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Ella Miller
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Bridge Michigan
Many of Michigan’s nearly 1,500 townships and villages are run by part-time retirees in their 80s who are begging for help. The system is frayed and, without reform, communities could falter. Lansing isn’t coming to rescue.

Friday on WCMU Public Television

Today's top journalists discuss Washington's current political events and public affairs.
A public affairs show that delivers a civil and engaging contest of ideas.
Tchaikovsky’s romantic tragedy stars Anna Netrebko, Mariusz Kwiecien, and Piotr Beczala.
Between the Lakes is WCMU Public Media’s weekly news podcast, bringing you the stories shaping central and northern Michigan—clearly, thoughtfully, and in under 15 minutes. Hosted by Tina Sawyer, new episodes drop each Saturday morning, offering trusted local reporting and essential context on public policy, the environment, the courts, and more.
Why primary polls appear to be so inaccurate this year
Why primary polls appear to be so inaccurate this year
Ousted CIA officer warns politics undermining intelligence
Ousted transgender CIA officer warns White House politics undermining U.S. intelligence
Can 'right to race' laws protect American tracks?
'Right to race' laws aim to protect racetracks from noise complaints
News Wrap: U.S. carrier heading home after long deployment
News Wrap: USS Abraham Lincoln heading home after 9-month deployment
Indiana residents frustrated amid 10-day power outage
Indiana residents frustrated amid 10-day power outage following storms
Why Treasury yields are at 20-year highs
Why Treasury yields are at 20-year highs – and why it matters
War crimes part of Russia's strategy, ex-U.S. colonel says
War crimes are part of Russia's strategy in Ukraine, retired U.S. Army colonel says
Afghans who worked with U.S. reflect on life under Taliban
5 years after the U.S. left, Afghan allies reflect on life under Taliban rule
Trump's treatment of allies has net positive, Heinrichs says
Trump's tough treatment of allies has a 'net positive,' Rebeccah Heinrichs says
What to know about Dr. Heidi Overton, Trump's pick for FDA
What to know about Dr. Heidi Overton, Trump's pick to lead the FDA
Destination Michigan 1703
Mt. Pleasant, Sanford, Sault Ste. Marie, Portage, and East Lansing
Destination Michigan 1702
Traverse City, Marquette, DeWitt, and Owosso
Destination Michigan 1701
Detroit, Traverse City, Mt. Pleasant, East Tawas, and Charlevoix
Destination Michigan 1606
Honor, Alanson, Interlochen, and Hancock
Destination Michigan 1605
Caledonia, Mackinaw City, Cedarville, and Beaver Island
Destination Michigan 1604
Ann Arbor, Albion, Sault Ste. Marie and Keweenaw Peninsula
Destination Michigan 1603
Grand Rapids, Detroit, Secret Mushroom Location, Mt. Pleasant, Osceola County
Destination Michigan 1602
Falmouth, Grand Rapids, Cedar Springs, and Alpena
Destination Michigan 1601
Mt. Pleasant, Cheboygan, and Maple City
Episode 1506
Caledonia, Pinconning, Grand Ledge & Waterfalls
WCMU Music - Latest Programs
Destination Out - August 16, 2026
This week on Destination Out, Mike Johnston takes us back to the late ’50s and early ’60s with trio recordings from Sonny Clark, Elmo Hope, and Phineas Newborn.
Juke Joint - August 16, 2026
This week on The Juke Joint is one of The Duke's Favorites, originally aired on February 4, 2018. Robert Barclay paid tribute to Chicago blues saxophonist Eddie Shaw and Memphis singer and guitarist Preston Shannon. He also shared a couple of tunes from each of the Grammy winners in the blues category: Taj Mahal & Keb' Mo' and the Rolling Stones.
Homespun - August 15, 2026
…The dog days of summer remind us of taking care of things we’ve been putting off and exploring new things before the summer is done! Homespun this week does that with classics from Larry Sparks, Blue Highway, Shoefly, plus new sounds from Ashby Frank, Natalie & Brittney Haas, and Rodney Crowell.
Destination Out - August 9, 2026
On this week's episode of Destination Out, Mike Johnston features Cecil Taylor Orchestra Humane where they performed Live at the Iridium 2004. Mike will be spinning a long piece from this concert series.
Juke Joint - August 9, 2026
This week on The Juke Joint is one of The Duke's Favorites, originally aired on December 30, 2018. Robert Barclay went from juke joints to honky tonks, spinning some party songs by Amos Milburn, Sugar Pie DeSanto, Lefty Frizzell, Hound Dog Taylor, Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Otis, Etta James, George Jones, Little Milton, Denise LaSalle, and more.
Homespun - August 8, 2026
This week's Homespun is a re-spin of Tom Ball's favorites. We’ll keep things swingin’ on Homespun this week with The Time Jumpers, Skeets McDonald, and Willie covering the great Bob Wills! We’ll also spin some new Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, and catch some tracks from the Motion Picture Soundtrack of “Inside Llewyn Davis!
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Latest from WCMU Public Media
Destination Michigan 1702
Traverse City, Marquette, DeWitt, and Owosso
Pressing Matters | MDOC Staffing Crisis, Housing Shortage & Bay City Infrastructure Challenges
We examine the staffing crisis Michigan's prison system is facing the housing shortage and more.
Butterfly returns from brink of extinction with help of MSU researchers and Grand Rapids zoo
Michigan State University and partners say they've brought the Poweshiek skipperling butterfly back from near extinction.
Language question (again) leads to denial of Bishop recall petition
A petition to recall Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop was again denied earlier Monday by the Board of State Canvassers. This is the second recall petition against Bishop that was denied by the board.
Michigan confirms state's first human case of EEE since 2021
A Roscommon County resident has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis. It's the first human case of the mosquito-borne illness in Michigan since 2021.
Rule change could end federal protection for 16,000 acres of Michigan forest land
Tens-of-millions of acres of National Forest lands could be subject to timber activities if a proposed Trump-administration-rollback is passed. About 16,000 of those acres are in Michigan.
Awareness of free community college options lag in Michigan
Michigan has two programs that offer two years of free community college tuition.
Rep. McDonald Rivet says proposed Head Start changes will hurt disabled students
The Trump administration is proposing changes that would cut regulations for Head Start programs and return many responsibilities to state education officials.
Jocelyn Benson picks MI Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks for lieutenant governor
Winnie Brinks says she'll bring experience as a lawmaker and deep connections in West Michigan to the Democratic ticket for governor.
Alma nurses, MyMichigan Health fail to reach new contract
Both sides have now negotiated for 17 rounds since January in an attempt to reach a new deal.
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