Up North Lowdown

Before unionized nurses in Sault Ste. Marie even went on strike in April, they knew exactly when it would end. But that was about all they could predict.

This week: Local craft brewers on what it takes to survive, following a challenging 2023. And a judge allows a lawsuit to proceed against an Antrim Co. fruit processor.

This week on the Up North Lowdown: How a northern Michigan woman's effort to get people writing letters helped hundreds of people find pen pals ... and human connection.

This week on the Up North Lowdown: A natural gas expansion in Mesick, the perils of sea lamprey in the Great Lakes and a Petoskey architect's quest to build 100 houses.

This week, the Up North Lowdown is all about where you look: at a dark patch of sky, upward from the path of totality, in a vernal pool deep in the woods, or into yourself for exactly the right words.

Come with us this week to a pro wrestling event in Kalkaska. Also, a new film explores the quest to restore an old movie theater marquee in Marquette.

Why the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians did NOT tap their sugar maples this year. Also, get ready for "Maritime Time!" And we drop in on the Soo Locks.

This week: Dealing with construction along U.S. 31 in downtown Traverse City, new apartments get a warm reception in Boyne City, and impersonating Charlie Chaplin.

This week: An impasse over the future of the air show at the National Cherry Festival. And Elk Rapids high school students make the prom a little more climate friendly.

This week: Michigan tribes say a federal lawsuit out of Wisconsin could affect their sovereignty, summer roadwork already getting started in Traverse City, and Kate Botello takes us to the spelling bee.

Two stories about pressure: One on youth mental health in the Grand Traverse region, and the other about a local singer-songwriter feeling pressure to produce new work.

This week: Saving whitefish and what microplastics do to minnows — both important species for the Great Lakes. Also, art and cults. (Two different stories, to be clear.)

Are northern Michigan winters always going to be this warm? Ski areas and others are making changes to adapt. Plus: Microplastics, college scuffles, and the headlines.

This week: A historic verdict, what a permitting debacle could mean for biodigesters, low pay for child care workers, and we visit with a sculptor in Leelanau County.

History has some difficult things to tell us. This week on the Up North Lowdown, two stories about how we remember, heal, and pass our history on to others.

This week: Northern Michigan needs housing, but adding it is complicated. And Senate hopefuls weigh in on the environment. Plus, some love for the Lions.

This week: Churches look to solar power, and musician Dana Falconberry tells us about how art helped her through cancer treatments.

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.