This week we have three conversations we think you need to hear.A lawsuit against Benzie County in federal court alleges that sheriff’s deputies could have prevented a murder. We hear from the victim’s son, who is bringing the case.And, federal job cuts hit close to home. A conversation with a Cadillac woman who lost her job at the Forest Service.Also, in his career as a freelance trumpeter, Interlochen alumnus Aaron Smith has played for TV and film, in the pit orchestras of national touring musicals, even backed up Beyonce. Now, he’s talking to us about his career. And, the tragic turkeys of Suttons Bay.That's all this week on the Up North Lowdown from Interlochen Public Radio.

Our stories this week are about finding community. Come with us to Death Club, a gathering of people in Traverse City who meet to talk about loss — and to find human connections and maybe even joy along the way.We'll also preview Sauna Fest, which begins Feb. 28. The organizers say they're hoping to bring together an increasing number of sauna enthusiasts in our region and maybe even appeal to some skeptics.Plus, spend a few moments learning from a local teacher who just brought home a top national honor.

Much of the money for wildlife management at Michigan's Department of Natural Resources comes from people paying for hunting and fishing licenses. But the system might not hold up much longer. We'll also try our hand at the card game "Spitzer," a northeast Michigan classic with a dedicated band of folks trying to keep it alive. And we hear from Matthew Fletcher, whose new collection of short stories, "Stick Houses" draws on his own life experiences to dispel stereotypes about Indigenous people.

As whitefish numbers decline in lakes Michigan and Huron, researchers are hoping to get them to spawn in rivers for the first time in about a century. They're using what is basically a waterslide to help. Also, we catch up with former U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. The Michigan Democrat is a private citizen now, but not taking a backseat on matters of public policy. And the author Geraldine Brooks talks to us about grief. Her husband's sudden death in 2019 prompted a new memoir, "Memorial Days."Oh, and we get a little dose of Star Wars.

Northwestern Michigan College made a big plane purchase in hopes of chipping away at a waiting list for its popular aviation program.Also, a local film — "Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)" — had its world premiere at Sundance this week.We take you out on frozen Black Lake for a state of northern Michigan culture.Oh, and the results of our State Bird CAWcus.Stories included in this episodeNMC adds more aircraft to its growing aviation program'Sunfish' film, shot in Interlochen, makes splash at Sundance festivalAnd the winner is …Lake Sturgeon Shivaree marks start of Black Lake's quick fishing season

As Michigan continues its push for clean energy, how does nuclear power factor into that? Northern Michigan could soon get some of its electricity from a restarted nuclear plant several hours south of here. We’ll explore the debate. Also, a journey to the bottom of the Great Lakes … by robot.

This week on the Up North Lowdown ... a walk through the garden. Yes, it is the dead of winter, but we are going to hear a little history of the Botanic Garden and a little more about its past and future at the Historic Barns Park. We will also dive into the question of Michigan’s state bird. Is the robin cutting it for us anymore? Your thoughts … in the latest episode of the Up North Lowdown, from Interlochen Public Radio. Listen at iprnews.org or wherever you get your podcasts.Stories featured this episode:- IPR's 'State Bird CAWcus'- A few moments in Traverse City's Botanic Garden, despite the snow

There have been calls to improve or replace the Grand Traverse County Jail for years. This week, we go inside, hear about some problems and learn why the conversation around the jail has been stuck for so long.

For northern Michigan businesses that count on snow, last year stunk. Federal disaster loans were a short-term help for many, but what about warmer winters ahead? That's this week on the Up North Lowdown.Plus, the Lions roar, area music festivals face an uncertain future and we remember the arrest that sparked a change in fishing rights.

This week: News that a film made in northern Michigan will head to the Sundance Film Festival next month. Plus, an update on housing efforts in and around Petoskey.