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Up North Lowdown

Each week, you’ll hear sound-rich stories from northern Michigan, interviews with journalists and newsmakers, and a look at some of the other things making news in our state — all in about 15 minutes. Get the Up North Lowdown, from Interlochen Public Radio.

  • 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.