Loria leaves legacy at Bloomfield Hills

Loria leaves legacy at Bloomfield Hills

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Loria leaves legacy at Bloomfield Hills.

Written Monday December 9th at 6:55 PM

The first ever football coach at Bloomfield Hills has stepped down coaching the program.

Bloomfield Hills coach Dan Loria has stepped down coaching the program. Loria stepped down after the season but the source is now confirmed.

Loria was 42-67 at coach of the Blackhawks. He was at Bloomfield Hills Lahser posting a 72-45 record with the Knights.

Loria went 9-1 twice in 2013 and in 2021 but was 5-22 in the final three years with the Blackhawks.

It will be really interesting to see where Bloomfield Hills goes with their coaching search. Program strength is a concern this offseason.

We’ll see what happens.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Transportation Safety, Keeping Kids Safe at the Bus

Transportation Safety, Keeping Kids Safe at the Bus

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 10, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Promoting Transportation Safety, Keeping Kids Safe at the Bus Stop and Protecting Construction Workers on Site

These bipartisan bills work to keep Michiganders safe on the roads and reduce traffic accidents, saving people time and money

 

LANSING, Mich.  – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed six bipartisan, commonsense bills which will make our roads safer for Michiganders across the state, whether they’re headed to school or clocking in for work. Governor Whitmer also signed a bill honoring Trooper Joel E. Popp who lost his life in the line of duty during a traffic stop. Each of these bills work to uphold transportation safety and reduce crashes, saving Michiganders’ lives, time, and money. Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,416 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.

 

“In Michigan, we’re focused on fixing the damn roads and making sure people are safe as they go to work, drop their kids off at school, and run errands,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to sign this set of commonsense, bipartisan bills that better protect safety on the road and will help us reduce crashes, save lives and put money back in people’s pockets. Whether they’re driving on them or working on them, these bills will make sure that every Michigander is safe on our roads.”

 

House Bills 4132 and 4133, sponsored by state Representative Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) and state Representative Mike Mueller (R-Linden), will work to reduce crashes and protect construction workers by implementing work zone safety cameras in marked areas of the road. Michigan will join 23 other states who currently use this technology that has been proven to reduce speeds and protect construction workers. In 2023 alone, MSP recorded over 8,000 construction work zone-related crashes with 24 fatalities in Michigan. By monitoring speed in our construction zones, this bill will help protect construction workers as they work to “fix the damn roads,” and reduce crashes.

 

“Maintaining Michigan’s roads is vital for our state’s economic development and success,” said state Representative Will Snyder (D-Muskegon), House Bill 4132 sponsor. “In order to accomplish this, we must first ensure that our road workers are safe while doing their jobs. This legislation will help combat speeding and reckless driving in construction zones, which will protect our essential road workers and drivers alike.”

 

“Fixing our road is a top priority in our state,” said state Representative Mike Mueller (R-Linden). “We must protect the workers that are on the front lines making that progress happen.”

 

House Bills 4928, 4929, and 4930, sponsored by state Representative Nate Shannon (D- Sterling Heights) and state Representative Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), will support Michigan schools and our kids’ education by allowing school buses to be equipped with a camera system that will track violations for failure to stop. The bill will allocate the funds raised from these violations to return to school districts and be used for transportation safety. These bills will better enforce the laws that keep children safe as they board and exit school busses, promoting community safety and supporting local school districts.

 

“As a former teacher, student safety matters a great deal to me. Far too many drivers ignore stop signals on school buses — putting children at risk. This legislation gives law enforcement the tools they need to ensure kids’ safe travel to and from school,” said state Representative Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights). “We are sending a strong message by holding drivers accountable — student safety always comes first.”

 

“Riding the bus to school should be a safe and fun experience for our children, plain and simple,” said state Representative Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit). “We’ve worked hard to discourage people from dangerously driving around school buses during the pick-up and drop-off period. We’ve put traffic laws and fines in place and now violators will not only pay fines, but schools will receive a portion of those fines that can be put to use back in the school district. Every step we take to make sure our kids get to and from school safely is a step in the right direction, putting them and their protection first.”

 

House Bill 5717, sponsored by state Representative Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), designates a portion of highway I-75 in Saginaw County as the Trooper Joel E. Popp Memorial Highway. This bill honors the memory of Joel E. Popp, a Michigan State Police Trooper who died in the line of duty while responding to a traffic accident in January 2024.

 

“It is a bittersweet day — it is a day of remembrance and honor. In May, our hometown tragically lost Trooper Joel E. Popp during a traffic stop,” said state Representative Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw). “A portion of I-75 will now bear Popp’s name and recognize him, his work and his dedication as a trooper and as a family man — may he always be remembered.”

 

Bill signing
AG Warns Consumers of Puppy Scams During the Holiday Season

AG Warns Consumers of Puppy Scams During the Holiday Season

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Regional News
Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 10, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Consumers of Puppy Scams During the Holiday Season

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging consumers to be wary of puppy scams as many people seek to purchase or adopt dogs during the holiday season.

Many people enjoy gifting kittens, puppies, and other pets to loved ones during the holidays, which creates an atmosphere ripe for scammers to exploit. Michigan residents in recent years have been tricked into paying for pets that do not exist or have adopted pets with undisclosed health issues, behavioral complications, or falsified medical records. Attorney General Nessel recently launched an investigation into an unknown individual on the pet adoption website RescueMe.org who is accused of misleading Michigan consumers by allegedly falsifying vaccination records for an animal sold through the website.

“While the holidays inspire many to bring in the joy with a furry friend, it’s important consumers exercise caution when searching for a new pet,” Nessel said. “Always thoroughly research any online purchase to ensure you are not the latest victim of a scam.”

In addition to the deceptive practices of advertising puppies that do not exist or charging exorbitant fees, scammers are taking advantage of the holiday season as they use it as a reason to avoid in-person visits and demand additional fees.

Attorney General Nessel released a Public Service Announcement in 2022 with tips to help consumers spot and avoid puppy scams. Consumers should remain hyper-vigilant and use these best practices:

  • Make sure the person you’re gifting the pet to wants the pet and is ready for ownership.
  • Research the breed and breeder.
  • If the breeder claims to have registered the puppy, research the pet.
  • Do not purchase a puppy sight unseen.
  • Arrange for safe transport of the pet.
  • Use a credit card to make the purchase. If it turns out you have been scammed, it is very unlikely you will ever get your money back if you have paid through cash, check, or through platforms like PayPal and Venmo.
  • Retain all documents and communications from the breeder.
  • Consider contacting your local shelter for adoption.

Each year, consumers in the U.S. spend more than $1 billion buying puppies without realizing they may be doing business with scammers, puppy mill operators, or both. Puppy mills are inhumane dog breeding operations that keep dogs in overcrowded and unhealthy conditions and, depending on location, many are not regulated or inspected. Breeders hide their poor conditions by meeting buyers at offsite locations or selling through pet stores or online.

To view all the holiday scam alerts, visit the Department of Attorney General’s website. Michigan consumers who believe they have been a victim of a puppy scam can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
AG Urges Consumers to Look Out for Phishing Attacks this Holiday

AG Urges Consumers to Look Out for Phishing Attacks this Holiday

by | Dec 9, 2024 | Regional News
Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 9, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Urges Consumers to Look Out for Phishing Attacks this Holiday Season

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert on phishing scams to warn residents of ways scammers are conning consumers this holiday season, particularly when it comes to package deliveries.

Scammers may employ various tactics to steal personal information and financial data. Phishing is a cyberattack where a criminal poses as a trusted person/organization to trick potential victims into sharing sensitive data or sending money. Smishing has the same goal but comes in the form of a text message.
USPS Spam Text message

The messages may appear to be from legitimate sources like the USPS or Amazon and contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive information. Oftentimes, the USPS smishing scam alerts the victim to an alleged delayed package and then requires a purchase for updates.

“The increase in online shopping and home deliveries has provided opportunities for criminals to masquerade as delivery companies,” Nessel said. “Clicking on a link in an email or text could take you to a fake site where you will be asked to enter more details to prove your identity or to pay a non-existent fee. Do not reply to any suspicious text or email and be sure to report phishers to the FTC and my Department.”

If consumers receive a suspicious email or text, they should:

  • Not download any attachments in the message. Attachments may contain malware such as viruses, worms, or spyware.
  • Not click links that appear in the message. Links in phishing messages direct consumers to fraudulent websites.
  • Not reply to the sender. Ignore any requests from the sender and do not call any phone numbers provided in the message.

Report it. Forward suspected phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group. Consumers who receive a smishing text message should forward it to SPAM (7726), then report the smishing attack to the FTC.
USPS Scam Text version two

If consumers receive a suspicious phone call that seems to be a phishing attempt, they are advised to:

  • Hang up or end the call. Be aware that area codes can be misleading. If their caller ID displays a local area code, this does not guarantee that the caller is local.
  • Not respond to the caller’s requests. Legitimate companies will never call consumers to request personal information. Never give personal information to the incoming caller.

Victims of a scam can file a complaint by contacting the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
AG Urges Caution to Avoid Travel Scams During the Holidays

AG Urges Caution to Avoid Travel Scams During the Holidays

by | Dec 6, 2024 | Regional News

 
Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 6, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Attorney General Dana Nessel Urges Caution to Avoid Travel Scams During the Holidays

LANSING – As part of her ongoing Holiday Scams Campaign, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is re-issuing her Travel Tips alert to help consumers avoid falling victim to common travel scams. As many Michiganders plan trips during the holiday season, they should beware of bad actors when booking and taking vacations.

“Traveling should be a time of joy and relaxation, not stress and scams,” said Nessel. “Remaining informed and cautious can help you protect your trip and your wallet. My office is committed to helping Michigan residents stay one step ahead of bad actors this holiday season.”

Whether booking online or through a travel agent, Nessel encourages travelers to:

  • Research agents and booking sites: Verify phone numbers and websites independently rather than relying on web search results. Check reviews, seek personal recommendations and consult the Better Business Bureau as well as the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team for information.
  • Get promises in writing: Request that all agreements be provided in writing, including any special requests or terms.
  • Read contracts carefully: Pay close attention to fine print, fees, and service charges, especially for “all-inclusive” deals. Make copies of all documents to dispute any unexpected fees.
  • Pay with a credit card: Avoid paying for travel with cash, checks, or prepaid cards. Use a credit card, if possible, preferably a designated travel credit card for booking flights, hotels, and other expenses. Credit cards offer better fraud and cancellation protections than other payment methods.

Attorney General Nessel’s alert lists some common travel scams that travelers should avoid, such as:

  • Online Booking Scams: Ensure you are booking directly on the hotel’s official website. Third-party booking sites may charge hidden fees, fail to honor special requests, or even fail to make a reservation altogether.
  • “Pizza Flyer” Scam: Flyers slipped under hotel doors that advertise local food delivery may be fraudulent. When ordering, never give your credit card information to unknown sources.
  • Fake Front Desk Calls: Scammers may call your hotel room claiming to be from the front desk and request your credit card information due to a “computer glitch.” Always verify by calling the front desk directly.
  • Bait-and-Switch Tactics: Be wary of offers with unrealistically low prices that result in additional charges or pressure to buy more expensive services.

For additional resources, visit Pure Michigan for travel tips within the state. The Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. State Department also provide valuable information for domestic and international travelers.

If you believe you have been a victim of a travel scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
Flags lowered for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 

Flags lowered for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 

by | Dec 6, 2024 | Regional News

Office of the Governor (no photo)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 6, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags in Observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, December 7, 2024, to honor and remember the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

 

“Today, we remember the courage and bravery of our fellow Americans at Pearl Harbor and the more than 600,000 Michiganders who served in uniform during World War II,” said Governor Whitmer. “This Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor those who sacrificed their lives to fight for our freedoms and recommit ourselves to moving forward together, no matter the challenges we face.”

 

The State of Michigan observes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday, December 8, 2024.