Up North Lowdown

Michigan's Supreme Court hears all about regulating large animal farms. And this year's first big snowfall shows up just in time for a big birthday.

This week: Getting more restaurants to compost their food scraps, rural communities struggle for grants, and sprucing up a lighthouse.

This week: We wrap up our examination of northern Michigan's childcare crisis by hearing from providers and learning about a new approach near Northport.

This week: Rising rents make TC living harder, and we hear how employers are responding to a lack of childcare in our region.

This week: Parents struggle to find good, affordable childcare for their little ones, and we hear about a holiday variety show in Leland.

Come for the updates on two serious stories. Stay for the joyful (and mischievous) chat with famed composer Jerry Bilik.

Should there be more commercial fishing on Lake Michigan? A bill in Lansing has reignited the debate in some Up North communities.

A break from the news this week as we spend some time with classical guitarists Matthew Cochran and Matthew McAllister.

Fewer people are deer hunting in Michigan. And even if you're not a hunter, you should take notice, say experts.

Ashley Christopher cut her teeth as a musician playing at small festivals and house parties. But she found her musical community in northern Michigan.

This week: A debate among anglers as the state decides how many steelhead they can harvest, and we revisit another Steelhead — the state's first research vessel.

Jamie John's artistic journey delves deep into the intricate connections between personal experiences, ancestral stories and the natural world.

They've tried bubbles, sound and electricity. What's next in the fight to keep invasive carp out of Lake Michigan? Also, how might climate change affect our fall colors?

Traverse City is known for a concentration of plein air artists. But one local artist is determined to put his own stamp on the genre.

This week: Some stats about northern Michigan's housing crisis, and possible solutions. Plus, curling!

After seven decades of playing the trumpet, Jim Bekkering still feels the same passion as he did as a kid when he first picked up the trumpet. We meet him in this special midweek bonus episode of the Up North Lowdown.

This week: Microplastics, mentorship and the proper way to say "mmmunchy."

Two stories about the arts for you this week: One about a closure in Traverse City, the other about how artists are adapting to climate change.

This week: IPR's Ellie Katz walks us through an apple orchard to explain Michigan's bumper crop, then paddles out on Torch Lake to explore mysterious algae.

This week: Community members in Petoskey want to save a hospice facility. Also, a conversation about Pride and the climate for LGBTQ people in northern Michigan.

This week: Climate legislation, a retiring reporter, and a few moments with a local Orthodox priest whose church has become a popular destination for aurora hunters.

A high-profile trial in Antrim County ends in acquittals for three men, Cheboygan cleans up from a massive fire, and we spend a little time with the jellies.

We're taking a little break from our usual episode this week. In its place, a conversation about pizza and a new podcast we're excited to hear.

A shortage of hay in Michigan, a music festival in Traverse City, and a roundup of the week's headlines.

This week: Three men on trial in Antrim Co., accused in the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Plus, sheep at the solar array, and more access to dental care.