Up North Lowdown

An acting troupe will tell the Bard's tales out in the woods, not all that differently from how Shakespeare would have done it — out in the elements. Also, an interesting discovery at a local archaeological dig site.

In the spring of 1536, in the Tower of London, Anne Boleyn awaits execution. That actually happened. But in Henry Tudor Must Die, a previous wife of Henry VIII appears to Anne on the eve of her death, and offers to help her escape. Ed Ronco talks with Traverse City author Jillian Laine about her debut novel. Also, an update on an incident last weekend at Blissfest and other northern Michigan news.

Haven't had time to look into the candidates for Michigan's 1st Congressional District yet? Don't worry. The Leelanau Enterprise did. We talk with editor Brian Freiberger. We'll also hear about a big land deal that puts hundreds of acres along Torch Lake into permanent protection. And we can't smell the smoke anymore but that doesn't mean it's gone.

Today, we get an update on the cherry harvest in northern Michigan. Tart cherry growers are expecting a smaller harvest than usual. Janelle D. James from Bridge Michigan tells us more about what she learned. We'll also reveal the winner to our first-ever Up North Lowdown Puzzle, and play a cherry-themed game with her. Can you get to the answer before she does? Listen to find out.

A new local newsroom appeared in Grand Traverse County seemingly overnight. Prism News publishes under the bylines of nearly 40 journalists.But here’s the catch: None of those reporters are human.

Dylan Kulik, assistant director of sustainability at Interlochen Center for the Arts walks us through how to start an herb garden. Also, wildfires burning in Minnesota are leading to poor air quality here in northern Michigan. And we take a look at cyclosporiasis cases here in northern Michigan. The parasite infects fresh greens, herbs and produce. So, how can you protect yourself?

Early plans from a renewable energy developer Ranger Power could line the land around Jake Kerby’s home with solar arrays, as county officials consider a zoning amendment that could push the project forward. Some see the project as inevitable because of a state law that limits local governments’ ability to say no to large-scale renewable energy development like solar, wind or battery storage — Public Act 233. Communities are still figuring out how to deal with it.

"Here All Along: Finding My Way to Cherry Republic" is the title of Bob Sutherland's new memoir. Ed Ronco met with him at his Traverse City location to talk about the book and his life leading up to Cherry Republic.

Also, a traffic update — construction on Beitner Rd. likely to begin in the next few weeks. But a sewer main break on South Airport is going to cause some backups this week.

Reporting for this episode by Austin Rowlader and Ed Ronco.

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians organized the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek PowWow at the National Cherry Festival.

IPR's Maxwell Howard brings us there.

Also, an update on Beitner Rd. a main Traverse City thoroughfare that has been closed since it washed out in April.

Reporting for this episode by Maxwell Howard and Austin Rowlader.

Producer: Austin Rowlader

Editor: Steve Junker

Music: Blue Dot Sessions

Despite having no proposals on the table, over 100 people packed into a Garfield Township Planning Commission to voice their opposition to data centers.