PHONE

Residents in Macomb County now have to pay a monthly 911 surcharge of 42 cents per device through 2024.

Just take a moment and think about how technology has changed your life - your phone, your TV, even food delivered right to your door - that’s what we are talking about today on What’s The Buzz.

A new mobile app launched by WAVE and MUVE aims to provide Washtenaw County residents with more robust transit options.

It’s something many people are familiar with -- sitting on hold, waiting to talk to customer service.

This charger + lamp + night light is $23 in our Cyber Week Sale.

Protect your iPhone 13 and give it more power with this durable battery case.

This portable power bank will give your phone a full charge in 35 minutes.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting a nationwide emergency alert system test this week.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting a nationwide emergency alert system test this week.

Experts are encouraging people to be extra cautious with their cell phones during the holiday weekend.

AT&T service is not working, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

Extend your photo capabilities with this selfie stick

The increased threat of identity theft is why experts are urging people to clean up their devices to protect their personal information.

It’s the clutter you might never think about because you can’t see it. It lives on your phone, your computer, and your tablet. That clutter is gold for some thieves looking to steal your personal information.

The rollout of a new phone number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will affect certain Michigan telephone users.

Ariah Schugat recently came to the Ann Arbor area and experienced these challenges. With restaurants, cafes and the Ann Arbor District Libraries closed, the pack helped keep her phone charged and, in turn, connected with those who could help. When asked why she started the project, Schugat said she wanted to spread kindness, since it is ultimately what got her off the streets. “The need is far greater than just the phone kits. Every time they come out (of jail), they’re two steps further back.”With plans to expand the project, Schugat said more funding is needed.

BRUSSELS – European Union lawmakers on Wednesday voted in favor of a “right to disconnect” from the internet and email, with around one third of people now working from home across the 27-nation bloc due in large part to coronavirus restrictions. “The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way we work and we must update our rules to catch up with the new reality,” said Maltese Socialist lawmaker Alex Agius Saliba, who led work on the resolution. The resolution, which is non-binding, was passed by 31 votes to 6 against, with 18 abstentions in the European Parliament’s Employment Committee. It must still have to be rubber stamped by the full house, then submitted to the commission and national EU governments for possible endorsement. They say home workers should be able to disconnect without facing repercussions from their employers.

Michigan health officials are asking residents to pick up the phone, because it could be information related to COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, local health departments and staff from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are reaching out to Michiganders who have tested positive as well as to the contacts of those individuals. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently issued a reminder to residents to be on alert for scammers spoofing numbers from local health departments. Local health departments and MDHHS will not:Offer medication for treatment or prevention of COVID-19. If you are concerned about a call you received from a local health department or MDHHS, please contact the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136.

DETROIT – Michigan health officials are asking residents to pick up the phone, because it could be information related to COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, local health departments and staff from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are reaching out to Michiganders who have tested positive as well as to the contacts of those individuals. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently issued a reminder to residents to be on alert for scammers spoofing numbers from local health departments. MDHHS wants residents to be aware of how to determine a scam call from a legitimate call from the health department. Local health departments and MDHHS will not:Offer medication for treatment or prevention of COVID-19.

Hank Winchester is Local 4's Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV's "Help Me Hank" Consumer Unit. He works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off metro Detroiters.