Lake Bonisteel Music Association Hosts Free Family Event

The Lake Bonisteel Music Association (LBMA) is welcoming the community out for a free family event featuring local bands, artisan goods, and food vendors. 

The LMBA Fest 2024 includes performances by The Eclectic, Chris Thornburg Apparatus, The Problem, Some Random Bastards, Yeddie Woods, Breakfast At 2PM, and The Barbara Jean Machine. Families can enjoy free kids’ crafts, games, and instrument giveaways.

Vendors at the event include Sew What, Arctic Joy, Elly’s Crystal Emporium, Cloud Candy, The Toadstool Treasury, Mason Made Crafts, Generic Name Boutique, Lounies Soap Co., and Route 21 Grill. The event is located at Pine Grove Park in Port Huron from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For the latest updates, follow Lake Bonisteel Music Association on Facebook at Lake Bonisteel Music. Interested vendors can apply here.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

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

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

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

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