Yale’s downtown is set to fill with crowds as the annual Bologna Festival returns July 31st through August 2nd, bringing a boost of activity to the Blue Water Area. The three-day event draws families and visitors with free admission, featuring a parade, fireworks, live music, and a lineup of quirky contests like outhouse races and a bologna ring toss. Local vendors, car enthusiasts, and community groups will also take part, turning the long-running festival into a major summer gathering centered on food, fun, and hometown pride.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In St. Clair, a youth softball team battled extreme heat and a tense pitching duel to claim a 1-0 state championship win over Georgetown last Tuesday. Pitcher Kora Robbins led the way with nine strikeouts in a complete-game shutout, keeping the game scoreless until the fifth inning. With two outs, Nina Delore delivered a clutch RBI double to drive in the only run. Backed by strong community support, the team advanced to a regional tournament in Indiana already underway.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Clyde Township restaurant is turning to the community for help after a fire forced it to shut down earlier this month. The Dorsey House has been closed since the July 5 blaze, and the owner is now asking nearby bars and restaurants to consider hiring displaced staff while repairs remain uncertain. A social media post lists openings for servers, bartenders, and kitchen workers to quickly reconnect employees with jobs. The fire happened mid-afternoon during renovations, with no injuries reported, and the cause is still under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan’s congressional delegation is once again urging the Canadian government to take stronger action to reduce the wildfire smoke that has repeatedly blanketed the Great Lakes region with hazardous air quality. In a letter dated July 15, Representatives John James, Jack Bergman, John Moolenaar, and Lisa McClain called on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to provide measurable steps being taken to reduce wildfire risk and protect neighboring communities.

The lawmakers noted that Michigan has experienced multiple years of dangerous smoke conditions, forcing air quality alerts and affecting children, older adults, dialysis patients, and others with health concerns. They argue that previous assurances from Canadian officials have not produced meaningful results and say their constituents deserve action rather than additional promises.

The delegation also suggested the United States may need to reconsider its role in cross border wildfire cooperation if conditions do not improve. The letter asks Canada to explain what has changed since last summer and what specific actions will be taken before next year’s wildfire season to reduce smoke reaching the American Midwest.