Latest news with #MichiganNationalGuard
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
10 of Michigan's most scenic hikes to take during the summer
If you like to hike, Michigan has more than 4,000 miles of state-designated trails that wind through old-growth forests and lead to waterfalls, mountain tops, sparkling lakes, white sand dunes and even past skyscraping urban office towers. The state has compiled a list of 10 of them. However, before you go, you should make sure you have a hiking plan, have researched the trail to make sure parts have not been closed or washed out, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. State-managed trails in a dozen northern Michigan counties, including parts of the eastern Upper Peninsula, have been closed following the severe ice storms earlier this year that downed trees and power lines. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, along with the Michigan National Guard, has been working to clear debris. Sometimes referred to as the North County National Scenic Trail, it is about 4,800 miles long. It stretches across eight states, from Vermont to North Dakota, with one of the longest segments running through the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. A popular segment goes through the Manistee National Forest. Parts of the trail, however, may be closed or impassable, as a result of a severe ice storm at the end of March, which downed trees. Difficulty: Level varies When completed, it is set to become one of the longest state trails in America. It starts — or ends depending on which way you go — at Detroit's Belle Isle Park, runs through Detroit, goes over the the Mackinac Bridge until it reaches the Upper Peninsula town of Ironwood. A section of the trail in Rochester, however, had been closed following a wash-out of about 150 feet of the pathway. Difficulty: Level varies It winds through Isle Royale National Park, one of the least-visited national parks because it is on a remote island. Once you are on the 43-mile trail, you'll have to filter your own water. It offers vistas of Lake Superior, white pine forests and granite outcroppings. You also might run into some moose. Difficulty: Hard It will take you by Au Sable Light Station, alongside Chapel Rock and Spray and Bridalveil Falls. It also shares what Pure Michigan calls a "picture-perfect route" with a stretch of the North Country Trail. It heads near Grand Marais or Munising. The Munising Falls trail in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has been temporarily closed. Difficulty: Moderate It is the most beautiful of the Sleeping Bears Dunes trails. The three-mile trek passes through wildflower-strewn meadows, paper birch forests and over rolling sand dunes. A short spur leads out to a Lake Michigan overlook. Difficulty: Moderate It offers an overview of the Porcupine Mountains, traveling from the Lake Superior shore through a scenic valley toward the Lake of the Clouds. The Escarpment Trail follows a ridge overlooking the Lake of the Clouds and the North Mirror Lake Trail leads to Mirror Lake, which is 1,532 feet above sea level. Difficulty: Hard The trail — or network of trails, actually — overlooks Saginaw Bay and offers views of the Pinnebog River and Channel, Lake Huron sand dunes and a chimney monument that is a reminder of the state's former lumber days. Port Crescent State Park, however, is closed through June 26 toimprove roads, water and sewer lines, electrical systems, the sanitation station and other park infrastructure. Difficulty: Easy Three looped trails in Alcona County named after Native American tribes link together. The trek offers hikers with an unspoiled shoreline, hidden bays and sugar sand beaches. The trails also tend to be lightly traveled so that means you might have those beautiful views all to yourself. Difficulty: Easy A relatively short circuit, about four miles, wends through hardwood forests in southwest Michigan, up and over dunes and opens up into "a jaw-dropping expanse of golden Lake Michigan beach," according to Pure Michigan. It also is popular in the fall. Difficulty: Moderate The five-mile, scenic loop in Livingston County is surrounded by rolling hills and inland lakes, and is covered by a canopy of maple and oak trees, which can help keep you cool in the summer and blot out the noise of the city. In the fall, the trail lights up with vibrant colors of hardwood tree leaves. The Bishop Lake Campground, however, is closed for road and electrical upgrades. Difficulty: Moderate Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan's 10 most scenic hikes during the summer
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Proposed bill would start relief funding to Northern Michigan to help with ice storm toll
NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Almost three weeks after a historic ice storm brought destruction to Northern Michigan, legislators are working on a proposal to bring $300 million in relief to the region. State Rep. Parker Fairbairn of the 107th district proposed House Bill 4328 on April 16. The proposed bill is a $75 million state budget plan, working in tandem with "any future federal disaster declaration for Northern Michigan," according to a release from Fairbairn's office. If the plan is approved, $75 million in state relief would be sent to the region, which would be a start to securing an additional $225 million in federal aid. According to Fairbairn's office, federal relief dollars require a 25% match from the state, which would be covered by the $75 million if approved. More: Up North residents hit by ice storm endure cold, power outages: 'How are we gonna manage?' More: 'A generational storm': Northern Michigan ice storm was worst in over 100 years Following the multi-day ice storms at the end of March, tens of thousands of residents faced extended power outages. Some small pockets of the region were still without power weeks later. Additionally, people faced property damage from fallen trees, electrical towers and power lines. Many roads were impassable for days, limiting access to food and fuel for some. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a State of Emergency for 12 Northern Michigan counties after the storm, and deployed the Michigan National Guard to assist in recovery efforts. More: PHOTOS: Ice storm aftermath in Northern Michigan A recent estimate from the Michigan State Police, according to Fairbairn's release, puts the cost of recovery efforts at upwards of $200 million. Fairbairn said he expects that number to rise. 'As recovery efforts are still ongoing, it's unclear just how financially devastating this storm was for our Northern Michigan communities,' Fairbairn said in a statement. 'There are several debris drop-off locations that have been forced to close because they've filled up, and the local officials have run out of money to get rid of the debris themselves. That's the situation we're facing. Every single dollar at our disposal is going to support recovery efforts, but it's becoming alarmingly clear that we're going to need a lot of dollars if we ever hope to get this mess cleaned up.' More: How to help: Donation options for ice storm relief, recovery in Northern Michigan More: Ice storm delivers crushing blow to Northern Michigan's maple syrup industry The proposed $300 million in funding would support disaster relief grants, aiding communities in emergency management assistance. Additionally, they could assist the continued operation of warming centers and purchase of supplies, cleanup and recovery efforts, unemployment benefits and temporary employment opportunities for displaced workers, energy assistance, and the repair and replacement of public infrastructure, according to Fairbairn's release. State Rep. Ken Borton of the 105th district backed the bill. 'The pictures and videos cannot show the amount of devastation that's up here,' said Borton in a statement. 'I've talked to linemen who have worked across the country, and they've told me they've worked category five hurricanes that weren't this bad. This widespread damage was unprecedented. We still have thousands of people who don't have power and many who can't get to their homes. There is so much debris that's just been pushed into the right-of-way because there's nowhere for it to go and no one to clean it up because we're running out of funding. We've exhausted our resources to the point that it's created a tinderbox we need to address immediately.' State Rep. Cam Cavitt of the 106th district also spoke in support of the bill. 'This crisis isn't over yet; we still have around 4,000 people out of power in my district,' Cavitt said during testimony on April 16. 'The storm came on a Friday and stayed with us through Sunday. I recorded two inches of ice on my bird feeder outside my home. We had nursing homes without power. We had hospitals without oxygen. We had 911 calls that went unanswered because trees made roads impassable. This was literally a life and death situation.' In a Facebook post, State Sen. John Damoose of the 37th district said that even if the $75 million in state aid passes, "Federal funding is far from granted." In the post, he noted Whitmer has formally asked for a presidential declaration of emergency, which would start the process of receiving funds. He also added that U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman of Michigan's 1st congressional district has been leading the effort to try to access federal funds. "While I am hopeful these funds are forthcoming, we cannot place all of our hope in receiving any relief from the federal government," Damoose wrote. "North Carolina was just denied approval to extend its full reimbursement period from Hurricane Helene, and we must not forget that Gaylord was turned down in its quest for federal disaster aid after it's devastating tornadoes in 2022." Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage More: Amid ice storm recovery, Whitmer seeks federal emergency aid for Northern Michigan Damoose also shared with his followers on April 16 that he introduced Senate Bill 212, which would forgive the days schools were not in session during the state of emergency, lasting from March 31-April 10. Each year, Michigan schools are allotted six days where class can be canceled for any reason, whether it be illness, weather concerns or power outages. After six days, school districts can then request a waiver for three additional days off, up to nine. Most districts in the storm-affected region had four or more days off, putting most of them above the allowance of nine. Damoose said forgiving those additional days "is one of the many practical things we will need to do to provide families and schools stability and peace of mind in the months ahead." Both Harbor Springs Public Schools Superintendent Brad Plackemeier and Public Schools of Petoskey Superintendent Jeff Leslie spoke during school board meetings the week of April 14 about the issue. They said they have been in communication with their local representatives and legislators, who have told them they are confident the additional days off will be forgiven. — Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@ Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Legislation would start funding to aid Northern Michigan after ice storm
RNZ News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
How the US 'war on woke' and women risks weakening its own military capability
By Bethan Greener of US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, speaks as US President Donald Trump looks on during remarks to the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Warren, Michigan, on 29 April 2025. Photo: Jim Watson / AFP Analysis - With US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's "proud" cancellation this week of the military's Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program, the "war on woke" has found its latest frontier - war itself. Stemming from a United Nations Security Council resolution in 2000, the WPS initiative aimed to increase the participation of women in public institutions, including in the security sector and peace-making roles. The WPS agenda aims to better understand how women, men, boys and girls experience war, peace and security differently. It increases operational effectiveness and supports the underlying goal of gender equality, described by the UN as the " number one predictor of peace ". In the military context, it emphasises the need to increase the participation of women and to better protect non-combatant women in war, particularly from the prevalence of conflict-related sexual violence. The decision to end the program as part of a wider war on diversity, equity and inclusion seems to assume national security and military power are incompatible with the promotion of racial and gender equality. In other words, it assumes certain types of people aren't really cut out to be "warfighters". And, it asserts that anything other than basic skill (such as weapons handling) undermines readiness and ability in warfare. History and the available evidence suggest both ideas are wrong. The archetypal warrior envisaged by Hegseth and others is one who relies on very traditional concepts of what constitutes a warrior and who that might be: not female, definitely not transgender, and ideally also not gay. Recent bans on transgender personnel in the US military, the removal of mandatory mental resilience training, and the " disappearance " from US museums and memorials of the records of the military contribution of women and minorities, reinforce these ideas. The ideal soldier, according to the new doctrine, is straight, white, physically fit, stoic and male. Yet people of all stripes have served their countries ably and with honour. This morning, I proudly ENDED the 'Women, Peace & Security' (WPS) program inside the @DeptofDefense . WPS is yet another woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and troops — distracting from our core task: WAR-FIGHTING. WPS is a UNITED… Military service is allocated a privileged kind of status in society, despite (or perhaps because of) the ultimate sacrifice it can entail. That status has long been the preserve of men, often of a particular class or ethnicity. But women and minorities around the world have fought for the right to enter the military, often as part of broader campaigns for greater equality within society in general. But there remains resistance to these "interlopers". No matter their individual capabilities, women are painted as too physically weak, as a threat to combat percent7E:text=Integrating percent20women percent20into percent20special percent20operations percent20forces percent20poses percent20potential,readiness percent2C percent20cohesion percent2C percent20and percent20morale percent20essential percent20to percent20high-performing percent20teams unit cohesion, or a liability because of their particular health needs. Women, in particular, are often perceived as being too emotional or lacking authority for military command . Minorities are seen as requiring distracting rules about cultural sensitivity, presenting language challenges, or are stereotyped as not cut out for leadership. But problem-solving - a key military requirement - is best tackled with a range of views and approaches. Research from the business world shows diverse teams are more successful, including delivering higher financial returns. At a more granular level, we also know that minority groups have often outperformed other military units, as exemplified by the extraordinary feats of the New Zealand Māori Pioneer Battalion in World War I and the 28th Māori Battalion in World War II. Women, too, have proved themselves many times over, most recently in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As well as matching the skills of their male counterparts, they also had different, useful approaches to roles such as intelligence gathering in conflict zones. US Marines taking part in a training exercise. Photo: AFP The competence of military personnel is not determined by sex, gender, sexuality or ethnicity. Rather, competence is determined by a combination of learned skills, training, education, physical ability,] mental agility, resilience, experience , interpersonal skills and leadership qualities. Any suggestion that military units are best served by being made up of only heterosexual men with "alpha" tendencies is undermined by the evidence. In fact, a monocultural, hypermasculine military may increase the potential for harassment, bullying or worse. Modern military roles also involve a much wider range of skills than the traditional and stereotypically male infantry tasks of digging, walking with a pack, firing guns and killing an enemy. In modern warfare, personnel may also need to engage in "hearts and minds" counterinsurgency, or in "grey zone" tactics, where specialisations in intelligence, cyber or drone piloting are more highly prized. Militaries are also much more likely to be deployed to non-warfighting roles, such as humanitarian aid and disaster relief. This isn't to say "controlled aggression" and other traditionally alpha-male attributes don't have their place. However, national military strategies increasingly stress the need to train ethical and compassionate soldiers to successfully carry out government objectives. The evolution of war requires the evolution of the military forces that fight them. The cancellation of the Women, Peace and Security program in the US threatens to put a stop to this process, at least in that country. Despite Pete Hegseth's claim to be increasing "warfighting" capability, then, there is a real chance the move will decrease operational effectiveness, situational awareness and problem-solving in conflict situations. Far from being peripheral, the Women, Peace and Security program is central to the future of all military activity, and to developing conceptions of war, peace and security. Hegseth's "proud moment" looks less like winning a "war on woke" and more like a retreat from an understanding of the value a diverse military has created. * Bethan Greener is an Associate Professor of Politics, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa - Massey University This story was originally published on The Conversation.
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Gretchen Whitmer Speaking at Trump Rally Sparks Fury: 'Enabling Behavior'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is facing intense backlash after making a surprise appearance at a Donald Trump rally. Newsweek has contacted Whitmer's office for comment via email. Why It Matters Whitmer, who is viewed as a likely presidential contender in 2028, has come under scrutiny from Democrats in recent weeks for cultivating a closer working relationship with Trump. Her party is divided over whether to engage with the White House or not as they seek to win back the House and the Senate in 2026, and the presidency in 2028. Her appearance will likely further isolate Democrats who regard Trump as a toxic figure and are frustrated with what they see as their party's inability to stand up to him, but Whitmer has repeatedly defended her bipartisan approach, saying that she's willing to work with anyone committed to getting results but won't compromise her core beliefs. What To Know Whitmer joined Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County on Tuesday. There had been fears that the base could close, but this week, those fears appeared to be quashed when Trump said he would "save Selfridge," announcing new fighter jets for the base. President Donald Trump listens as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Harrison Township, Mich. President Donald Trump listens as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Harrison Township, Mich. Alex Brandon/AP For decades, Trump said at the air base, Selfridge has "stood as a crucial pillar of North American air defense." "In recent years, many in Michigan have feared for the future of the base. They've been calling everybody, but the only one that mattered is Trump," he said. "Today I have come in person to lay to rest any doubt about Selfridge's future." Whitmer and other Michigan officials have long pushed for a new fighter mission at the base, warning that the planned retirement of the A-10 fleet could severely impact Macomb County's economy. The base contributes an estimated $850 million annually to Michigan's economy and supports around 30,000 jobs. Whitmer has lobbied both the Biden and Trump administrations, highlighting Selfridge's legacy with fighter aircraft and its strategic location near an international border, making it ideal for future missions. Following Trump's announcement, the president brought Whitmer onstage, seemingly catching her off guard. "Well, I hadn't planned to speak, but I'm—on behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably, on behalf of the state of Michigan, I am really damn happy we're here to celebrate this recapitalization at Selfridge. It's crucial for the Michigan economy. It's crucial for the men and women here for our homeland security and our future. So thank you. I am so, so grateful that this announcement was made today, and I appreciate all the work. Thank you," Whitmer said. The two even shared a hug. "I was the first one he greeted. We shook hands and he leaned in to tell me, you know, congratulations and that I was a big reason that we were making an announcement today. And I was grateful for that," Whitmer told The Associated Press about the moment. But Whitmer's appearance at Trump's press conference has provoked backlash from progressives. A Reddit post from political group 50501 accused her of "destructive enabling behavior" and lending legitimacy to a president they believe should face impeachment. Tara Setmayer, co-founder of The Seneca Project, expressed her dismay on X, saying Whitmer is "disqualifying herself" with her recent actions. However, some defended Whitmer, including Travis Akers, a veterans and gun reform advocate and a naval intelligence officer, who said on X: "It's ridiculous that Democrats are upset with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for joining President Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base." Mike Nellis, Democratic strategist, added: "You won't catch me complaining about Gretchen Whitmer saving tens of thousands of jobs or bringing in federal relief for people without power in Michigan. That's the damn job." In a statement after the event, Whitmer called the new fighter mission a "big, bipartisan win" and said she appreciated the President's partnership. She also told Politico that Trump's announcement was "an important thing for Michigan and our economy." Whitmer's appearance followed her disastrous meeting in the Oval Office last week. The Michigan governor had gone to see the president for what she described as a private meeting. But the meeting led to an awkward moment in the Oval Office, where Whitmer was left stood in front of cameras as Trump signed an executive order targeting a critic and repeated his debunked claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him. A New York Times photographer captured her at one point shielding her face with folders. In a statement, Whitmer's office said the governor was brought into the Oval Office in front of the press "without any notice" and emphasized that her presence was not an "endorsement of the actions taken or statements" made at that event. But Whitmer receive much backlash, some Democrats accusing her of "appeasement." This time, her team moved to get ahead of any fallout, confirming early Tuesday that she would be with Trump at the air base—"to support her troops and the long-standing effort she has made to secure support for Selfridge," a spokesperson said. The statement emphasized that she would not attend Trump's rally at Macomb Community College in Warren. Whitmer also issued a series of social media posts meant to explain her scheduled meeting with Trump before it happened. "I'll work with anyone who's serious about getting things done. But I'll never compromise on what I believe," she said on X. "In Michigan, we know how to get things done—and that means working together." She added: "Bipartisanship isn't about sacrificing our values. It's about standing strong and finding common ground to get things done. It's about putting people first, every single time." What People Are Saying Political organization 50501 said on Reddit: "I am livid. This is the second time she's let him use her on camera. She openly said she wants to work with him. This is destructive enabling behavior lending legitimacy to a president who should be getting articles of impeachment daily." Tara Setmayer, co-founder and CEO of The Seneca Project, said on X: "It hurts my heart to say this, but Whitmer is disqualifying herself at this point. WHAT IS SHE DOING??????" Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo News, said on X: "Far right extremists tried to kidnap Whitmer. Trump himself later suggested it was a fake plot and mocked it. He called her 'that woman in Michigan' and led a crowd that chanted 'lock her up.' Today Whitmer hugged him on the tarmac. This is why Dems lose." Travis Akers, a veterans and gun reform advocate and a naval intelligence officer, said on X: "It's ridiculous that Democrats are upset with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for joining President Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. She was there in her official capacity to support the men and women in uniform of the Michigan National Guard. What a stupid thing to be mad at." Mike Nellis, Democratic strategist, said on X: "You won't catch me complaining about Gretchen Whitmer saving tens of thousands of jobs or bringing in federal relief for people without power in Michigan. That's the damn job. Get s**t done, improve people's lives—f**k the politics." Gretchen Whitmer's office said in a statement: "This is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer. I appreciate the President's partnership on this new fighter mission that will protect jobs and show the world that Michigan is the best place to pioneer the next innovations in national defense." What Happens Next Whitmer is viewed as a likely presidential contender in 2028. But she has not yet said if she will run.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump Drags Dem Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Into Awkward Photo Opp
Donald Trump once again threw Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer into the spotlight after inviting her to speak at an event on his 100th day in office. Trump had appeared at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and was speaking to service members when he praised Whitmer–who was in attendance– for her work to help revamp the air force base. In front of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Trump thanked the Democrat, who he had once derided as the 'woman in Michigan' and unexpectedly invited her to address the crowd. 'So I want to thank Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for bringing [Selfridge] to our attention,' he said. 'You know, I'm not supposed to do that,' Trump added. 'She's a Democrat. They say, 'Don't do that, don't have her here.' I said, 'No, she's going to be here.' She's done a very good job, frankly.' Whitmer, who greeted Trump on the tarmac ahead of his visit, had discussed the issue with Trump in an Oval Office meeting earlier this month, according to ABC affiliate KATV. 'Well, I hadn't planned to speak,' Whitmer said, 'but on behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country—and serve so honorably on behalf of the state of Michigan—I am really damn happy we're here to celebrate this recapitalization.' Whitmer's Oval Office visit with the president had spurred criticism from the left, with the governor clarifying that her presence wasn't an endorsement of the executive orders Trump was signing at the time. 'If you're not at the table, you're on the menu,' she explained. 'My oath to the people of Michigan is to continue to show up, even when it means I'm going to get my lunch handed to me.' When asked to speak Tuesday, Whitmer, who hasn't been as confrontational to Trump as some other Democratic governors, didn't mention him directly. 'All the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably on behalf of the state of Michigan, I am really damn happy we're here,' Whitmer said. 'I am so, so grateful that this announcement was made today and I appreciate all the work,' she added, alluding to how new fighter planes would be housed at the air base. Trump also announced that additional plans for replacing refueling planes at the base were underway. Whitmer did not attend Trump's rally later Tuesday night.
