Up North Lowdown

Home insurance rates in Michigan are increasing because of climate change, according to new national data. That follows national patterns as states deal with more severe weather and increased climate risks. Climate solutions reporter Vivian La tells us more. Plus, we talk with state Sen. John Damoose about the aftermath of this storm and some newly announced relief money from the last major winter storm to hit northern Michigan — that devastating ice storm in 2025.

The storm seems to be easing. We'll have more snow today, but not nearly as much as yesterday, and sub-freezing temperatures. But a warmup is coming later this week. The National Weather Service brings us up to speed. We'll also hear from two businesses — one in Traverse City, one in Kalkaska County — about how they fared Monday. And the winning word for a 12-year-old, two-time spelling bee champ from Leland.

A serious winter storm has dragged its way across northern Michigan, fouling up roads and taking out power to more than 100,000 utility customers. Even the IPR news team is stuck. Today, we hear from our reporters about how Monday began, and from the National Weather Service on how it might end. By the way, you can get the latest from the Weather Service here.

Right now, most glass that's put into recycling bins in our region gets used for building roads in landfills. But Emmet County has found a way to recycle the material. Could they lead the way for others? IPR's Ellie Katz has that story. We also talk with two high school seniors who are starring in the Traverse City West High School production of "Little Shop of Horrors," opening this weekend.

Most plastic you recycle ends up in the landfill. Some of it joins local and national supply chains to be made into new products. And some actually power a northern Michigan factory. Today and tomorrow, we take a look at recycling in northern Michigan, with this surprising story from IPR's Vivian La.

Six months ago, state lawmakers heard weeks of testimony about Michigan's struggling mental health system and a critical lack of providers. That lack is especially pronounced here in Michigan. Lawmakers and advocates want to see a report that was supposed to come out of those hearings months ago. IPR's Maxwell Howard explains why we haven't seen it yet. We also check in with IPR music director Amanda Sewell, who tells us about a big night at Orchestra Hall in Detroit.

"What's a Yooper Without Winter?" That's the title of a short story by Sault Ste. Marie author Sara Maurer. It's part of a new collection titled "On an Inland Sea: Writing the Great Lakes," exploring what it means to live in our part of the country. Maurer's story looks at what it means to live in the Upper Peninsula amid a changing climate. She shares an excerpt with us and talks about her Yooper identity. Also, some northern Michigan motorists sound off on higher gas prices.

A northern Michigan tribe has lost an appeal to keep federal conservation funding. But it’s not the end of the road for the restoration efforts. It’s the next chapter in a story we’ve been hearing about from IPR environment reporter Ellie Katz, who joins us this morning with the latest and what’s next.

The Rev. Julie Delezenne is senior of the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City. The Rev. Linda Stephan is lead pastor at Central United Methodist Church. And both traveled to Washington, D.C., to ask for changes in how the U.S. handles immigration. They tell us about the productive conversations they had on Capitol Hill and how those are a stark contrast from the way the debate plays out in other forums.

Federal judges tend to rule in favor of immigrants held at North Lake Detention Center, saying the government is illegally detaining them. An analysis by Michigan Public shows that hundreds of habeas corpus petitions have been received by detainees at the Baldwin facility. We talk with reporters Michelle Jokisch Polo and Adam Yahya Rayes. Also, a big zoning vote in Banks Township tonight could clear the way for a gravel mine. Austin Rowlader sets the stage and explains what's at stake.