Light Brite is a classic toy that has been around for decades. First introduced in the late 1960s, it quickly became a popular toy for children. The toy consists of a lightbox with small colored plastic pegs that can be inserted into the holes on the box, creating illuminated designs and patterns.
The invention of Light Brite is credited to the toy company Hasbro, which acquired the rights to the toy in the 1990s. The original Light Brite was a simple device that used a single light bulb to create the illuminated designs. Over the years, the toy has evolved, with newer models featuring LED lights and more advanced design options.
Despite its long history, Light Brite remains a popular toy today. It is still widely available for purchase online and in stores, and many parents are thrilled to introduce their children to a toy that they enjoyed as kids themselves.
In addition to its popularity as a toy, Light Brite has also become a cultural icon. It has been featured in movies, TV shows, and music videos, and has even inspired its own art form known as “Lite-Brite art.” Artists use the toy to create intricate and visually stunning pieces, often displayed in galleries and exhibitions. This phenomenon underscores the toy’s impact beyond mere play, influencing areas like art and pop culture.
While the basic concept of Light Brite has remained the same over the years, the toy has evolved to keep up with changing technology and trends. Today’s Light Brite models feature more advanced design options, including the ability to create animations and designs that move and change. Some versions even allow for digital integration, enabling users to plan and preview their designs on a computer or mobile device before recreating them on the physical toy.
In conclusion, Light Brite has a long and fascinating history as a beloved toy that has captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. While it has evolved over the years, it remains a popular and enduring toy that continues to inspire creativity and imagination. Whether you’re a fan of the classic model or the newer, more advanced versions, Light Brite is sure to continue to be a favorite toy for generations to come.
Regulations have cleaned up cars, power plants and factories, leaving cleaner air while economies have grown.
Cavan Images/Josh Campbell via Getty ImagesRichard E. Peltier, UMass Amherst
The Trump administration is “reconsidering” more than 30 air pollution regulations, and it offered industries a brief window to apply for exemptions that would allow them to stop following many air quality regulations immediately if approved. All of the exemptions involve rules finalized in 2024 and include regulations for hazardous air pollutants that cause asthma, heart disease and cancer.
The results – if regulations are ultimately rolled back and if those rollbacks and any exemptions stand up to court challenges – could impact air quality across the United States.
“Reconsideration” is a term used to review or modify a government regulation. While Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin provided few details, the breadth of the regulations being reconsidered affects all Americans. They include rules that set limits for pollutants that can harm human health, such as ozone, particulate matter and volatile organic carbon.
Zeldin wrote on March 12, 2025, that his deregulation moves would “roll back trillions in regulatory costs and hidden “taxes” on U.S. families.“
What Zeldin didn’t say is that the economic and health benefits from decades of federal clean air regulations have far outweighed their costs. Some estimates suggest every $1 spent meeting clean air rules has returned $10 in health and economic benefits.
How far America has come, because of regulations
In the early 1970s, thick smog blanketed American cities and acid rain stripped forests bare from the Northeast to the Midwest.
Air pollution wasn’t just a nuisance – it was a public health emergency. But in the decades since, the United States has engineered one of the most successful environmental turnarounds in history.
Thanks to stronger air quality regulations, pollution levels have plummeted, preventing hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. And despite early predictions that these regulations would cripple the economy, the opposite has proven true: The U.S. economy more than doubled in size while pollution fell, showing that clean air and economic growth can – and do – go hand in hand.
The numbers are eye-popping.
An Environmental Protection Agency analysis of the first 20 years of the Clean Air Act, from 1970 to 1990, found the economic benefits of the regulations were about 42 times greater than the costs.
The EPA later estimated that the cost of air quality regulations in the U.S. would be about US$65 billion in 2020, and the benefits, primarily in improved health and increased worker productivity, would be around $2 trillion. Other studies have found similar benefits.
That’s a return of more than 30 to 1, making clean air one of the best investments the country has ever made.
Science-based regulations even the playing field
The turning point came with the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970, which put in place strict rules on pollutants from industry, vehicles and power plants.
These rules targeted key culprits: lead, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter – substances that contribute to asthma, heart disease and premature deaths. An example was the removal of lead, which can harm the brain and other organs, from gasoline. That single change resulted in far lower levels of lead in people’s blood, including a 70% drop in U.S. children’s blood-lead levels.
Air Quality regulations lowered the amount of lead being used in gasoline, which also resulted in rapidly declining lead concentrations in the average American between 1976-1980. This shows us how effective regulations can be at reducing public health risks to people.USEPA/Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office (1986)
The results have been extraordinary. Since 1980, emissions of six major air pollutants have dropped by 78%, even as the U.S. economy has more than doubled in size. Cities that were once notorious for their thick, choking smog – such as Los Angeles, Houston and Pittsburgh – now see far cleaner air, while lakes and forests devastated by acid rain in the Northeast have rebounded.
Comparison of growth areas and declining emissions, 1970-2023.EPA
And most importantly, lives have been saved. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to periodically estimate the costs and benefits of air quality regulations. In the most recent estimate, released in 2011, the EPA projected that air quality improvements would prevent over 230,000 premature deaths in 2020. That means fewer heart attacks, fewer emergency room visits for asthma, and more years of healthy life for millions of Americans.
The economic payoff
Critics of air quality regulations have long argued that the regulations are too expensive for businesses and consumers. But the data tells a very different story.
EPA studies have confirmed that clean air regulations improve air quality over time. Other studies have shown that the health benefits greatly outweigh the costs. That pays off for the economy. Fewer illnesses mean lower health care costs, and healthier workers mean higher productivity and fewer missed workdays.
The EPA estimated that for every $1 spent on meeting air quality regulations, the United States received $9 in benefits. A separate study by the non-partisan National Bureau of Economic Research in 2024 estimated that each $1 spent on air pollution regulation brought the U.S. economy at least $10 in benefits. And when considering the long-term impact on human health and climate stability, the return is even greater.
Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles in 1984: Smog was a common problem in the 1970s and 1980s.Ian Dryden/Los Angeles Times/UCLA Archive/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY
The next chapter in clean air
The air Americans breathe today is cleaner, much healthier and safer than it was just a few decades ago.
Yet, despite this remarkable progress, air pollution remains a challenge in some parts of the country. Some urban neighborhoods remain stubbornly polluted because of vehicle emissions and industrial pollution. While urban pollution has declined, wildfire smoke has become a larger influence on poor air quality across the nation.
That means the EPA still has work to do.
If the agency works with environmental scientists, public health experts and industry, and fosters honest scientific consensus, it can continue to protect public health while supporting economic growth. At the same time, it can ensure that future generations enjoy the same clean air and prosperity that regulations have made possible.
By instead considering retracting clean air rules, the EPA is calling into question the expertise of countless scientists who have provided their objective advice over decades to set standards designed to protect human lives. In many cases, industries won’t want to go back to past polluting ways, but lifting clean air rules means future investment might not be as protective. And it increases future regulatory uncertainty for industries.
The past offers a clear lesson: Investing in clean air is not just good for public health – it’s good for the economy. With a track record of saving lives and delivering trillion-dollar benefits, air quality regulations remain one of the greatest policy success stories in American history.
This article, originally published March 12, 2025, has been updated with the administration’s offer of exemptions for industries.Richard E. Peltier, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, UMass Amherst
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The 1970s prime-time television series “Emergency!” was an action-packed drama that followed the daily lives of courageous firefighters and paramedics in Los Angeles County. The show, which aired from 1972 to 1979, was praised not only for its gripping storylines and character development but also for its realistic portrayal of the emergency services industry. It provided a compelling look into the challenges and triumphs faced by first responders, highlighting their incredible dedication and heroism in the face of danger.
The show was spun off from the original series “Adam-12,” which was also set in Los Angeles and followed the lives of two police officers. “Emergency!” took the same approach but shifted its focus to the lives of firefighters and paramedics. This innovative show was created by Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb, the latter also known for producing “Adam-12” and “Dragnet.”
At the heart of “Emergency!” was its talented cast, led by Randolph Mantooth, who portrayed firefighter and paramedic John Gage. Mantooth’s charismatic performance was complemented by Kevin Tighe, who played his reliable partner Roy DeSoto. The ensemble cast also included Julie London, who breathed life into nurse Dixie McCall; Bobby Troup, who played the compassionate Dr. Joe Early; and Robert Fuller, who took on the role of the authoritative Dr. Kelly Brackett.
One of the show’s standout features was its commitment to authenticity. It was praised for its accurate portrayal of the emergency services industry, an effort bolstered by the involvement of real-life firefighters and paramedics serving as technical advisors. This attention to detail extended to the use of actual emergency vehicles and equipment, earning the show a loyal following of industry professionals and curious viewers alike.
“Emergency!” was known for its gripping action scenes, which often involved realistic special effects that depicted explosions, fires, and other dangerous situations. The show’s excitement wasn’t limited to physical dangers; it also tackled significant social issues of the time, such as drug abuse, mental health, and domestic violence. This made “Emergency!” a groundbreaking program that addressed topics other shows of the era often shied away from.
Despite its success, “Emergency!” was canceled in 1979 after seven impactful seasons. However, its legacy persisted. The show paved the way for subsequent action-packed dramas, such as “CHiPs” and “Miami Vice,” and it inspired a new generation of viewers to pursue careers in emergency services. The influence of “Emergency!” is also seen in modern medical dramas like “ER” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” which continue to blend high-stakes action with personal and social issues.
In retrospect, “Emergency!” not only entertained millions but also educated the public about the critical work of emergency responders and healthcare professionals, leaving a lasting impact on both television and real-world perceptions of these vital services.
Squad 51 before restoration, picture taken at Pomona Raceway in the 1970s. Wikipedia
Emergency! was a groundbreaking television series that meticulously followed the daily lives and challenges of firefighters and paramedics in Los Angeles County. The show was universally praised for its realistic portrayal of the emergency services industry, as well as for its thrilling and hair-raising action scenes. The cast was spearheaded by the talented Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe, who delivered compelling performances that were both heartfelt and authentic. They were joined by a stellar supporting cast, including Julie London, Bobby Troup, and Robert Fuller, each bringing their unique charisma and depth to the show. Emergency! was initially spun off from the original series Adam-12, yet it carved out its own significant legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the television industry. More than just entertainment, the series brought public attention to the vital and courageous work of emergency responders, inspiring many to pursue careers in this essential field.
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Zelle Shuts Down Standalone App: Transitioning Users to Bank Platforms
Zelle’s standalone app ceased money transfers on April 1, 2025, requiring users to access the service via participating banks, enhancing security amid rising digital fraud.
On April 1, 2025, Zelle, one of the most widely used digital payment services in the United States, officially shut down the money transferring services available on its standalone mobile app. While the service itself is not disappearing, many users will need to adapt to a new way of accessing this popular tool for peer-to-peer payments.
Why It Matters
Zelle has established itself as a key player in the peer-to-peer payment market. It facilitates instantaneous transfers without fees between bank accounts, making it a foundational tool for consumers and small businesses alike. The change primarily affects those who previously used the Zelle app independently of their bank’s app or website. Users will now need to re-enroll with one of the 2,200 participating banks or credit unions that offer Zelle via their digital banking platforms.
What Is Happening to the App?
Though the standalone Zelle app has closed its money transfer services, users will still be able to access it. The app now provides a directory of the over 2,200 banks and credit unions that support Zelle. A recent press release indicates that the app will shift its focus to consumer education, particularly around scams and fraud prevention. According to an in-app alert accessed on April 4, users can continue to log into the app until August 11, 2025.
Why Is Zelle Shutting Down the App?
Zelle announced the decision to shut down its standalone app back in October 2024, noting that a significant majority of its users already access the service through their bank’s apps or websites. Since the announcement, the company has been phasing out enrollment and transaction capabilities within the standalone app. Late last year, Zelle communicated again via in-app alerts and emails, urging users to migrate to their bank or credit union’s platform to continue using the service.
In a statement regarding the shift, Zelle highlighted its remarkable growth, reporting that consumers and small businesses moved nearly half a trillion dollars on the platform in the first half of 2024, a 28% year-over-year increase. Initially launched in 2017 primarily for users whose financial institutions had not yet joined the network, Zelle has experienced widespread adoption across almost all major banks and credit unions.
Zelle’s decision may also be motivated by security concerns. With an uptick in fraud targeting digital payment apps, directing users through regulated financial institutions may afford them additional protection and oversight.
When Did the App Shut Down?
The standalone Zelle app ceased processing transactions on April 1, 2025. Users can no longer send or receive money via the app, and those who wish to continue using Zelle must re-enroll through a compatible bank or credit union’s mobile app or website.
How Will My Payments Be Affected?
Individuals who previously used the standalone Zelle app need to take action. They can no longer send or receive money via the app and must migrate to a bank or credit union that offers Zelle. Users who do not re-enroll through a partner institution should inform their senders accordingly.
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To check if a specific bank supports Zelle, visit enroll.zellepay.com. Once logged into a bank’s mobile app or website, users can usually locate Zelle in the “Payments” or “Transfers” section. The transition may require users to verify their email address or phone number associated with their former Zelle account.
Fortunately, those using Zelle through their mobile banking app will not experience any changes and do not need to take further action.
How Many People Use Zelle?
As of June 2024, Zelle boasted 143 million consumer and small business accounts, with users executing money transfers 1.7 billion times in the previous year. The integration of Zelle into nearly all major U.S. banks indicates that it will likely retain its dominance in the digital payment space, despite the changes to its standalone application.
While the shutdown of Zelle’s standalone app marks a significant transition, the underlying service remains robust and widely utilized. By directing users to bank platforms, Zelle aims to enhance security and further solidify its position in the competitive landscape of digital payments. As users adapt to this change, Zelle continues to play a vital role in simplifying and securing money transfers across the country.
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