Today’s First Friday in Sarnia brings an exciting mix of art and community spirit. Visitors can enjoy photography from Lambton College students, traditional Pysanky egg decorating, and live performances scattered throughout downtown. From the Sarnia Legion to the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts, there’s plenty to see and do. The event also features a special challenge supporting survivors of sexual violence. With local food, drinks, and the chance to buy art, it’s the perfect way to kick off spring and celebrate creativity in the heart of the city.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron Schools dodged a financial bullet this week. The Michigan Department of Education listed the district as at risk of losing nearly $500,000 in federal funds due to a sudden deadline change by U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, moving it from next year to last Friday. However, the superintendent assured everyone that the district isn’t affected. Thanks to smart planning and an improved supply chain, they completed a major HVAC project on time, securing all federal dollars. Local schools remain in great shape without dipping into general funds.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In the Blue Water Area, locals are gearing up for a protest against President Donald Trump’s administration this Saturday. Blue Water Indivisible and Blue Water Allies are teaming up for the “Hands Off” march, kicking off at 1 p.m. from the Huron Lightship in Pine Grove Park to Thomas Edison Parkway. A pre-march rally starts at noon. This comes as part of a nationwide push against Trump’s second term, sparked by his and Elon Musk’s move to cut thousands of federal jobs.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

UPDATE: Mackinac EAS: Mackinac Bridge, previously closed due to falling ice, is now OPEN. Crossings will be in ESCORT MODE @ 20mph. Please travel safely.

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The Mackinac Bridge is currently closed to all traffic due to hazardous ice falling from its cables and towers following a severe ice storm over the weekend. The Mackinac Bridge Authority has not provided a specific timeline for reopening, but crews are working to clear the ice as quickly as possible.  

Travelers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. For real-time updates, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority’s website or text “MacBridge” to 67283.

A Harper Woods man is facing multiple charges after a high-speed chase ended in a crash near Port Huron. Deputies responded to Menards in Port Huron Township on March 29th after reports of a theft. The suspect, 49-year-old Ontario McDowell, fled in a Dodge Ram, leading police on a chase down Lapeer Road. Deputies stopped pursuing due to speed, but McDowell crashed at the Allen Road roundabout and ran into the woods. A K9 unit tracked him down. He was hospitalized, then jailed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron father, Maximus Manns, was sentenced to two years of probation for involuntary manslaughter after accidentally suffocating his infant daughter, Taytum, in September of ’23. Manns, 20, pleaded guilty and was granted sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which could erase his criminal record if he completes probation. Despite previous warnings about the risks of co-sleeping, Manns brought Taytum to bed with him, leading to her suffocation. Experts warn against bed-sharing due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet