Up North Lowdown

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.

Ownership over a Grand Traverse County park has local residents worried about its future. Also, Ludacris cancels his performance at the Cherry Festival sighting “an unforeseen scheduling conflict.”

Traverse City this week hosted a statewide competition for recycling initiatives. Competitors were awarded cash prizes. IPR's Vivian La takes us to the NextCycle Showcase, and introduces us to some of the ideas on display. Plus, we hear from IPR's Red Pine Radio. Producer Helen Raica-Klotz talks with Holly Polich about a pancake that brings back some great memories.

Leelanau County hired Jim Dyer in late 2024 to be county administrator, hoping to bring stability to a dysfunctional workplace. A year and half later, Dyer is the subject of multiple complaints, has been cited by several former employees as a reason for resigning. Even before Dyer was hired, showed up in a 2024 study of the county offices.

It’s summer, folks. There are a lot of people going swimming. There are a lot of people going out on their boats. Then, of course, there’s a lot of people walking on the shoreline with their heads down. Did they lose their keys? Are they checking out their new toenail polish? No. We'll tell you what they're doing in this episode. Also, a local composting company is making their pitch at the NextCy...

Get the latest on Randy and Victoria Bishop's defamation lawsuit. Also, large scale solar array plans in Wexford County.

During a 2024 broadcast of "Our Defending Fathers," Randy Bishop's conservative talk radio program, he told his listeners an Onaway businessman, Tom Moran "shipped in illegal immigrants" to work at his metal fabrication business. Moran sued Bishop and the radio station for defamation. The radio station airing the comments was owned by Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop, who has recently come unde...

Data centers are popping up around the country, including in Michigan. So far, the projects have been downstate. What's the likelihood they'd come Up North?

Some immigrants detained inside Michigan detention centers have been held for over six months. For some, it’s been closer to a year. Mental health experts say that takes a toll. We hear the voices of some who have been held for what feels like an indefinite amount of time. Reporting by Claire Keenan-Kurgan and Michigan Public's Michelle Jokisch Polo and Adam Yahya Rayes.

IPR has obtained the 10-page complaint made against Leelanau County Administrator Jim Dyer, who was placed on paid leave earlier this month. In today's episode, IPR's Maxwell Howard walks us through some of the specifics, and we hear voices from Leelanau County commenting on the turbulence in their government. Plus, our occasional gardening segment, "Grow & Tell," explores rhubarb.