Michiganders share ice storm stories, McDonald Rivet votes 'yes' to limit Trump in Iran

By Tina Sawyer

Published March 7, 2026 at 5:30 AM EST

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A heavily wooded trail in the forest, with snow scattered on everything shows fallen limbs and trees scattered on the ground. — The North Central State Trail, which runs from Gaylord to Mackinaw City, is covered in tree debris on March 31, 2025. This trail is managed by the Top of Michigan Trails Council, but on April 4, 2025, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources "indefinitely" closed state-managed trails across 12 counties in the northern lower peninsula and eastern U.P. Debris around trails poses a public safety threat, according to Ron Olson, the DNR parks and recreation chief. "There's also the danger of what we call hangers, meaning branches that may have broken off and are hanging up against another tree that could fall down," he said.

Residents from across northern Michigan recently gathered at Treetops resort in Gaylord to share their personal experiences from the 2025 ice storm. The event was hosted by six different environmental organizations and focused on how climate change is affecting Michigan communities. WCMU’s Emma George-Griffin was there and brings us some of their stories.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted this week on a resolution to limit President Trump's military campaign in Iran. U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, spoke with WCMU shortly after her yes vote to explain her position on the conflict in the Middle East.

Also on the show, signatures are now in to propose a Michigan constitutional amendment requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and scientists are finding tiny pieces of plastic in more and more places around the Great Lakes. New research suggests algae could be part of the solution.

And this week's brain teaser features a special delivery you'd never expect.

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This podcast is produced in part by the members of NABET Local 412. This episode of edited and mixed by Rick Brewer. Our theme music comes from Gabe Schall. Mike Horace is our executive producer.