Michigan residents have reported an increase in robocall scams, which often target seniors and other vulnerable consumers.

The Senate passed bipartisan legislation that would strengthen consumer protections and empower the attorney general to crack down on harmful spammers who violate the law.

Senate Bills 351-355 would:

Beginning with the Feb. 11 meeting, the Department of Natural Resources will livestream all Natural Resources Commission meetings to improve public access and transparency about the decisions being made at each meeting.

The commission meets monthly in Lansing or other locations around the state. The Feb. 11 meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Rooms M119-121 on the West Campus of Lansing Community College.

The livestream will be available via Zoom webinar. Follow this link to join the meeting and use the passcode 516320.

Please contact the DNR at 517-284-6367 or NRC@Michigan.gov for more information or to provide feedback about your livestream experience.

Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend will be held Feb. 14-15. For these two days, fishing license fees are waived, and vehicles may enter state parks and boating access sites without a Recreation Passport.

Residents and out-of-state visitors can fish for all species on inland lakes and the Great Lakes. All fishing regulations still apply.

The DNR also offers online resources, including ice fishing safety tips, regional fishing maps and weekly fishing reports with up-to-date conditions around the state.

Prolonged below-freezing temperatures have increased the use of fuel-burning equipment, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Each year, approximately 34 people in Michigan die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning and hundreds more seek emergency treatment. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected.

The best defense against carbon monoxide poisoning is installing CO detectors with battery backup on every level of a home, with batteries replaced every six months. Anyone who suspects carbon monoxide exposure should call 911 immediately.

During the month of February, the American Heart Association is challenging all of us to be prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies.

In many cases, the first person to respond is a bystander. Promptly calling 911, performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator can save lives.

For those interested, CPR training is widely available through the American Heart Association, including in-person and online options.  In a medical emergency, seconds matter, and being prepared could save someone’s life.

Friday, Feb. 6, was National Wear Red Day, which serves annually as a reminder that heart disease is the number one cause of death for women and to spread knowledge of the symptoms and warning signs.

Wear Red Day is a critical part of American Heart Month, which overall focuses on improving the lives of all Americans suffering from heart disease, or those at risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Watch the video below or visit the American Heart Association’s website for more information and additional resources to share with friends and family.