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.

On this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with Chad Lindsey, Executive Director of the City Opera House, to talk about stewardship, relevance, and what it really means to run a historic cultural anchor in a modern community.

Support for this episode comes from TVC Cherry Capital Airport—your Northern Michigan connection.

Chad shares how his background as a performer and arts administrator shaped his approach to leadership—and why the Opera House was never meant to be an elite arts space, but a place where the community gathers first. From balancing fine arts and popular programming to keeping ticket prices accessible for locals, Chad explains the constant tension between mission, sustainability, and relevance.

The conversation also explores the unique challenges of maintaining a 130-year-old building, the realities of fundraising and preservation, and why live performance still matters in a distracted world—especially for kids experiencing the magic of the stage for the first time.

It's a thoughtful look at how culture, place, and community intersect in downtown Traverse City—and what it takes to ensure a historic institution continues to serve the people who live here.

On this week's episode of Currently, we're covering the local stories everyone's talking about 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.

Glen Arbor Sun editor Jacob Wheeler joins us to discuss a proposed youth ministry "clubhouse" in downtown Leland that has ignited debate over zoning, parental rights, and religious freedom. Traverse City Ticker head writer Beth Milligan shares updates on Blair Township developments and a busy Traverse City agenda, including the Carnegie/Bijou RFP and parking projects.

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

It's a special year-end wrap-up on Currently. Host Christal Frost is joined by Beth Milligan and special guest Craig Manning to look back at some of the biggest local stories of 2025, from major headlines in Traverse City and Leelanau County to quick updates from the week's news. The the group shares their favorite books, shows, podcasts, and other standout picks from the year, before reflecting on what's ahead in 2026.

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.

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

Caring for aging loved ones can feel overwhelming…especially when you don't know what help exists. On this episode of The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with Nicole Farkas and Lori Wells from PACE North to break down what PACE is, how it works, and why so many families don't learn about it until they're already in crisis.

The discussion explores how PACE's wraparound model supports older adults in staying at home, the challenges families face navigating senior services, and the misconceptions that keep people from seeking help sooner. With real-world examples and statewide insight, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and practical next steps for anyone supporting an aging parent or loved one.

This week on Currently, Christal Frost and Beth Milligan return for an OG episode packed with local updates as Traverse City heads into the holidays.

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.

We break down the proposed new downtown TC parking deck, share additional city news, and check in on county updates, including budget approvals, marijuana grants, and the future of NMC's Boardman Lake campus. Plus, we wrap things up with restaurant and retail roundup and what we're each looking forward to this weekend

Currently is a Compass Local Podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

On this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with Cecilia Chesney, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan—also known as Bigs Up North—to talk about the power of consistent, one-to-one mentorship. Cecilia shares how the organization supports hundreds of youth across our five-county region, why careful matching and long-term commitment matter, and how having a trusted adult can help young people rediscover confidence, hope, and possibility.

The conversation explores the challenges facing youth today, reflects on the organization's decades-long impact, and looks ahead to plans for expanding mentorship across the region. Cecilia also offers a message for anyone considering becoming a Big—and why simply showing up can change a life.

To learn more or get involved, visit BigsUpNorth.org.

On this week's Currently, we're diving into a full slate of updates on many ongoing local issues.

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. Support also comes from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends.

In this OG "Christal and Beth" show, Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) runs us through a proposed campus for Traverse City Light & Power, what's happening with familiar downtown landmarks like the Carnegie Building, the Bijou, and the CityOpera House, plus Camp Greilick reopening to the public, local park grant news, and quick hits on airport-related projects, including a hotel update and the return of the Blue Angels. ​

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