Republican Bill Schuette is running for Michigan Governor. Kevin Essebaggers goes one-on-one with the Attorney General to learn more about where he stands on the issues facing Michigan, and his plans if elected. You can be sure there will be some political jabs mixed in.

On the next Focus Podcast, Essebaggers will be talking with Democrat Gretchen Whitmer.

Michigan voters will decide on Nov. 6 if recreational marijuana use should be legal in the state. Kevin Essebaggers is talking to the leading groups in the fight for and against Proposal 1, so you can a more informed decision on election day.

Road construction season is a necessary evil in Michigan, but something’s got several road projects at a standstill, with time running out before winter. Kevin Essebaggers discusses the labor dispute that’s frustrating drivers with 9&10 News reporter Aaron Parseghian.

There comes a time when many will need extra care as they age. While the focus is on the well-being of seniors, there’s also a growing concern for the well-being of those taking care of an aging relative. Something called “caregiver fatigue” or “caregiver burnout.”

Kevin Essebaggers talks to Gerontologist Jennifer Fitzpatrick about her book “Cruising Through Caregiving: Reducing The Stress of Caring For Your Loved One.” She explains that while people step up to help their parents in older age out of love and obligation, they can often do so at the expense of their own health.

The relationship between the United States and Cuba is one of blockades, embargoes and sometime violence. But in recent years some of the travel restrictions on Americans who want to visit the communist island nation have eased.

Kevin Essebaggers is asking a travel expert about things any American should know before planning a trip to Cuba, and has details on his upcoming trip there.

Traverse City is so much more than cherries and wine. The proof: Boomerang Catapult. It’s an investment company that helps startups who want to call TC home, not Silicon Valley. Kevin Essebaggers is talking with the man behind Boomerang Catapult, Casey Cowell, about why the Traverse area is ripe for a technology boom.

Tariffs levied by the Trump administration on foreign steel and aluminum were just the beginning. Tariffs on more imported goods have prompted countries like China and Canada to place tariffs on U.S. commodities and products too. The result so far? The beginnings of a trade war that Michigan farmers stand to lose, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau. Kevin Essebaggers is talking with experts from the MFB about the expected impact on Michigan’s agriculture industry.

It’s hard to talk about and difficult to confront, but domestic violence is a problem affecting every community. Kevin Essebaggers welcomes the Executive Director of OASIS Family Resource Center to discuss ways to help those impacted by domestic violence, and what victims and their families can expect when they do seek help.

The 92nd National Cherry Festival begins Friday, June 29th in Traverse City. Kevin Essebaggers explores the history of the event, and welcomes Executive Director Kat Paye who describes what’s new this year, the musical entertainment and food options, and her favorite event of the entire week. We’ve also got tips for finding one of those elusive parking spots.

The Michigan DNR’s latest survey on the wolf population in the Upper Peninsula is out. Kevin Essebaggers discusses the results with Wildlife Management Specialist Kevin Swanson, and the recent announcement from the US Fish and Wildlife Service that they are considering another attempt to drop legal protections for gray wolves.