Up North Lowdown

"Everyone up here loves it," say Tim Mulherin, "but everyone loves it in a different way." His book, 'This Magnetic North,' explores the tension between people who live here full time, and those who come here for just part of the year. He sat down with Ed Ronco to talk about his experience as a part-time resident. Also, an update from the district attorney's office on the Interlochen report.

Grape growers and experts in northern Michigan say “smoke taint” from this month’s hazy skies isn’t an immediate threat, but is likely a new impact of volatile weather that the industry might need to adapt to. We take a look at how the state's valuable wine industry is preparing for a future that could very well bring more smoke — and greater threat to their crop.

In this extended episode, we present the full audio of our conversation with Interlochen Center for the Arts President Trey Devey, about the findings of an independent investigation into sexual abuse at the institution from the 1950s through the 2010s.

Interlochen Center for the Arts released the findings of an independent investigation that showed decades of sexual abuse committed by adults against students. On today's episode, we talk to Interlochen President Trey Devey. The report spells out 70 separate instances of sexual abuse against students committed by faculty, staff and other adults, from the 1950s through the 2010s.

The Wexford Joint Planning Commission voted against recommending a proposed solar project in Wexford County. IPR's Vivian La tells us about this project and a surprising detail on who actually owns the land meant to hold it.

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has rejected a petition to recall Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop. IPR's Austin Rowlader breaks down why the petition was rejected.

Flock cameras in Grand Traverse County have taken photographs of almost 450,000 vehicles in the last 30 days. But who is searching through the data? And what are they searching for? Locally, the only check on searches comes from the policing authorities themselves. We'll also hear about the effort to recall the Antrim County clerk, a possible data center moratorium in Garfield Township and an Elk...

Mandi Young, a science teacher at The Pathfinder School, spent the week on Lake Superior aboard the federal research vessel "Lake Guardian," taking water samples, working with EPA scientists, and thinking of ways to bring the experience to her students this school year. We'll also hear about Traverse City’s Resilience Program, which offers many people living through homelessness a place to talk ab...

An acting troupe will tell the Bard's tales out in the woods, not all that differently from how Shakespeare would have done it — out in the elements. Also, an interesting discovery at a local archaeological dig site.

In the spring of 1536, in the Tower of London, Anne Boleyn awaits execution. That actually happened. But in Henry Tudor Must Die, a previous wife of Henry VIII appears to Anne on the eve of her death, and offers to help her escape. Ed Ronco talks with Traverse City author Jillian Laine about her debut novel. Also, an update on an incident last weekend at Blissfest and other northern Michigan news.

Haven't had time to look into the candidates for Michigan's 1st Congressional District yet? Don't worry. The Leelanau Enterprise did. We talk with editor Brian Freiberger. We'll also hear about a big land deal that puts hundreds of acres along Torch Lake into permanent protection. And we can't smell the smoke anymore but that doesn't mean it's gone.

Today, we get an update on the cherry harvest in northern Michigan. Tart cherry growers are expecting a smaller harvest than usual. Janelle D. James from Bridge Michigan tells us more about what she learned. We'll also reveal the winner to our first-ever Up North Lowdown Puzzle, and play a cherry-themed game with her. Can you get to the answer before she does? Listen to find out.

A new local newsroom appeared in Grand Traverse County seemingly overnight. Prism News publishes under the bylines of nearly 40 journalists. But here’s the catch: None of those reporters are human.

Dylan Kulik, assistant director of sustainability at Interlochen Center for the Arts walks us through how to start an herb garden. Also, wildfires burning in Minnesota are leading to poor air quality here in northern Michigan. And we take a look at cyclosporiasis cases here in northern Michigan. The parasite infects fresh greens, herbs and produce. So, how can you protect yourself?

Early plans from a renewable energy developer Ranger Power could line the land around Jake Kerby’s home with solar arrays, as county officials consider a zoning amendment that could push the project forward. Some see the project as inevitable because of a state law that limits local governments’ ability to say no to large-scale renewable energy development like solar, wind or battery storage — Pub...

"Here All Along: Finding My Way to Cherry Republic" is the title of Bob Sutherland's new memoir. Ed Ronco met with him at his Traverse City location to talk about the book and his life leading up to Cherry Republic. Also, a traffic update — construction on Beitner Rd. likely to begin in the next few weeks. But a sewer main break on South Airport is going to cause some backups this week. Reporting...

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians organized the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek PowWow at the National Cherry Festival. IPR's Maxwell Howard brings us there. Also, an update on Beitner Rd. a main Traverse City thoroughfare that has been closed since it washed out in April. Reporting for this episode by Maxwell Howard and Austin Rowlader. Producer: Austin Rowlader Editor: Steve Ju...

Despite having no proposals on the table, over 100 people packed into a Garfield Township Planning Commission to voice their opposition to data centers.

Major highways in Antrim County were washed out after last week's rain storm. One local farm is seeing a flood of support. Also, singer/songwriter Mason Via, Old Crow Medicine Show, is launching a new solo career. We caught up with him while he was making his car and heading north for a show in Frankfort this Friday. Reporting for this episode by Austin Rowlader.

Abigail McKiernan was having a rough time in life — behind on bills, struggling with a domestic violence situation — when she started "Spark in the Dark," a Facebook group that began with about 50 members in Traverse City. Now it has tens of thousands of followers and has grown into the platform HelpLink. We talk about hope, dignity and the willingness of people to help each other.

Yeah, probably. Jonathan Baude is a local puzzle master whose crosswords have been published in The New York Times. Today he delivers a puzzle too tough for IPR's Ed Ronco.

We're talking tourism, tradition, farming and aerial stunts on this special edition of the Up North Lowdown. This episode was broadcast live from the Traverse City Visitor Center on the day before the festival opens.

License plate reading cameras are catching on in northern Michigan. Grand Traverse County has 28. Antrim County has eight, with the possibility of three more on the way. Also: Youth homelessness numbers are down in northwest lower Michigan, despite adult stats holding steady. We'll hear from a local group working to end the crisis. And how about those storms last night?

For decades, people in Frankfort and Elberta have spent the Fourth of July week looking for a little medal. We talk to an organizer of the annual tradition and an enthusiast. But that's not all in this episode! Hear about our biggest picture yet on how PFAS chemicals are impacting the Great Lakes. And listen to an excerpt of "Pink Pony Club" by the OUT Ensemble!

A new Michigan law requires some local elected officials to wait a certain amount of time before assuming office. And so far this session, it's the only election measure to receive bipartisan support in Lansing. We hear why the new law went into effect, and what it means for those chosen to lead their communities.