Up North Lowdown

Michigan is the Great Lakes state as you know. So naturally we have a lot of wetlands as well. They filter water, and mitigate flooding. But human activity, including large-scale farming, has greatly reduced them over the years. What might Congress do about that? Also, efforts here in northern Michigan to support first responders dealing with their own mental health. And a trip to an artist residency in Elberta. One of the stories in this episode references suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in crisis call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988First responders can also contact the Front Line Strong line: 1-833-34-STRONG or 1-833-347-8766.

This week on the Up North Lowdown… Chris Bzdok is a local lawyer working to get the country off coal. Plus, Michigan’s hot dry summers are causing… better wine?

It’s Climate Solutions Week and boy do we have some problems. We’ll find out how to get a tax break on your used electric car. And we’ll check out a composting operation in Emmet County that some are calling a model for other local programs.

Lots of talk of millage spending ahead of the primary... it's fun I promise.

This week: Hear from the Frankfort man sentenced for diverting the Platte River in 2022. A string quartet is popping up in unexpected places. And it was great spring for a tiny fruit fly that causes trouble for cherry farmers.

This week: A Chevy pickup, nearly destroyed by the Gaylord tornado, comes back to life. Plus, a conversation with Joyce Fetrow, who is working to address northern Michigan's opioid crisis.

This week: One year since the Gaylord tornado, school safety in Traverse City, and a pedaling the rails in Grawn.

This week: Author Bonnie Garmus tells us about her wildly successful debut novel. Also, the Gaylord tornado in May 2022 was a wake-up call about storm warnings. We hear how a network of spotters is trying to improve the system. Plus, the legacy of a late Interlochen sculptor.