Highlights of Gov. Whitmer’s road funding plan
|
|
|
|
Kolodin first talks briefly about federal grants the state and 
Talking about the governor’s road-funding plan, Kolodin explains how removing the sales tax on fuel, which does not fund roads and bridges, would allow for every penny drivers spend at the pump to go toward road repairs.
|
DNR urges weekend snowmobile safety
 |
||||
DNR News |
||||
|
With many people taking advantage of Presidents Day – a federal and state holiday in Michigan – to enjoy a three-day weekend and bountiful snowmobile conditions, the Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to “Ride Right” and put safety first.
Top January Consumer Alerts
|
|
Consumer Alerts
Here are the top January Consumer Alerts you should be aware of:
Free Credit Reports: What Consumers Should Know
Your credit report is a financial snapshot used by lenders, employers, and service providers. Regularly check reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for accuracy and signs of identity theft. Understand the difference between credit reports and scores to better manage your financial health.
Travel Club Memberships
Beware of “free vacation” offers that require attending a high-pressure travel club sales pitch. Memberships often come with hidden fees, limited availability, and unfulfilled promises. Michigan law provides some protections, including a three-day cancellation period. Always read contracts carefully, verify discounts, and research companies before committing to any offer.
Health Club Memberships – Lose Weight, Not Money
Before joining a fitness center, carefully review contracts to avoid misleading sales tactics, unexpected fees, and cancellation issues. Be cautious of “free” trials, long-term commitments, and financially unstable gyms. Always get promises in writing, verify policies, and research the business. Stay informed to protect your wallet and membership rights.
Online Ticket Purchasing
When buying tickets online, watch out for frauds, counterfeit sales, and hidden costs. Use safe payment methods, buy only from reliable websites, and confirm the legitimacy of your tickets. Steer clear of dubious transactions and request refunds from the merchant or your bank if the event is canceled.
QR Code Hijacking
QR codes are convenient but can be exploited by scammers in “quishing” scams. Fraudulent codes can steal personal data, install malware, or hijack accounts. Avoid scanning unknown or codes that appear to have been tampered with. Verify URLs and use secure QR scanner apps.
Disaster Relief and Charity Scams
Disaster scammers exploit tragedies by posing as fake charities to steal donations and personal data. To donate safely, give to well-known organizations, avoid social media ads and high-pressure tactics, and never pay by wire transfer or gift card. Always verify charities, donate through official websites, and request receipts.
Phishing Scams
Phishing is a cyberattack where scammers pose as trusted sources to steal data or money. Tactics include fake emails, texts, and websites. Warning signs include urgency, poor grammar, and suspicious links. Never click unknown links or share personal info.
Text Message Scams: Smishing
Smishing is a scam where fraudsters send fake texts posing as trusted companies to steal personal info or install malware. Common scams include fake delivery notices and bank fraud alerts. Never click unknown links or share sensitive data.
Auto Extended Warranties
Auto extended warranties are not real warranties—they are service contracts that cost extra and may have limited coverage. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to sell them. Always research before buying, read the contract carefully, and check for complaints.
Card Skimming and Shimming
Skimming and shimming are scams that steal debit and credit card data from ATMs and payment terminals. Skimmers capture magnetic strip data, while shimmers steal chip information. Protect yourself: use cash, check your statements, avoid stand-alone ATMs, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent unauthorized access.
After the Disaster Scams
After disasters, scammers exploit victims through imposter scams, price gouging, fake contractors, FEMA fraud, and flood-damaged vehicle sales. Protect yourself by verifying identities, researching contractors and charities, checking vehicle history, and reporting fraud. Remain cautious and informed to avoid being scammed during emergencies.
Prescription Drugs – How to Safely Save Money
To save money on prescription drugs, use discount programs, compare costs, and look for trustworthy online pharmacies. Pharmacies are required under Michigan law to provide prices upon request. Manufacturer coupons and discount cards have limitations, so use them with caution. Always do your homework to make sure you’re buying medications safely and affordably.
Keep Animals Safe this Valentine’s Day Holiday
 |
| For immediate release: February 11, 2025
Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734 MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Safe this Valentine’s Day HolidayShare the love this holiday by keeping animals happy and healthy LANSING, MI—As Michiganders prepare to celebrate this Valentine’s Day, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) would like to remind owners of some of the best ways to share the love by keeping their animals healthy and safe. “One of the best ways to show our pets some love this holiday is to make sure they don’t have any additional stress or discomfort,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From ensuring they are fully vaccinated to making sure they don’t eat any unsafe treats, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals healthy this Valentine’s Day.” Keep animals safe this holiday by following these five easy tips:
While it may be tempting to share a sweet treat with your animals, they cannot enjoy all the same foods we do. Any type of chocolate or treat sweetened with xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to animals. Instead of these sweets, stick to their normal treats.
Gift wrap, ribbons, and balloons can make a celebration special, but they can also catch the eye of our pets. If consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure these items are out of their reach, along with candles as curious paws and excited tails should not be near an open-flame unsupervised.
Whether flowers and plants are given as a gift or used as a decoration, not all of these plants are safe for your animals. Flowers with thorns (like roses) can cause injury if bitten, swallowed, or stepped on; and certain floral varieties (like lilies, chrysanthemums, and tulips) can be dangerous for pets if they are ingested. Keep these items away from pets and make arrangements with plants that are not toxic to animals.
Healthy animals begin with setting healthy boundaries. Make sure your animals do not have contact with wildlife or other animals of unknown health status, drink from puddles or other open sources of water, or ingest items you have not given them. Also, vaccinations are central to animals’ preventative care as the vaccines can protect them against common diseases, such as rabies and distemper. Contact your veterinarian to ensure your animals’ vaccinations are complete and/or to schedule an appointment.
Not every animal has someone to be their Valentine as many are waiting at one of Michigan’s 212 registered animal shelters for their fur-ever home. When generous Michiganders check the Animal Welfare Fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, on their state tax returns, one hundred percent of the contributions go directly to these shelters to help them better care for local animals and support their broader community. Consider donating to the fund to keep the good going by continuing to protect local animals and increasing their chances of adoption into a loving home. These tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy throughout the holiday. If there are ever any concerns about your animals’ health now or throughout the year, please talk to your veterinarian. |
AG Warns Consumers of Missed Jury Duty Scam
|
|
|