A new burst of laughter hit downtown Port Huron as the first-ever Blue Water Comedy Festival packed local venues this past weekend. The four-night run filled seats at The Wrigley Center and Foundry, even selling out last Friday night. Organizer and comedian Daniel Grinnell says the strong turnout and crowd energy proved Port Huron is ready for more live comedy. Locals loved it too, with regulars and first-timers returning for repeat shows. Grinnell hopes to make the Blue Water Comedy Festival an annual tradition celebrating Michigan’s comedy talent.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A hiring decision by Sarnia Police is drawing sharp public concern. The department recently appointed Bradley Murray as its Crime and Intelligence Manager — despite his past conviction for tampering with drug evidence while serving in Halton Region. Chief Derek Davis, also a former Halton officer, defends the hire as part of a formal process. But residents question how someone once caught stealing opioids from a police vault is now overseeing Sarnia’s crime data. Locals are asking whether trust and transparency are really being restored — or quietly recycled.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Michigan’s rural Thumb region, small schools are teaming up to take on big challenges — in robotics. The Thumb Area Robotics Association, or TARA, links schools from Bad Axe to Harbor Beach, helping kids build, code, and compete on a global stage. Started just three years ago, TARA pools donations to train volunteers and coordinate local tournaments. That teamwork is paying off — with several Huron County teams reaching state and world competitions. For these students, the lessons go beyond robots — they’re learning to innovate, collaborate, and aim higher together.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

For 100 years, Stapleton Insurance has helped local businesses stay protected—now they’re turning their expertise toward Medicare. On Tuesday, April 28 at noon, Stapleton hosts a special Lunch & Learn at the Port Huron MOC on McMorran Boulevard. Human resource managers and workplace leaders are invited to get straightforward guidance on helping employees through Medicare transitions, whether near retirement age or working past 65. RSVP to Alissa Frantz at Stapleton Insurance for details.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

After 13 years as a downtown Port Huron favorite, Kate’s Downtown café is expanding in a big way. Owner Kate Voss has opened “Kate’s Next Door,” right beside her longtime spot on Huron Avenue. The new space was transformed with fresh paint, new seating from Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church, and room for events up to 80 guests. From birthdays to bridal showers, Voss says the space feels fitting for any celebration. An open house is planned later this month, so locals can see what Kate’s Next Door brings to the heart of Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan State Police are investigating a deadly crash Sunday afternoon in Tuscola County. It happened around 3:30 on Frankenmuth Road near Lorenzo Road in Tuscola Township. Troopers say a 2001 Ford Ranger hit a traffic island, killing the 79‑year‑old driver from Fort Gratiot at the scene. Investigators believe alcohol played a role. The crash is still under review, with help from the Vassar Police and Fire Departments, the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office, and MMR paramedics.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet