Claire Keenan-Kurgan
News ReporterClaire joined Interlochen Public Radio in summer 2024. She covers general assignment news with a focus on labor, growth, and the economy of northern Michigan. Before arriving at IPR, she interned for WBEZ’s data journalism team in Chicago and for the investigative unit of American Public Media.
She studied sociology and global studies at the University of Chicago and she speaks Spanish. Contact her at claire.keenan-kurgan@interlochen.org.
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In northwest Indiana, there’s a 20-mile stretch of Lake Michigan that’s dominated by industry. It’s some of the dirtiest water in the lake, but it's also home to some of the biggest waves anywhere on the Great Lakes. Despite the pollution, there’s a dedicated group of surfers who keep flocking to this area. And one day, after a really big chemical spill from one of the factories, the surfers decide to do something about it. -
They were there to evaluate conditions at the facility and make inquiries into the death of a 56-year-old man in detention there in December. -
As far as anyone knows, there's no data center eager to locate in Hayes Township, north of Charlevoix. Still, community officials have imposed a 180-day moratorium on such projects. Why? -
There are no data centers proposed in Hayes Township, but the township board is getting ahead of the question. -
Over 2000 people gathered in downtown Traverse City on Sunday to protest the killing of 37 year old Alex Pretti by federal agents. IPR's Maxwell Howard was there. Also, hear from Claire Keenan-Kurgan about the Northern Michigan Policy Conference. -
It was the first time that all the highest-polling candidates spoke at the same event about their candidacy. -
Vivian La covers climate solutions for IPR and Grist, and she recently sat down with Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson. They talked about large-scale renewable energy projects and the future of data centers in Michigan, among other things. -
There have been reported sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents throughout northern Michigan. This place, like many in the country, is watching Minneapolis and wondering whether similar scenes could play out here. -
Getting an exact number can be challenging because of how the government releases data. But recent numbers might be as close to precise as it gets. -
A Petoskey-area wood products manufacturer needed employees. People getting out of rehab needed jobs. Now, there's a novel work-residency program for people in recovery up north.
