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Newsletter - Keeping Up With Callie
04/13/2026
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Hi John,
This past week, the world watched as humanity journeyed farther into space than ever before through Artemis II—a powerful reminder that even in times marked by conflict and uncertainty, we are capable of extraordinary, beautiful achievements. Astronaut Christina Koch described a crew as people “inescapably, beautifully, dutifully linked,” reminding us that Planet Earth is a crew. Her fellow astronaut Victor Glover echoed that truth: no matter where we come from or what we look like, we are one people—and our differences, when brought together, are our strength. And yet, as we look outward, we are also grounded in a simple truth: we will always choose Earth, and we will always choose each other .
That sense of shared responsibility feels especially urgent here at home. This week, we saw cuts to U.S. Forest Service research stations, including those in Houghton and L’Anse, part of the U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station. These stations help steward the millions of acres of forestland that define our region and sustain our communities . We are not just beneficiaries of these natural resources—we are caretakers, responsible for preserving them for future generations.
We are a crew here, too . We’ve inherited the strength, grit, and beauty of the Great Lakes, our forests, and the generations who built lives here through hard work and deep care for one another and the land. I’m especially mindful of that legacy when I think of my great-grandparents, Frederick Hanson and Olive Tallman, standing with their classmates in Cheboygan—part of the foundation that made our communities what they are today. Their generation believed in the promise of an affordable, meaningful life rooted in place and purpose.
Now it’s our turn to carry that forward—to take care of each other, to protect what we’ve been given, and to ensure that the same opportunities exist for those who come next.
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Pictured below: middle row, third and fourth over: Frederick Hanson and Olive Tallman (my great-grandpa and great-grandma) standing with their school classmates in Cheboygan, Michigan.
Calling all Content Creators!
Do you know someone in your neighborhood who creates engaging content online? They might be a business owner selling pasties, a college student organizing around an advocacy issue, or an expert in finance, music, or culture keeping everyone updated on trends.
We want to collaborate with them and with anyone ready to use their voice to defeat Jack Bergman.
Reach out to [email protected] [[email protected]?subject=Content Creators and Story Tellers] if you are interested in collaborating, or if there is someone in our community you would like us to meet.
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Issue Spotlight: Forest Research
Issue Brief: Why U.S. Forest Research Stations Matter
U.S. Forest Service research stations, such as the U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, play a critical role in protecting forest health, supporting local economies, and ensuring sustainable management of one of our most valuable natural resources. In a region with more than 8 million acres of forestland—split between private, state, and federal ownership—these stations provide the scientific foundation needed to balance conservation with responsible timber production.
For decades, research stations have worked closely with partners like Michigan Technological University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to assess climate risks, develop adaptation strategies, and apply best practices in forest management. This collaboration ensures forests remain healthy, productive, and resilient in the face of climate change, pests, and extreme weather events.
Beyond science, these stations are important economic anchors in rural communities. Facilities like the one in Houghton employ scientists, technicians, and support staff, providing stable, high-skill jobs in areas where employment opportunities can be limited. They also support broader regional industries, including timber, recreation, and tourism.
Importantly, research stations help ensure that increased timber harvesting—often a policy goal—is done safely and sustainably. Without up-to-date research and trained experts in silviculture and forest science, efforts to expand timber production risk degrading forest ecosystems, reducing long-term economic value, and increasing vulnerability to environmental threats.
In short, forest research stations are essential to maintaining the health of our forests, the strength of our rural economies, and the sustainability of our natural resources. Reducing or eliminating these stations would undermine decades of progress and leave forest managers without the tools they need to meet today’s challenges.
Read more here [[link removed].]
Callie on the road 🚗
It was incredible to be in Grayling, with a powerful performance by Aldrich and a special appearance from Taylor Perry—thank you to Ann and Lee for bringing everyone together! [[link removed]]
What stood out most, though, were the stories we heard. One resident shared the reality of insurance premiums climbing to $900 a month, while a young woman spoke about the uncertainty she feels around workplace protections during pregnancy. These aren’t abstract policy debates—they’re real challenges affecting our neighbors every day. It’s why we cannot overstate the importance of universal health care that guarantees both access and affordability.
We can do this, and we owe it to each other to get it done.
In the News 📰
The Momrade and Callie Barr sit down to discuss local issues that impact Michigan's First Congressional District in The Future of Rural Leadership . [link removed] [[link removed]]
Watch full interview here [[link removed]]
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Service Spotlight 💡
[[link removed]] Debi Williamson is a dedicated volunteer whose leadership continues to make a meaningful impact on this campaign and our community.
As a member and elder of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Debi brings wisdom, strength, and a deep commitment to protecting the sovereignty and dignity of all people. She works tirelessly to help get out the vote and ensure every voice is heard.
It’s because of women like her that this campaign stays the course. I am so grateful for her support, her guidance, and the example she sets for us. 💙
Click here to volunteer [[link removed]]
Your Story📖
Take five minutes to share your story with us by filling out the story submission form (click on blue button link). We want to know what YOU are passionate about. What’s an important issue in your community that we should know about? [[link removed]]
Reach out to [email protected] [[email protected]?subject=Interest in Communications] if you want to join our communications team. We want to hear from everyone, and we can do that with your support.
Share your story here [[link removed]]
Call To Action 🚨
People like you power this campaign:
Donate: Campaign contributions directly impact our campaign's success, and we need your help. Donations are used to power the essentials of reaching voters - like printing literature, running ads, supporting staff, and keeping events and outreach efforts strong across the district. Donate [[link removed]]
Volunteer: Volunteering supports our campaign by building people-centered change. Expanding outreach, strengthening community connections, and showing voters that this movement is driven by neighbors, not corporations. Volunteer [[link removed]]
Host an Event: We are currently looking for supporters who are willing to host an event for me. We need to set up more fundraisers and meet-and-greets across the state, and we cannot do it without you! Host [[email protected]?subject=Host an Event&body=]
Campaign Store: Want some Callie Barr swag? Go to our campaign store and buy our merch! Your purchase helps fund our campaign, and you get some great apparel. Store [[link removed]]
Thank you for believing in this campaign and the future we’re building together.
I'll see you on the road!
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PO Box 6921 Traverse City, MI 49696
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