The Road Ahead | Week of July 17, 2026 | Traverse City News Roundup

The Road Ahead | Week of July 17, 2026 | Traverse City News Roundup

Roads take center stage this week on Currently! Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community. Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) breaks down where major projects stand across Northern Michigan. From the latest on the US-31 construction project to improvements at the Cass Road and South Airport intersection and newly approved repairs on Beitner and Hammond roads, we cover the projects that could impact your daily commute. Then, the conversation shifts from the roads themselves to the people overseeing them, as Beth explains growing concerns surrounding the chair of the Grand Traverse County Road Commission and what those developments could mean moving forward. Plus, we look at the City of Traverse City's latest street condition ratings and how officials decide which roads get repaired first. It's another week of local news, context, and conversation, all helping you stay informed about the stories shaping Northern Michigan. Currently is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

The Conversation: More Than Belonging - Building Community with Jamie Bell & Kate Mead, Better Together of Northern Michigan

Everyone deserves friendship, purpose, and a place where they truly belong. Currently: The Conversation is brought to you by TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection. Christal sits down with Jamie Bell and Kate Mead of Better Together of Northern Michigan to explore how the organization is creating meaningful connections for adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What began as a vision to combat isolation has grown into a vibrant community where friendships are formed, confidence is built, and caregivers find support alongside their loved ones. The conversation explores why true inclusion goes far beyond accessibility, the challenges many families face after school-based services end, and how Better Together is helping fill a critical gap by creating spaces where people can simply be themselves. Jamie and Kate also share stories of joy, belonging, and the growing impact the organization is having throughout Northern Michigan. Whether you're looking to volunteer, support the mission, or simply gain a new perspective on what community can look like, this is a conversation that reminds us we're all better together. The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

Downtown & Dennos | Week of July 3, 2026 | Traverse City News Roundup

Downtown Traverse City's landscape continues to evolve, and this week on Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) break it all down. Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community. They discuss what's next for the iconic Trains & Things building, why one of the region's most popular restaurants is moving to Front Street, and what the redevelopment means for the future of downtown. Then, Beth shares a preview of the Dennos Museum Center's newest exhibits, celebrating Indigenous art and culture, along with the museum's fresh new brand and 35th anniversary. Plus, hear about the Folded Leaf Bookstore's transition to a nonprofit, local arts events happening over the holiday weekend, and a few great ways to spend Cherry Festival in Northern Michigan. Currently is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

The Conversation: The Power of Being Honest with Deborah Barry Allen

On this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with longtime Northern Michigan leader, public servant, and first-time author Deb Allen to discuss her new book, "Flipping the BITCH Switch." Currently: The Conversation is brought to you by TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection. Allen reflects on her journey from overcoming childhood dyslexia to becoming an author, the leadership lessons she's learned throughout her career, and the challenges women continue to face in professional spaces. She also shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her writing, including the recent loss of her husband, and explains why grace, gratitude, and resilience can coexist even in life's most difficult moments. It's an honest conversation about leadership, vulnerability, personal growth, and empowering women to find—and embrace—their own voice. The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake By Productions.

From Food Trucks to Front Street | Week of June 26, 2026 | Traverse City News Roundup

This week on Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) unpack a week full of major local developments. Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community. On deck: Garfield Township's decision to finally allow food trucks, plans for a new accessible trail at The Commons, a major water infrastructure project to support the township's continued growth, and what residents should know about an early proposal for a smaller-scale data center. Then, downtown Traverse City takes center stage with news that the long-vacant "hole in the ground" on Front Street is officially moving forward as a Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel, complete with a rooftop speakeasy, restaurant, and event space. Beth also shares updates on a prominent downtown building hitting the market and a new art and music studio opening on West Front Street that's designed to inspire creativity in young children. Currently is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.