environment

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

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

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

Survey Shows Local Media Commands Higher Public Trust Than National Outlets, Despite Decline In Numbers

A recent survey conducted by PRFire.com unveils a nuanced perspective on media trust, highlighting the enduring credibility of local news outlets in contrast to their national counterparts. With 3,000 participants, the survey indicates a substantial 60% of respondents express confidence in local media, surpassing the 47% trust level for national outlets. 

Despite a concerning decline in local news outlets nationwide, this revelation underscores the pivotal role played by local journalism in informing communities.

However, the trust in local media is not uniform across the United States. While an impressive 83% of Delaware residents trust their local media, this figure drops to 50% in states like Tennessee, Oregon, and Idaho, revealing regional disparities. Notably, in Michigan, local publications enjoy high regard, with 71% of respondents affirming their trustworthiness, positioning them among the most trusted media outlets in the country.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Urges Michiganders To Claim Working Families Tax Credit For Maximum Refunds

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is urging eligible Michiganders to claim both the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), also known as the Working Families Tax Credit, as they file their 2023 individual income tax returns. 

By doing so, taxpayers may reduce their federal and state taxes, potentially pay no tax, or even secure a tax refund. Last year, Governor Whitmer signed legislation that quintupled Michigan’s state match of the federal EITC, leading to an average refund increase of over $600.

“The Working Families Tax Credit delivers an average combined refund of $3,150 to 700,000 Michigan families,” Governor Whitmer emphasized. “This credit directly benefits half the kids in Michigan, providing extra financial support for families to cover essential expenses. I encourage every eligible Michigander to take advantage of the credit when filing this year.”

For more information, visit: irs.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Department Of Treasury Holds Millions In Unclaimed Assets, Search To Reclaim Yours

The Michigan Department of Treasury has revealed a treasure trove of millions of dollars in unclaimed assets, comprising dormant bank accounts, forgotten uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, and neglected stock certificates. 

These assets were deemed abandoned and unclaimed by the institutions initially entrusted with them, prompting their transfer to the state, as mandated by law. The Michigan Department of Treasury now stands as the custodian of these overlooked riches, committed to reuniting them with their rightful owners or heirs upon rightful claims. A simple query could unlock a windfall for those with forgotten treasures awaiting recovery. 

Individuals are encouraged to search their name, a maiden name, or the name of a business or nonprofit. There is never a charge to search for and claim property.

To find out if you have unclaimed property, visit: unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell