The Origin Of Groundhog Day And Its Significance To The Onset Of Spring

Today America celebrates its quirky tradition which falls on February 2nd each year, Groundhog Day. While not a federal holiday, the nation turns its attention to Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the renowned groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, will make his annual prediction. 

Festivities commence at 3 a.m., offering free entry for spectators, with the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club hosting talent shows, banquets, and performances surrounding the much-awaited announcement. 

Groundhog Day, rooted in the Christian holiday Candlemas, aligns with the midway point between winter solstice and spring equinox. The age-old tradition, dating back to February 2nd, 1887, continues to captivate Americans as they eagerly await Phil’s weather forecast – six more weeks of winter or the promise of an early spring.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Beginnings Theatre Takes Center Stage With ‘I Remember When’ A Stirring Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In a captivating showcase of historical significance, New Beginnings Theatre is set to present “I Remember When” on Tuesday, February 20th, at 6:00 PM in the St. Clair County Community College Fine Arts Building located at 323 Erie Street, Port Huron. 

This moving stage play unfolds a series of riveting vignettes delving into factual and impactful occurrences from history. The dramatized scenes aim to extract and portray pivotal moments that reshaped the narrative for African Americans, creating a paradigm shift in the nation. 

The performance promises to elicit a profound emotional response, echoing the sounds of hope and victory, as it pays homage to the iconic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Attendees can anticipate reliving history through a lens that combines passion, emotion, and celebration.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Gears Up For 22nd Annual Earth Fair: Call For Exhibitors, Scholarships, And Green Guardians

As the 22nd Earth Fair approaches, St. Clair County invites exhibitors, educators, and eco-enthusiasts to join the celebration of Earth Day at Goodells County Park on April 26th (9a.m.-4p.m.) and April 27th (10a.m.-4p.m.). Earth Day emphasizes a focus on environmental causes, products, or services that educate and inspire guests to become a better steward of the planet. 

Online applications for exhibitors are available at EarthDayFair.com, the Earth Fair committee encourages early registration, with applications due by March 15th. On April 26th, the fair will host  students, teachers, and parents, fostering environmental education through hands-on activities.

Exciting additions this year include the Emerging Environmentalist Scholarship, offering $1000 awards to graduating seniors pursuing environmental careers. Additionally, the Green Guardian awards recognize individuals, businesses, groups, and schools making significant environmental contributions, with cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1000.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Hunter Hospitality House Unveils ‘Hope Blooms’ Annual Fundraising Dinner For A Night Of Music, Dining, And Giving Back

Port Huron’s Hunter Hospitality House is excited to announce the details of its highly anticipated annual fundraising event, “Hope Blooms,” scheduled for April 25th, at the scenic Blue Water Convention Center. Attendees will indulge in a delectable dinner by Chef Mike’s Catering, accompanied by the uplifting tunes of Jimmy DeHeno and the “Still Running” duo, Jenna Reed and Mike Mercatante.

The evening promises excitement with fundraising opportunities, including a $1000 cash drawing, remarkable raffle items, a silent auction, and delightful cupcakes by Peace of Cake. The event’s deeper purpose lies in supporting Hunter Hospitality House’s mission of providing free lodging and amenities to families of hospitalized patients, outpatient individuals, and those needing accommodation before surgery.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering businesses and individuals a chance to align with the cause and enjoy benefits like complimentary tickets and prominent advertising exposure.

For more information, visit: hunterhospitalityhouse.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

US States Use Anti-Boycott Laws To Penalize Companies Refusing Business With Israeli Settlements

Human Rights Watch revealed that over 250 million Americans, constituting 78% of the population, reside in states wielding anti-boycott laws targeting businesses opposing illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. 

The organization identified 27 states enforcing laws or policies penalizing entities supporting boycotts against Israel. Notably, 17 states, which include Michigan, explicitly extend these measures to companies abstaining from business in Israeli settlements. 

Even in states without explicit settlement provisions, businesses are facing penalties for severing ties with settlements. Andrea Prasow, Deputy US Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the trend, stating, “States with anti-boycott laws are effectively telling companies that if you do the right thing and disentangle yourselves from settlement abuses, you can’t do business with us.” Prasow emphasized the need for states to encourage, rather than sanction, companies avoiding contributions to rights abuses.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Toyota And General Motors Issue Urgent Warning: Owners Of 61,000 Older Models Urged To Stop Driving Due To Airbag Risk

In a joint advisory, Toyota and General Motors have issued an urgent warning to owners of approximately 61,000 older Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, and Pontiac Vibe models, urging them to cease driving immediately. 

The advisory, issued on Monday, specifically targets certain Corolla compact cars and Matrix hatchbacks from 2003 and 2004, RAV4 small SUVs from 2004 and 2005, and around 11,000 Pontiac Vibes from 2003 and 2004, produced at the same California factory as the Matrix. 

The concern revolves around Takata airbag inflators that pose a risk of exploding and projecting shrapnel upon deployment. Toyota emphasized the potential for serious injury or death to both drivers and passengers if the airbag deploys under these circumstances.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell