environment

Birchwood Mall Unveils Exciting Additions: A Haven For Creativity And Bonding

Birchwood Mall is set to become a hub for creativity and family bonding with the introduction of two unique stores. 

“A Little Hobby Ceramic Studio” and “The Process” are the latest additions, offering immersive experiences for both children and adults.

“A Little Hobby Ceramic Studio” combines a ceramics studio with a gift shop, providing a space where families can engage in creative activities and craft personalized keepsakes. Meanwhile, “The Process” promises a hands-on art and science experience, redefining learning through unique and interactive methods.

Birchwood Mall aims to foster a dynamic environment where families can learn and enhance their creativity together. These new stores contribute to the mall’s commitment to providing a memorable and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

For more information, visit their Facebook page at: Birchwood Mall.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Kia Introduces Robust Anti-Theft Measures And Settlement In Consumer Class Action Litigation

In a proactive move to safeguard Kia vehicle owners, the company has implemented comprehensive anti-theft support actions. Kia is offering a free, advanced security software upgrade aimed at preventing unauthorized ignition system operations on locked vehicles nationwide. 

For vehicles ineligible for the software upgrade, Kia has developed an ignition cylinder protector to fortify the key cylinder sleeve assembly, adding an extra layer of theft deterrence. Additionally, impacted owners and lessees will receive free steering wheel locks, distributed directly to consumers and through collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.

Furthermore, a recent announcement on May 18th, 2023, revealed that Kia has reached a settlement in a consumer class action litigation related to vehicle thefts. Once approved by the court, affected consumers (certain Class Members) will be entitled to receive payments and other benefits, marking a significant resolution in the ongoing matter.

For more information, visit: kiasupport.kiausa.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

CDC’s Wastewater Surveillance Reveals Alarming Spike In COVID-19 Activity Across the U.S., Midwest Hit Hardest

The CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) is sounding the alarm as it reports a significant surge in COVID-19 activity nationwide. 

According to the latest data updated on December 28th, the wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 is currently categorized as “very high” across the United States. Disturbingly, the Midwest emerges as the region with the most pronounced wastewater viral activity, indicating a potential hotspot for the virus.

The NWSS provides a crucial public health infrastructure, enabling local agencies to monitor infectious diseases through wastewater. This real-time data empowers health officials to identify outbreak trends early, target preventive measures effectively, and gain additional insights into disease spread.

For more details and information about your region’s data, visit: cdc.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

National Braille Literacy Month, Showcasing Support For The Blind And Visually Impaired Community

Michigan joins the nation in celebrating National Braille Literacy Month throughout January, acknowledging the profound impact this tactile reading system has on individuals who are blind or visually impaired. 

Since its official adoption in 1824, Braille has empowered countless individuals to read using a system of six raised dots. The state of Michigan offers valuable services and resources to support the blind and visually impaired community in learning and enhancing their Braille skills.

Key resources include the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons’ Training Center, dedicated to skill development, and the Braille and Talking Book Library, facilitating access to literature. To explore these resources, visit Michigan.gov/BSBP for the Training Center and Michigan.gov/BTBL for the Braille and Talking Book Library.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

International Commuters Get Ready To Embrace RFID Tags For Seamless Crossings Between Michigan And Ontario

International commuters traveling between Michigan and Ontario will witness a technological leap as the International Bridge and Blue Water Bridge transition from card-based commuter systems to radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags by December 31st. 

The International Bridge Association’s CFO, Emily Jacques, assures that this upgrade will streamline the toll process, reducing customer wait times and eliminating the need for card display. The Prox commuter cards, part of the old toll system, will be phased out, making way for the RFID tags. 

In contrast to the previous method of displaying cards to electronic readers, the RFID tags, when properly placed near a vehicle’s rear view mirror, promise a smoother crossing experience. Commuters are urged to consult their vehicle manuals for optimal tag placement.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Empower Brands Recalls PowerXL Dual-Basket Air Fryers Due To Safety Concerns: 41 Incidents Reported

Empower Brands, LLC has issued a recall for two models of its PowerXL dual-basket air fryers sold nationwide at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Kohls. The egg-shaped air fryers, available in black or cinnamon, with models DUAF-10 and DUAF-005, have garnered attention due to safety concerns. 

The recall was prompted by 41 incidents of the product breaking during use, resulting in three reports of burns. Consumers who purchased these air fryers between August 2021 and October 2023 are urged to stop using them immediately. 

Empower Brands advises contacting them for a full refund. The affected products can be identified by a silver label on the front bearing the name “PowerXL” the model number can be found on the white label at the bottom of the air fryer or on the power cord. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell