This week on Currently, we're celebrating a full year of hyper-local news with a very special birthday episode...complete with cake!

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, and the National Writers Series, the premier home of passionate readers who love inspiring conversations with bestselling and award winning authors.

In honor of Currently's 1st birthday, we're having a special Food Fight episode. Gary Gatzke joins Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) to sample three cakes from Sweet Tartlette, Waters Edge Sweet Tooth and Costco.

Plus, we discuss several major local stories, including the closing of a long-time downtown Traverse City institution, updates on the Central Grade School renovation, what residents should know about their First Amendment rights following recent protests.

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

On this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal talks with Lauren Tucker, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Michigan, about housing, building, and making home projects feel less intimidating and more doable.

This episode of The Conversation is presented by our lead supporter, TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.

Lauren shares her Northern Michigan roots, what drives her work, and what homeowners often wish they knew before starting a project. The conversation also highlights what's new in home trends and what makes the Home Builders Association Home Expo at the Grand Traverse Resort on February 14th and 15th a must-visit for anyone looking for ideas, trusted contractors, or inspiration—whether you're ready to build or just starting to dream.

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

This week on Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) are joined by Art Bukowski (Traverse City Ticker) for a lively look at some of the stories making waves around 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, and the National Writers Series, the premier home of passionate readers who love inspiring conversations with bestselling and award winning authors.

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into locally grown shrimp — yes, shrimp! Art shares his story exploring how land-based aquaculture is taking shape in the region, along with Christal's strong feelings about crustaceans and their possibly otherworldly origins. From there, the conversation turns to public safety, breaking down expanded ambulance services and updates from the Traverse City Fire Department. The episode wraps up with a roundup of the latest restaurant and retail news.

Plus, Christal, Beth, and Art share what they're looking forward to in the week ahead!

It's informative, unexpected, and very on-brand for Northern Michigan, all on this week's episode of Currently.

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