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Kindness Goes A Long Way: Today Marks The Beginning Of Be Kind To Humankind Week

What better way to start Friday off than by celebrating “Be Kind to Humankind Week” which kicks off today, reminding individuals worldwide of the power of kindness. 

Created in August 1988 by Toms River, New Jersey resident Lorraine Jara, the week-long celebration encourages people to exhibit acts of kindness and empathy towards one another.

Jara’s inspiration to initiate the event stemmed from a tragic incident involving two men from her hometown. Their unfortunate fate led her to establish Be Kind to Humankind Week. Notable figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Paul Simon, and several U.S. Presidents, have acknowledged Jara’s efforts in promoting kindness.

Though celebrated annually, Jara hopes that this initiative sparks a continuous culture of kindness and empathy, transcending the boundaries of a single week. The event also holds the potential to instill these values in young minds, fostering a brighter and kinder future for all.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

FDA Links ‘On the Go’ Ice Cream Cups To Widespread Listeria Outbreak

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified a concerning connection between “On the Go” ice cream cups and a widespread outbreak of foodborne illnesses. 

Real Kosher Ice Cream, a Brooklyn-based company, is at the center of the controversy as their products have been confirmed to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium. The FDA’s investigation revealed that this strain of Listeria matches those found in samples from two patients, one in New York and another in Pennsylvania, who fell seriously ill and required hospitalization.

Prompted by this alarming discovery, Real Kosher Ice Cream initiated a recall of specific ice cream products after evidence linked them to the sick individuals. The impacted ice cream was distributed across numerous states including Michigan, raising concerns about the extent of the outbreak’s reach.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Join The 9th Annual P.S. You’re My Hero 5K Run And 2 Mile Walk To Support Victims of Crime

Lace up your sneakers for a heartwarming cause at the 9th annual P.S. You’re My Hero 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk on September 17th, beginning at 9 a.m. The event, taking place in front of the Blue Water Area YMCA, aims to rally support for victims of crime in St. Clair County.

Participants will not only contribute to a worthy cause but also have a chance to win awards for top male and female finishers. On-site registration and packet pickup will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. in front of the YMCA.

The event promises more excitement with raffle items, including the traditional basket raffle and a women’s life cash drawing. Don’t miss this pet-friendly event that unites the community in compassion and support. Deadline to register is September 17th. 

For more information and entry fees, visit: runsignup.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Endowment Fund Gears Up For 10th Annual Crosstown Showdown Fundraiser

The Port Huron Schools Endowment Fund is gearing up for its milestone 10th annual fundraiser, the Crosstown Showdown, scheduled for September 22nd. The event will coincide with the intense clash between the Port Huron High and Port Huron Northern football teams. 

The fund, established in 2010, aims to support classroom grants, student programs, and college access initiatives for Port Huron teachers and students from Pre-K through 12th grade.

This year’s Crosstown Showdown will feature a special pregame tribute to honor the contributions of each of the nation’s military branches, including the esteemed Veterans who serve on the staff at Port Huron Schools. 

The deadline for sponsorships is September 18th, so the community is encouraged to show their support and make a positive impact on local education.

For more information about sponsorship and ticket sales for the event, visit: phasd.us.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDHHS Updates 2023 Eat Safe Fish Guides: Ensuring Healthy Choices For Michigan Fish Consumers

In a bid to promote healthy eating choices and protect public well-being, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has unveiled its updated Eat Safe Fish Guides for 2023. 

The recommendations are grounded in analysis of chemical levels present in the edible portions of fish, primarily the filets. Leveraging data from the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories, these guidelines facilitate informed decisions about long-term fish consumption.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive, emphasized the significance of fish consumption for health, adding, “Eat Safe Fish Guides help individuals choose the fish that are best for them and their families.”

The guides address global concerns regarding chemicals in fish, notably mercury and PCBs. Additionally, substances like perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and per, and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have spurred guidelines specific to certain Michigan water bodies, ensuring consumer safety.

For an in-depth look at what areas are affected, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Urges Municipalities To Join Walgreens Opioids Settlement, Offering $338 Million In Aid

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is rallying eligible municipalities to opt into the Walgreens National Opioids Settlement, a move that could channel a substantial $338 million into the state over an 18-year period. The call to action comes ahead of the participation cutoff on Wednesday, September 6th.

Under this groundbreaking settlement, local governments have the chance to receive direct payments, providing vital resources for combating the devastating Opioid crisis. The agreement stems from a $338 million settlement between Attorney General Nessel and Walgreens, reached in June, addressing the pharmacy giant’s alleged role in Michigan’s Opioid epidemic.

Speaking on the initiative, Nessel emphasized, “This settlement puts Opioid remediation dollars directly into affected communities all across Michigan to combat the devastating Opioid epidemic, but only if the local governments sign-on to participate.”

For more information, visit: nationalopiodsettlement.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell