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Articles by Rick Brewer
Learn how Michigan election officials test voting machines
It’s a big election year in Michigan. Voters will select a new governor, U.S. senator, attorney general and secretary of state, just to name a few races. But before election day, local officials must test their voting machines to make sure they’re providing accurate results. This comes as more people are concerned about election security. WCMU’s AJ Jones went to observe one of these tests and he brings us a sound-rich story.
Bonus: Mary Louise Kelly explains why she's leaving All Things Considered
All Things Considered Host Mary Louise Kelly stopped by the WCMU's studios while she was on the campus of Central Michigan University this week for an impromptu interview with WCMU's local host of All Things Considered, David Nicholas. During this interview, Kelly discusses her decision to step down as host after 25 years. Like what you hear? Support local journalism by making a gift to WCMU. Want an email version of this podcast?
'Deeply transformative': CMU breaks ground on new medical college building in Saginaw
Ceremonial shovels kicked up dirt on Tuesday morning in Saginaw to mark the start of construction on Central Michigan University's new college of medicine building. The new facility is part of larger educational and clinical partnership between MyMichigan Health and Covenant Healthcare, who donated $40 million each last year to help make the facility a reality.
Texas military jet crashes in Grand Traverse County
September 18, 2026 / Alvin (AJ) Jones,Rick Brewer [[{“value”:” This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. An F-16 military jet from the Texas Air National Guard crash landed in a field during a routine training exercise near Interlochen on Thursday afternoon, according to the Texas Military Department. Heather Fitzgerald was in a vehicle with her husband near Grawn when she saw the plane flying very low to the ground.
Texas military jet crashes in Grand Traverse County
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. An F-16 military jet from the Texas Air National Guard crash landed in a field during a routine training exercise near Interlochen on Thursday afternoon, according to the Texas Military Department. Heather Fitzgerald was in a vehicle with her husband near Grawn when she saw the plane flying very low to the ground.
Texas Air National Guard jet crashes in Michigan
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft flies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in this file photo from Sept. 5, 2026. The Texas Military Department said an F-16 crash landed near Interlochen Thursday while conducting routine training exercises. The pilot was able to safely eject from the plane and discharge his parachute. Officials said the pilot is in stable condition and no other injuries have been reported. (Tech. Sgt.
Saginaw protestors decry viral arrest video: 'Clearly policy has failed'
Protesters came to Saginaw's city council meeting in droves Monday night after videos surfaced online over the weekend of police officers striking a woman while she was being arrested in the city’s downtown. Multiple videos show Stephanie Nicole Anderson, 43, being arrested by several Saginaw police officers. The officers can be seen tasing Anderson, forcing her to the ground and then punching her several times while she’s lying face down being detained.
Rule change would end federal protection for 16,000 acres of Michigan forest land
The Trump Administration is looking to roll back a policy that could impact 16-million acres of forest land in Michigan. The "roadless rule" was established during the Clinton administration and protects tens-of-millions of acres of public forest land. The policy has blocked mining and logging operations from harming old-growth forests. In a statement about the proposed rollbacks, the United State Department of Agriculture said repealing the rule will lower wildfire risks and promote forest health.
Alma nurses, MyMichigan Health fail to reach new contract
MyMichigan Health and the local nurses’ union in Alma were unable to reach a new contract agreement Tuesday evening. Shenan Shinabarger is president of the local Michigan Nurses Association chapter. She said the nurses will continue to work toward a fair contact that respects them, values what they do for the community and can recruit new nurses to the medical center as well as retaining current ones.
Lightning strike damages Gladwin wastewater treatment facility
This is a developing story and will be updated. People in the city of Gladwin are being asked not to use bathroom facilities after the city's wastewater treatment plant sustained damage after being struck by lightning. "As a result, the treatment plant is not operating properly," a release from the city reads.
Emmet County Sheriff investigates violent incident at music festival
Investigators with the Emmet County Sheriff's Office are asking the public for help after a violent incident at the Blissfest Music Festival near Harbor Springs on Sunday, July 12. According to the sheriff's office, Lonn Hartman sustained "severe lacerations to the neck area" while attending the festival. He was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries.
BONUS: Taking voter temperatures ahead of the midterms
Here & Now Host Scott Tong broadcast from WCMU this week The NPR midday news show airs from 1-3 p.m. every weekday on your local WCMU radio station and our livestream. On top of using our studios here in Mount Pleasant, Tong was also on the ground reporting in Michigan. He went into the field with WCMU Reporter AJ Jones to talk with voters in Saginaw, among other places in the region. Their conversation on Here & Now is this week's bonus episode. Like what you hear?
Michigan Supreme Court sends bills to Whitmer, who stuns with surprise vetoes Original
The Michigan Supreme Court delivered a welcome — but short-lived — win to Democrats in the Legislature Friday, with a decision that resulted in nine bills championed by Democratic lawmakers finally making their way to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's desk after an 18-month delay. Then, the Democratic governor vetoed all of them.
SCOTUS sides with Isabella County in property dispute case
Michael Pung's home was auctioned off for 76-thousand dollars after he failed to pay back taxes to the county. Pung's attorney argued he was actually owed the "fair market value" of the home, which was worth nearly $200,000. But the justices rejected the interpretation that "just compensation" equals fair market value in the Fifth Amendment. Matthew Nelson is one of the attorneys representing Isabella County. He says the high court reaffirmed legal procedures dating back to the 11th century.
SCOTUS favors Isabella County in tax foreclosure case
After a ruling from the nation’s top court, another chapter in a yearslong legal saga over a $2,241 tax debt and property foreclosure in Isabella County has ended in favor of local officials. On Tuesday, nearly all the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court rejected arguments from the family of the late Timothy Pung of Union Township. The family says they were owed the fair market value of their Isabella County home, after county officials seized the property.
Severe thunderstorms, high winds, expected to hit lower Michigan
The National Weather Service says the Lower Peninsula should expect more high winds and the potential for tornados and hail Thursday afternoon. “The mid-Michigan area would be included in the elevated threat area,” said Dan Cornish, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gaylord.
Mackinac Island could soon set ferry rates under new law
Editor's note: This story was produced for the ear and designed to be heard. If you're able, WCMU encourages you to listen to the audio version of this story by clicking the LISTEN button above. This transcript was edited for clarity and length. David Nicholas: Mackinac Island may begin regulating ferry operations that carry people to and from the popular tourist destination.
Ship drops anchor in Soo Locks, traffic at standstill
Shipping traffic at the Soo Locks grinded to a halt Wednesday afternoon after a ship dropped its anchor inside of the Poe Lock while trying to travel south into Lake Huron. According to Carrie Fox, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, it’s unclear if the lock, or the Vessel, the American Century, sustained damages. Fox told WCMU after the ship dropped its anchor shortly after 1 p.m. that it pulled its anchor back onboard before safely backing out of the lock chamber.
Live updates: Cheboygan County Sheriff says to prepare for evacuation
The Michigan State Police said in a social media post that a large crane was brought to the Cheboygan Dam and Lock Complex to remove gates at the dam "in an effort to increase water flow and manage rising water levels." Crews continue to work around the clock at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex. Overnight a large crane removed gates at the dam in an effort to increase water flow and manage rising water levels. 👍Follow this page for accurate and up-to-the-minute updates.
State of emergency remains in effect as water climbs at Cheboygan Dam
WCMU | By Rick Brewer Published April 13, 2026 at 6:12 AM EDT A state of emergency remains in effect as water levels at the Cheboygan Dam and Lock Complex continue to rise with more rainfall, climbing temperatures and melting snow pouring into the watershed following a harsh northern Michigan winter. As of Sunday afternoon, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said water levels at the dam were 15 inches from reaching the top. On Friday afternoon it was 18 inches.
State of emergency remains in effect as water climbs at Cheboygan Dam
A state of emergency remains in effect as water levels at the Cheboygan Dam and Lock Complex continue to rise with more rainfall, climbing temperatures and melting snow pouring into the watershed following a harsh northern Michigan winter. As of Sunday afternoon, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said water levels at the dam were 15 inches from reaching the top. On Friday afternoon it was 18 inches.
Water levels continue to rise at Cheboygan Dam
State officials say they’ve placed 1,500 sandbags on top of the Cheboygan Dam as water levels continue to rise due to melting snow and rainfall that’s been above the seasonal average, according to the National Weather Service. As of Friday afternoon, the Michigan State Police said the Cheboygan River is sitting 18 inches below the top of the dam. On Thursday, the state reported the water levels were 21 inches from the top.
Eastern UP ferries back up and running after icy weekend
Ferries serving three remote islands in the eastern Upper Peninsula were back on normal schedules Monday after heavy, thick ice in the St. Marys River crippled vessels over the weekend. Since the Soo Locks opened March 25, the official start of the Great Lakes shipping season, dozens of carriers have moved up and down the St. Marys River delivering iron ore, cement and other raw materials across the Midwest.
Ice continues to stall Great Lakes shipping as delays stretch days
Since the Soo Locks opened on March 25th, both the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards have helped 43 ships navigate icy waters. The U.S. Coast Guard's ice breaking fleet is not at full capacity. Two smaller ice breakers are down, and their only heavy one is unable to make it to Lake Superior due to mechanical issues. A spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard said all available cutters are supporting ice breaking operations.
Great Lakes shipping season starts with carriers beset by ice
Adam Miedema / WCMU File The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw moored in Mackinac City on March 16, 2023. The vessel is currently unable to pass through the Soo Locks due to mechanic issues. As many as 11 carriers in the upper Great Lakes near Sault Ste. Marie have been delayed by icy conditions since the shipping season began Wednesday morning with the opening of the Soo Locks.
Great Lakes shipping season starts with carriers beset by ice
As many as 11 carriers in the upper Great Lakes near Sault Ste. Marie have been delayed by icy conditions since the shipping season began Wednesday morning with the opening of the Soo Locks. According to Eric Peace, vice president of the Lake Carriers' Association, a group that represents the interests of the commercial shipping industry on the Great Lakes, more delays are expected Friday evening as ice thickness in parts of Lake Superior exceeds 2 feet.
Northeast Michigan senior center closed after blizzard causes roof collapse
The senior center in the northeast village of Atlanta will be closed for the foreseeable future after snow accumulation from last week's blizzard and ice storm caused most of the metal roof to cave in. In addition to being a senior center, the building acts as a community gathering space, with events like bingo, exercise classes, sewing groups, community meals, and private events happening nearly every day.
Race for open Michigan Senate seat heats up in Midland
The two major party candidates running for the open state Senate seat in the Saginaw Bay region made their pitch to Midland voters on Wednesday. The May 5 special election between Democrat Chedrick Greene and Republican Jason Tunney, who are both running to represent the 35th state Senate District seat, which includes portions of Midland, Bay and Saginaw counties, may determine the balance of power in the state Senate for the rest of 2026. Democrats only hold a one seat majority at 19-18.
Michiganders begin digging themselves out after historic blizzard
Michiganders are beginning to understand the magnitude of the major winter storm that crushed the northern part of the state as people began to dig themselves out of their homes and businesses Tuesday. The National Weather Service says some areas of the central Upper Peninsula received up to 4 feet of snow, putting several all-time snowfall records at risk of being broken.
UP conditions remain hazardous, blizzard warning remains in effect
Many roads across the Upper Peninsula remain treacherous or impassable as a major winter storm continues to create blizzard conditions. In parts of the central UP, local snow plows are being pulled off the road due to buckets of snow pummeling the region, along with snow drifts and high winds creating low visibility, according to a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Transportation.
MSP tells people to stay home as winter storms hits northern MI
Lieutenant Ashley Miller is a public information officer with the Michigan State Police. She says people need to prepare to hunker down and wait this storm out. "We need to make sure that our plow trucks have enough room to maintain the roads as best they can. And truly, once the freezing rain starts the roads are not going to be safe." The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning for most of northern Lower Michigan.
Winter storm closes Mackinac Bridge to all traffic Original
The Mackinac Bridge closed to all traffic Sunday morning due to the harsh winter storm beginning to sweep through northern Michigan. “Blowing winds and snow have made visibility so poor that it’s not safe to cross the Mackinac Bridge so we’ve closed it as a precaution for now,” said James Lakes, a spokesperson for the Mackinac Bridge Authority. The Authority is asking motorists who are approaching the bridge to reduce their speed to 20 mph and to be prepared to stop.
Northern Michigan braces for major winter storm
The National Weather Service says a historic major winter storm is set to hit the Upper Peninsula starting Sunday afternoon and is expected to last through Tuesday morning. In addition, the northern Lower Peninsula is expected to see snow along with snow/rain mixes and a quarter inch of ice precipitation or more.
McDonald Rivet votes in favor of limiting Trump's military campaign in Iran
U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, voted in favor of a resolution Thursday that sought to force President Donald Trump to receive congressional approval before taking any further military action in Iran. McDonald Rivet said she voted for the resolution because congressional authority has been diminishing under the Trump administration and because “no clear imminent threat, objectives or timeline for America’s involvement” in the Middle East has been provided to Congress or the public.
How one mid-Michigan home could change property rights in America
Editor's note: This story was produced for the ear and designed to be heard. If you're able, WCMU encourages you to listen to the audio version of this story by clicking the LISTEN button above. This transcript was edited for clarity and length. Jaden Gibson: Oral arguments are set to begin tomorrow morning in a U.S. Supreme Court case that centers on the tax foreclosure of a mid-Michigan home.
WCMU launches new weekly podcast
WCMU Public Media is proud to announce the launch of a weekly news podcast, Between the Lakes. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll hear a quick round-up of the top stories impacting communities across central and northern Michigan, written and produced by journalists who work and live in the region. Keeping up with the news and policy shifts can feel overwhelming, but Between the Lakes is built to make consuming the news a little easier.
Table set for high stakes Michigan Senate special election
Voters in the Saginaw Bay region made their decision Tuesday night in the long-awaited special primary elections for Michigan's open state Senate seat. Chedrick Greene, a veteran and Saginaw fire captain, is the Democratic nominee. During his victory speech at a Bay City union hall, Greene said voters now have a clear choice. "A leader grounded in working-class experience, who has put his life on the line for three decades defending our freedoms and protecting Michiganders.
Greene, Tunney to face off for open state Senate seat
The table has been set for a high-stakes special election this coming May that could determine the balance of power in the state Senate. Voters in Tuesday's special primary elections in the Saginaw Bay region nominated Democrat Chedrick Greene and Republican Jason Tunney. Unofficial results show each carried over 50% of the vote as of early Wednesday morning with 95% of precincts reporting in the 35th state Senate District (see detailed results below).
35th District primary: Greene, Tunney to face off for open state Senate seat
Rick Brewer / WCMU Voting sign on the sidewalk of Northeast Middle School in the city of Midland on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. The table has been set for a high-stakes special election this coming May that could determine the balance of power in the state Senate. Voters in Tuesday's special primary elections in the Saginaw Bay region nominated Democrat Chedrick Greene and Republican Jason Tunney.
Special primary elections Tuesday will decide May ballot in Tri-Cities
Editor's note: This story was produced for the ear and designed to be heard. If you're able, WCMU encourages you to listen to the audio version of this story by clicking the LISTEN button above. This transcript was edited for clarity and length. Tina Sawyer: You're listening to Morning Edition here on WCMU, your connection to Michigan and the world. I'm Tina Sawyer.
A third choice: Libertarians choose candidate in race for Mich.’s open state Senate seat
There will be a third option for voters in the Great Lakes Bay Region for a high-stakes special election this May that could determine the balance of power in the state Senate. At their annual convention in Midland on Saturday, delegates from the Libertarian Party of Michigan nominated Allie Sledz, a mom of three pursuing a master's degree from Midland. It's the 36 year old's first time running for office, and has a background in working for political campaigns.
'Hands off Venezuela': Dozens gather in Bay City to oppose US military actions
1 of 3 — IMG_0077.jpg A few dozen protesters gathered on the steps of the federal courthouse and post office building in downtown Bay City, Mich. on Sunday Jan. 4, 2026 in protest of the Trump administration's attack on Venezuela and subsequent capture of the nation's president, Nicolas Maduro. Rick Brewer / WCMU 2 of 3 — IMG_0063.jpg A few dozen protesters gathered at the federal courthouse and post office building in downtown Bay City, Mich. on Sunday Jan.
'Hands off Venezuela': Dozens gather in Bay City to oppose US military actions
Chants of “Donald Trump has got to go” and “hands off Venezuela” rang out in front of the federal courthouse and post office in downtown Bay City on Sunday afternoon. Donning scarves, winter coats, knit hats and gloves in the chilly weather, several dozen people held homemade signs expressing their opposition to the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela early Saturday morning, and the subsequent capture of the nation’s president, Nicolás Maduro.
WCMU's top ten stories of 2025
It was a busy year. That's putting it lightly. But I couldn't be more proud of the work the WCMU News team produced this year. It was tough to pick a top-ten list. In fact, as you'll see below, the first three stories, the list doesn't have rankings, are not stories. Instead, I chose either a series of stories we worked on as a team and the live blog we produced during the early days of the ice storm in northern Michigan.
Help us build our coverage for the state Senate special election
WCMU is closely covering the 35th state Senate district special election. The district includes the cities of Saginaw, Bay City and Midland and the greater Tri-Cities metro area of 270,000 residents. The race has the potential to alter the balance of power in Lansing. Control of the state Senate hangs in the balance, with the chamber currently holding a 19-18 Democratic majority. The election results will determine the makeup of the legislature working with Gov.
'A story that should never be forgotten': Remembering the SS Carl D. Bradley
It was 67 years ago Tuesday that the SS Carl D. Bradley sank to the bottom of Lake Michigan near Beaver Island. The freighter split in half during a November gale that produced 65 mph winds and 25-foot waves as it was en route to its home port in Rogers City for a hull inspection. Thirty-three men lost their lives. Two others survived after spending 16 hours in a life raft before they were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard in freezing temperatures.
'Never forgotten': Thousands gather to remember the Edmund Fitzgerald crew
Editor's note: This story was produced for the ear and designed to be heard. If you're able, WCMU encourages you to listen to the audio version of this story by clicking the LISTEN button above. The 29 men who died in 1975 on the Edmund Fitzgerald were honored Monday at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in the Upper Peninsula. Two events, a memorial service for the public, and a separate private ceremony for the families of the crew, were held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the tragedy.
'How do you buy gas?': Community rallies to support unpaid mid-Michigan airport workers
“We do care,” said Dan Stoney, manager of Intermission Deli in Saginaw and one of several restaurant owners in the Great Lakes Bay Region who recently donated lunches to federal workers at MBS International Airport in Freeland. That sentiment toward federal airport employees is being shared by dozens of volunteers, restaurants and small businesses across the Tri-Cities who are working together to provide food, snacks, gas cards and supplies during the government shutdown.
Looking for a food pantry in central and northern Michigan? We’ve got a map that can help.
People in search of a food pantry in central and northern Michigan can find a map at the bottom of this article to locate a local food pantry near you. Food pantries across central and northern Michigan are preparing for an influx of demand as funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program, commonly known as SNAP, is set to run out of funding due to the ongoing government shut down. State data shows 1.4 million Michiganders rely on the program.
State scraps controversial EV battery plant near Big Rapids
The state of Michigan is ending its support of a $2.4 billion electric vehicle battery plant that was planned for development outside of Big Rapids. That's according to the state's economic development office who said Thursday that the Chinese company Gotion Inc. failed to meet contractual obligations. The plant was projected to bring 2,300 jobs to the region and was backed by $270 million in state funds.
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