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 2014, a group of botanists discovered that a very rare plant native to the Kankakee River in Illinois, had vanished from its only known native habitat in the world. That set off a quest to bring back the missing Midwestern flower. -
Amid a rise in child mental health challenges, United Way of Northwest Michigan wants to offer free counseling. It just needs therapists to volunteer. -
The event, hosted at the Great Wolf Lodge, doubled as a kind of pep rally for the 2026 election, when Michigan will elect a new governor and senator. -
The programs focus on environmental education. In some communities, they are one of very few afternoon and summer childcare options. -
Also: The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday it been looking for Gille for about 24 hours before the attack. -
All 11 of the people stabbed at a Traverse City Walmart over the weekend are expected to survive. The suspect is expected to face charges including terrorism. -
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Across northern Michigan, hotel taxes generated almost $30 million for area convention and visitors bureaus. Some in Traverse City say the money should go to the county. -
Elsa Carter leaves tomorrow to spend a week painting in Isle Royale National Park. -
The Traverse City nonprofit runs programs in schools that often don't have other free summer or after-school options.
