Major infrastructure decisions are taking shape across northern Michigan.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community.

Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) discuss the legal questions surrounding a proposed solar project and what drivers can expect as plans move forward for South Airport Road.

Plus, Beth highlights two stories from the Northern Express: a look at how Kalkaska Public Schools have evolved over the years and the French-inspired food and atmosphere earning Chez Amie rave reviews in Traverse City.

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

Some major Traverse City projects are entering new chapters.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community.

Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) break down Crooked Tree Arts Center's planned departure from the historic Carnegie Building and what's next for the space, including a potential expansion by the Traverse Area District Library. Plus, after years of legal battles, delays and construction, FishPass is entering its final phase at the Boardman River. Christal and Beth discuss what remains to be completed, when the project could finally open and what it could mean for the river's future.

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

What does it take to build a great restaurant, a thriving wine industry and a stronger food culture?

Currently: The Conversation is brought to you by TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.

Christal Frost sits down with Amanda Danielson, co-owner of Trattoria Stella, advanced sommelier, founder of Intentional Agriculture and co-founder of Dirt to Glass. Amanda shares the story behind more than two decades at Stella, her philosophy on hospitality and why she believes restaurants can play a powerful role in supporting employees, farmers and their communities.

They also dive into the evolution of Michigan wine, why Amanda believes the state's best wines belong on the world stage, and the work Dirt to Glass is doing to bring growers, winemakers, researchers and industry leaders together. Plus, Amanda previews this year's Dirt to Glass conference and its growing connection to the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival.

It's a conversation about hospitality, collaboration and protecting what makes Northern Michigan special by investing in the people and agriculture behind it.

The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

Big changes are coming to Traverse City schools, restaurants, and arts scene.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community.

Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) break down the $25.5 million reconstruction planned for Central High School, along with a shakeup on the TCAPS Board of Education. Plus, Mama Lu's is staying on Front Street while the planned Happy Cat concept finds a new home at Identity Brewing, Traverse City Philharmonic musicians vote to unionize, and a closer look at the invasive species threatening Northern Michigan's lakes and rivers.

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

What happens when pop songwriting meets the power of a full orchestra?

Currently: The Conversation is brought to you by TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.

Composer, singer-songwriter and orchestrator Tony Manfredonia joins Christal to discuss his eclectic musical influences, his work on video games including Minecraft and his journey back to performing after years behind the scenes. He also previews "A Symphonic Celebration of Home," an original concert inspired by the people, places and spirit of Northern Michigan, coming to the City Opera House on August 23.

The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

Election results are in, and new developments are taking shape across the Traverse City area.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community.

Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) break down the key local and statewide primary results, the latest development news from East Bay Township, and a fresh roundup of restaurants and retailers opening, closing, and making moves across the region.

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

Discover why Traverse City has become one of the country's premier food and wine destinations as Christal sits down with Traverse City Tourism's Mickey Graham to preview Traverse City Food & Wine 2026.

Currently: The Conversation is brought to you by TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.

Mickey shares how the festival was created to showcase what makes Northern Michigan unique—from award-winning wineries and acclaimed chefs to the local farms, orchards, fisheries, breweries, and distilleries that supply them. They discuss what organizers learned from the festival's successful debut, why Traverse City is uniquely positioned to host an event of this scale, and how the celebration has grown into a true community effort involving dozens of local partners.

The conversation also highlights this year's biggest experiences, including chef dinners, tastings, educational events, and the signature Grand Tasting at the Open Space, while exploring the festival's impact on tourism, local businesses, and the region's growing culinary reputation.

Whether you're planning to attend or simply curious about what makes Northern Michigan's food scene so special, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, partnerships, and passion that make Traverse City Food & Wine unlike any other festival.

The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

The long-awaited independent investigations into allegations of sexual abuse at Interlochen Center for the Arts have been released, and this week we're breaking down what the reports found and what happens next.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community.

Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) unpack the findings of a report addressing decades of abuse allegations at Interlochen before turning to the sudden firing of Traverse City Planning Director Shawn Winter, and examining the questions surrounding the city's decision and what it could mean for future development.

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