This week on Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) take a wide-ranging look at the stories shaping life in Northern Michigan.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community, along with Old Town Playhouse, where community comes together in downtown Traverse City.

The conversation begins with an update on the city's evolving homelessness response and what the latest plans could mean in these colder months. From there, Beth breaks down the proposed riverfront design changes downtown and why the DDA's vision is sparking conversation. The episode wraps with a lighter—but still meaningful—note, diving into local culinary news featuring celebrated Chef Pete Peterson AND big news for the team at Modern Bird.

Currently is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

In this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with freelance writer and filmmaker Joseph Beyer to talk about storytelling, community, and the power of shared experiences. Joe reflects on his creative path—from theater and freelance work to documentary filmmaking—and how those experiences shaped his belief that gathering people together matters more than the format itself.

This episode of The Conversation is presented by our lead supporter, TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.

The conversation explores the role of movie theaters, film festivals, and arts spaces in building community, including a deep dive into what inspired Joe to help bring the Fresh Coast Film Festival in Marquette to Traverse City. Along the way, Joe shares insights on accessibility, why informal spaces can be just as meaningful as traditional venues, and what makes an experience truly worth leaving the house for.

It's a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, connection, and why—especially right now—community-driven storytelling still matters.

On this week's episode of Currently, we take a deeper look at the local stories prompting some of the biggest conversations across Northern Michigan.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community, along with Old Town Playhouse, where community comes together in downtown Traverse City.

IPR News Director Ed Ronco joins Christal and Traverse City Ticker's Beth Milligan to talk about a homelessness story that's resonated strongly with his listeners this week. After Traverse City cleared the Pines encampment, homelessness became less visible but no less dire. We unpack why the story was pursued, what it revealed and the question many listeners are asking: What am I supposed to do with this information?

We also touch on another story about the challenge, 10 months after 2025's big ice storm, that highlights the slow pace of federal response.

Then, Beth shares updates on sustainability efforts involving TCAPS and Traverse City Light & Power, along with the latest restaurant and retail news from around the region.

Plus, what everyone's looking forward to in the week ahead!

Currently is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.