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Local News

House Passes Measure For Automatic Selective Service Registration

The House of Representatives passed a measure to automatically register men aged 18 to 26 for selective service according to foxnews.com 

This measure is part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines the U.S. government’s military and national security priorities for the next fiscal year, authorizing $895.2 billion in military spending, a $9 billion increase from fiscal 2024. Though the draft hasn’t been used in over half a century, registration remains mandatory; it is classified as a felony for those who do not register. 

Supporters argue this change will reduce legal challenges and cut taxpayer costs associated with prosecuting registration failures. Led by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., the measure passed overwhelmingly in the House Armed Services Committee in May with a 57 to 1 vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Festival Set To Make Waves In Port Huron

Port Huron’s Boat Weekend, part of the Blue Water Festival, returns July 17-20, promising an exciting lineup of events. 

The festivities begin with the Rotary International Day Parade on Wednesday, July 17th, in Downtown Port Huron. On Thursday, July 18th, visitors can enjoy Concerts from Los Gringos and LANCO, along with Operation Transformation’s Family Night, and the unique and eye-catching Mannequins Making a Difference. Other highlights include a drone show, performances by The Strumbellas, Elle King, and more. 

The event, presented by the Blue Water Area Conventions & Visitors Bureau, will also offer free shuttle service by Blue Water Transit to help attendees navigate the festival Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. – Midnight. 

For more information, visit: thebluewaterfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer And Lt. Gov.Gilchrist II Applaud SCOTUS Decision To Keep Mifepristone Available In Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, which allows mifepristone to remain available in Michigan.

“Mifepristone will remain safe, legal, and accessible to Michiganders despite efforts by extremists to strip away reproductive freedom,” stated Governor Whitmer. “We must stay vigilant amid ongoing assaults on reproductive health care.”

Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist added, “This is a small win in a longer journey to defend reproductive freedom. We will continue to stand tall against calls for a national abortion ban.”

Mifepristone, a medication for abortion with a 99% safety record, is used in almost two-thirds of abortion care nationwide. Whitmer emphasized Michigan’s commitment to protecting reproductive rights, including repealing abortion bans and expanding access to birth control and IVF.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan AG Nessel Joins Bipartisan Effort To Combat AI Child Exploitation

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 state and territory attorneys general in endorsing the Child Exploitation and Artificial Intelligence Expert Commission Act of 2024. This Act, sponsored by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and co-sponsored by a bipartisan 16-member coalition, aims to tackle the growing issue of AI-facilitated child exploitation.

“Child exploitation is a heinous crime, and as artificial intelligence advances, new issues arise that demand our immediate attention,” said Nessel. “Safeguarding our children requires robust legislation like this Act.”

The Act proposes establishing a commission to investigate and recommend solutions for improving law enforcement’s ability to combat AI-driven child exploitation crimes. Nessel also supports Michigan’s Protection from Intimate Deep Fakes Act, which addresses non-consensual intimate deep fakes, imposing severe penalties for offenders.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Drug Task Force Seizes First Batch Of Dangerous “Krokodil” In Community

Last week, the Drug Task Force (DTF) made a significant breakthrough with its first seizure of Desomorphine, infamously known on the streets as “Krokodil.” 

This synthetically engineered opioid-like substance is approximately ten times more powerful than morphine. It gets its street name due to the horrific effects on the skin of long-term users, which becomes greenish, scaly, and rugged, resembling a crocodile’s hide. The severe tissue damage results from damaged blood vessels, thrombosis, and infections around injection sites, often leading to thrombophlebitis, gangrene, and eventually, limb amputation or death.

Sheriff Mat King highlighted the DTF’s dedication to staying ahead of new drug trends through constant education and proactive measures. The community is urged to remain vigilant and aware of this drug’s presence. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Tune In for A Night Of Oldies With Celebrities On WGRT 102.3 FM’s Cruise Night

Join guest celebrities Alex Shier and Drew Jacobs on WGRT 102.3 FM for an unforgettable evening of oldies on Friday, June 28th, from 5 to 11 pm during Cruise Night in Fort Gratiot. Enjoy great talk and classic hits, along with some of Alex and Drew’s original music. Since its inception in 2019, Cruise Night has featured a variety of guest DJs, including Cory Moretz, Jessie Wiegand, and Matt Brooks. Last year’s event was a hit, with Alex Shier and Drew Jacobs returning this year to delight listeners once again.

Cruise Night has become a cherished event for listeners from both Canada and the United States, with many calling in and sending messages of appreciation. This year, the special programming will also highlight twelve local businesses that help sponsor the event:

  • McDonald’s, owned by the Schulz family
  • It’s Your Heating and Cooling Guy, owned by Jeff and Rhonda Mraovich
  • McMorran Place Sports & Entertainment Center
  • Reagins Seamless Gutter, owned by Drew and Amber
  • Venus Body, owned by Brian, Jennie Roeske, and George
  • Moran Blue Water, led by Tom Kennedy and his amazing team
  • Muffler Man, owned by Bobby Lacoboni and Tiffany Partridge
  • What the Fry, owned by Josh and Justin
  • Alexander’s Jewelers, owned by Jim Langolf
  • MIPassion, owned by Anita Varty
  • Trev’s Mobile Bike Shed – Mobile Bike Services, owned by Trevor Schick

Don’t miss this special broadcast celebrating community, local businesses, and classic tunes! Tune in and enjoy a night filled with nostalgia and entertainment on WGRT 102.3 FM.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell