keep an eye on Adams, Stoney Creek, and Lake Orion. All three are more than capable of dethroning the Falcons. This should be a fun district.
District 31 at Oxford
CLARKSTON vs Grand Blanc
CLARKSTON/Grand Blanc vs Holly
OXFORD vs Fenton
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a tough district. Grand Blanc stands out but Oxford and Clarkston could have strong says. Holly and Fenton are both wildcards. The Bobcats are the early favorite.
District 60 at Harper Woods
* This district will be updated once we get the matches.
HARPER WOODS
Detroit Southeastern
Eastpointe
Harper Woods Chandler Park
St. Clair Shores South Lake
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district. St. Clair Shores South Lake looks to be the favorite with Eastpointe not too far off. Harper Woods looks to be the wildcard. This should be a really interesting district.
