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Local News

Gaming Pioneer And “Father Of Modern Gaming,” Jerry Lawson, Revolutionized Video Game Industry

Gerald “Jerry” Lawson, a groundbreaking Black engineer in Silicon Valley, reshaped the gaming landscape with his ingenious work at Fairchild Camera and Instrument in the 1970s. 

As Director of Engineering and Marketing, Lawson spearheaded the development of the Fairchild Channel F system, the first home video game console featuring interchangeable game cartridges and an eight-way digital joystick. Often hailed as the “father of modern gaming,” Lawson’s innovation laid the groundwork for iconic consoles like Atari and SNES.

In 1980, Lawson founded VideoSoft, a pioneering Black-owned video game development company. Lawson continued to contribute to the gaming industry until his passing on April 9th, 2011, leaving an enduring mark on the evolution of video games.

Recognized for his groundbreaking work on the video game cartridge, the University of Southern California established the Gerald A. Lawson Fund, dedicated to supporting underrepresented students pursuing degrees in game design and computer science.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Second Annual STEM Fest Promises A Day Of Exploration At SC4

On Saturday, March 9th, St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is set to host the second annual STEM Fest, a dynamic showcase of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) wonders. 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the SC4 Fieldhouse, Clara E. Mackenzie Building, and Fine Arts Theatre will come alive with over 100 interactive exhibits and activities. Thanks to generous donations and grants, the event is free to the public. Created by SC4 staff, Michigan Technological University’s Mind Trekkers, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and The Reptarium, these exhibits promise to captivate learners of all ages. 

The newly introduced SC4 Planetarium Experience adds a celestial touch, offering insights into astronomy and constellations. SC4 President Kirk Kramer reflects on last year’s success, expressing anticipation for another impactful event inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

To register, visit: sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Showdown At Chilly Fest 2024: Winners Crowned In Epic Chili Cook-Off Battle

In a spicy showdown at Chilly Fest 2024, in Downtown Port Huron, local businesses clashed at the Chili Cook-Off this weekend, leaving taste buds tingling and attendees craving more. 

The coveted People’s Choice award went to Smoke On The Water BBQ & Catering, winning the hearts (and palates) of festival-goers. Meanwhile, the Judges’ Choice honor was claimed by What The Fry, impressing judges by scoring high in aroma, color, consistency, taste, and aftertaste.

Special recognition goes to all who entered to turn up the heat by supplying the event with their delicious dishes. Schwem’s Rubber Stamp & Trophy crafted unique trophies, ensuring the winners’ legacy is engraved year after year. A big congratulations to all contestants, making Chilly Fest 2024 a big success.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

FDA Issues Warning Against South Moon, Rebright, And FivFivGo Eye Drops Due To Contamination Risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stern warning, cautioning consumers against purchasing or using South Moon, Rebright, or FivFivGo eye drops due to potential risks of eye infection. These unauthorized products are copycats easily mistaken for Bausch + Lomb’s approved over-the-counter Lumify eye drops for redness relief.

Not only are South Moon, Rebright, and FivFivGo unapproved drugs, but they also falsely claim to treat serious eye conditions like glaucoma, which typically requires prescription drugs or surgery. FDA testing revealed that South Moon eye drops were contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia complex, posing a risk of antibiotic-resistant infection. While Rebright testing showed no contamination, the FDA advises against its use. 

The origin of these products remains unclear, prompting ongoing FDA investigations, and consumers are urged to discard these potentially harmful eye drops immediately.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Unveils “Launch Into Kindergarten” Theme For Annual Kindergarten Round-Up

Port Huron Schools are preparing for their much-anticipated annual Kindergarten Round-Up with this year’s theme being “Launch Into Kindergarten.” 

Parents are encouraged to RSVP through their child’s home school or the district administration building to ensure a personalized “goodie bag” for their little ones. The bags include student t-shirts, book giveaways, and a parent packet outlining what to expect.  Alongside these treats, many locations will provide attending students with their first-ever bus ride experience. 

Digital enrollment is available now on the PHASD website under Enrollment. Children turning five on or before September 1st, are eligible. Parents should bring the child’s original birth certificate, two proofs of residency, and vaccination records to complete enrollment.

For more information, visit: phasd.us.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

NIH Study Reveals Promising Neural Changes In Unmedicated Children With Anxiety Disorders Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), particularly the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the neural intricacies of anxiety disorders in children. 

The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, uncovered overactivation in various brain regions, including the frontal and parietal lobes, along with the amygdala, among unmedicated children with anxiety disorders. Remarkably, the research demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) not only alleviated clinical symptoms but also induced positive changes in brain functioning.

This discovery suggests that the brain changes induced by CBT could serve as reliable neural markers for anxiety treatment, shedding light on the acute effects of this widely used therapeutic approach.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell