Good morning, Sterling Heights.

Families and small businesses struggling with rising electric bills after last month's heat wave now face a proposed nearly 10% increase from DTE; utility assistance remains unavailable until October (funding has run out) and many have been forced onto payment plans.

State lawmakers are proposing House Bills 6151 and 6152 to curb loud, modified vehicles on highways including Woodward, with fines of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second.

Royal Oak Police support the measure, which would use bodycam recordings for enforcement (eliminating the need for in-car inspections).

The American Red Cross reports a 25% drop in blood supplies nationwide including Southeast Michigan — local blood drives now depend on both regular and new donors to meet the summer shortfall.

Health officials reported that cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan reached 2,640 on July 13 and urged Sterling Heights residents to wash produce thoroughly + cook foods to lower the risk of infection.