In this week's episode of "Currently," Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) are joined by guest Craig Manning (Traverse City/Leelanau Ticker) to break down some of the biggest stories shaping northern Michigan right now.

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.

The show kicks off with a look inside Northern Michigan's short-term rental market. With nearly 9,000 Airbnbs spread across the region, Craig walks us through the new data, how it impacts local housing, and what communities are doing to respond.

Next, they run through a high-energy roundup of local sports highlights— including district titles, standout coaching seasons and field goal controversies.

After the break, Beth dives into upcoming Traverse City Light & Power changes, explaining why funding shifts and rate adjustments are back on the table...and what they will mean for residents.

The team also covers the latest updates from Cherry Capital Airport, including terminal expansions, new gate configurations, and what airport leadership shared with county commissioners about preparing for continued passenger growth.

If you want a fast, clear, journalist-driven breakdown of what's happening in northern Michigan—from housing pressures to infrastructure changes to hometown sports—this episode of "Currently" has you covered.

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

Host Christal Frost sits down with Kabie Stein, founder and creative director of Here:Say Storytelling, the beloved Traverse City series where community members take the stage to share true, first-person stories. Now entering its 11th season, Here:Say has become a Northern Michigan institution, and Kabie and Christal explore the origins of the series, what inspired its creation more than a decade ago, and why storytelling continues to resonate so deeply today.

Kabie also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming 2025–26 Here:Say season, launching November 19, including new themes, evolving storytellers, and a few surprises that keep the series fresh while staying true to its roots.

"Currently: The Conversation" brings you authentic voices and meaningful stories from the people shaping life in Northern Michigan. A Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, we're diving into how small-town governance shapes life across Northern Michigan, and what happens when communities rethink the rules altogether.

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.

First-time guest Austin Rowlader, a freelance journalist contributing to Bridge Michigan, Interlochen Public Radio, and The Antrim Review, joins Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) to explore a bold and controversial proposal in Banks Township in Antrim County: the potential removal of all zoning ordinances. What would that mean for residents, developers, and the future of land use in rural Michigan?

Then, the conversation widens to a broader challenge: how townships across the state are struggling to manage budgets and finances, especially in rural areas where resources and oversight can be limited. Christal, Beth, and Austin unpack the implications of these changes and what they reveal about the shifting landscape of local governance.

Plus, Beth brings her regular round-up of restaurant & retail updates and a look at upcoming road projects.

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

Christal sits down with Taylor Moore, Director of Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan, for a timely and heartfelt discussion about the growing challenge of food insecurity across our region.

Every year, Food Rescue collects, re-packs, and distributes over 2.2 million pounds of food—enough to create 1.8 million meals across Northern Michigan. The program stands at the intersection of two urgent issues: food waste and hunger. But as Taylor explains, the need is accelerating—and a looming federal crisis could make it even worse.

With the ongoing government shutdown threatening to pause SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, thousands of local families, seniors, Veterans and working adults who rely on monthly SNAP support to afford groceries could soon find themselves without that lifeline. The ripple effects would hit food pantries and meal sites especially hard, as more people turn to community resources as federal support slows or stops.

Christal and Taylor discuss how Food Rescue and its partners across the Northwest Food Coalition are preparing to respond, what gaps they're already seeing, and how local collaboration, volunteers, and donors can help cushion the impact for neighbors in need. They also explore the logistics behind rescuing nearly 8,000 pounds of fresh food every day, the partnerships that make it possible, and the hope that keeps this mission moving forward.

Currently: The Conversation shares meaningful stories from the people shaping Northern Michigan's future, real conversations about community, compassion, and action. A Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, we're taking you behind the scenes of a brand-new festival coming next spring: the Fresh Coast Film Festival: Traverse City.

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.

Arts and culture contributor Joe Beyer joins Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) to share how this beloved Marquette-based festival is bringing its mix of outdoor adventure, environmental storytelling and community spirit to the Boardman Lake District.

Plus, Beth brings the latest local headlines on freshwater issues, updates on Leelanau County's only marijuana dispensary and the future of the TAG program at TCAPS.

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

In this episode of Currently: The Conversation, host Christal Frost sits down with Yarrow Brown, Executive Director of Housing North, to unpack one of Northwest Michigan's most pressing challenges: the housing crisis.

From young families and seniors to essential workers and professionals, more and more residents are finding it difficult to secure a safe, attainable place to live. Christal and Yarrow explore the factors driving the shortage, the impact it's having on local communities and economies, and the innovative partnerships and policy efforts working to turn things around.

Whether you're a renter, a homeowner, or simply someone who cares about the future of our region, this episode sheds light on how collaboration, education, and advocacy are key to building stronger, more sustainable communities across Northern Michigan.

Currently: The Conversation — thoughtful stories and meaningful discussions that go beyond the headlines. New episodes every Monday at christalfrost.com, on Facebook and YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. A Compass Local Podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, it's a classic Christal-and-Beth episode as Beth Milligan, Head Writer for the Traverse City Ticker, returns to break down the latest local news.

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.

From the newly unveiled Rotary Square plan to updates on Complete Streets, the Bijou and Carnegie buildings, and big changes coming to East Bay Township, Christal and Beth cover what's going on.

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