environment

Toyota Recalls 280,000 Pickups And SUVs In The US Over Engine Disengagement Concerns

Toyota has issued a recall for approximately 280,000 pickups and SUVs in the United States due to a potential issue where the engine may not completely disengage when in neutral, the Japanese manufacturer announced Wednesday.

According to Toyota, certain components of the transmission may not disengage immediately upon shifting into neutral, allowing residual engine power to continue reaching the wheels. This could result in unintended vehicle movement, particularly on flat surfaces without the application of brakes, posing an elevated risk of accidents.

Affected models include specific Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles, along with Lexus LX 600 models produced between 2022 and 2024.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by late April, with Toyota planning to provide software updates for the transmission to address the issue.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Launches SCC Link, Revolutionizing Access To Substance Use Support

In a proactive move to combat substance use issues within the community, the St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has unveiled SCC Link, a groundbreaking online tool aimed at connecting individuals with tailored local support services. SCC Link operates as a user-friendly survey, generating personalized referrals based on respondents’ answers to guide them towards relevant agencies.

Liz King, Health Officer – Director at SCCHD, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, emphasizing its role in facilitating easy access to assistance. The platform’s features include simplicity, personalized matching, real-time updates, and stringent privacy measures.

SCC Link emerges from a collaborative endeavor among community stakeholders, aligning with the St. Clair County Community Health Improvement Plan’s focus on addressing substance use challenges. Its launch signifies a significant stride towards fostering a supportive environment for individuals grappling with substance use disorders.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Introduces New Driver’s License And State ID Designs, Mackinac Bridge Image Replaced For Enhanced Security

Michigan’s iconic Mackinac Bridge image is being replaced on the state’s new driver’s licenses and state IDs as part of compliance with federal regulations, with enhanced security features incorporated into the updated designs, officials announced.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson emphasized that the new designs prioritize security, aiming to protect residents from identity theft and fraud. The transition to the new cards will occur gradually as residents renew or obtain their licenses and IDs.

While existing cards featuring the Mackinac Bridge remain valid until expiration, they will be phased out over the next five years to meet federal standards. The updated cards feature engraved data and other security elements, including multicolored text displaying the names of the Great Lakes and intricate shading to deter counterfeit attempts.

These changes align with federal mandates, ensuring that Michigan IDs meet requirements for domestic flights and access to regulated facilities by May 7th, 2025.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Summer Forecast Shifts As El Niño Fades, Making Way For Potential La Niña Conditions

As winter wanes, meteorologists are eyeing a significant shift in Pacific Ocean temperatures, marking the anticipated end of the robust El Niño phenomenon and the potential emergence of its counterpart, La Niña. 

El Niño, characterized by warmer equatorial Pacific waters, has dominated this winter’s weather patterns. However, forecasts now indicate a transition towards neutral conditions, followed by the onset of La Niña sometime this summer. This shift holds implications for global weather patterns, with La Niña heralding cooler equatorial waters and potential alterations in upper-air flows across the United States. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has integrated this transition into its long-range forecasts, recognizing the historical significance of such shifts, which have occurred six times since 1950. As the seasons evolve, so too will the atmospheric dynamics, shaping the climate outlook for the coming months.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Parks & Recreation Presents Paint Along With Kara

Port Huron Parks & Recreation is set to launch a creative activity entitled, “Paint Along With Kara,” this engaging event invites participants to delve into the world of artistry under the guidance of seasoned instructor, Kara Kaercher. 

Aspiring artists will have the opportunity to master the techniques of painting a cozy winter scene on an 8×10 canvas. The event takes place on Saturday, March 9th, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., at the Lower Level of Palmer Recreation Center located at 2829 Armour St, Port Huron. “Paint Along With Kara” promises an immersive experience for attendees aged 9 and above. 

With a registration deadline of March 1st, residents can secure their spot for $30, while non-residents can participate for $60. Don’t miss this chance to unleash your creativity and bring your winter dreams to life!

For more information, visit: rec.porthuron.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Study Reveals Startling Discovery: Paper Straws Contain “Forever Chemicals”

A recent study has unearthed a shocking revelation about seemingly eco-friendly paper straws: they contain Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” In a study conducted by University of Florida Graduate Research Assistant, Alina Timshina and her team in 2021, the research scrutinized straws sourced from the USA, revealing a presence of PFAS in both paper and plant-based varieties.

PFAS, prized for their water and grease-repelling capabilities, are renowned for their durability, persisting in the environment for millennia. The omnipresence of these chemicals, found from the Arctic to the Amazon, underscores their pervasive impact. Moreover, PFAS migrate from packaging into consumables, infiltrating human bodies and posing severe health risks, including liver and kidney ailments, high blood pressure, and diminished immune response.

With the environmental ramifications and health hazards associated with PFAS exposure coming to light, urgent measures are imperative to mitigate their widespread presence and safeguard public health and ecosystems alike.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell