Kirsten Strough
/
USDA
Farmers spend thousands of dollars per-year on crop insurance — it's a necessary expense to help farmers in case of a negative crop yield. Officials say factoring in soil health could be the key for the next generation of crop insurance.
Ellie Frysztak
/
WCMU News
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.
Amanpour and Company features conversations with leaders and decision makers.
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.
Ben Wikler joins Geoff Bennett on 'Settle In'
Ben Wikler and Geoff Bennett discuss the Democrats’ plan on 'Settle In'
Belarusian opposition leader on the struggle for democracy
Belarusian opposition leader on fighting for democracy under Lukashenko
New exhibit showcases long-hidden artwork of Avital Sagalyn
New exhibit showcases the long-hidden artwork of Avital Sagalyn
News Wrap: Trump announces new tariffs on dozens of countries
News Wrap: Trump announces new tariffs on dozens of countries
FDA considers widening access to popular peptides
FDA considers widening access to peptides promoted by wellness influencers
End of migrant protections could strain elder care staffing
End of migrant protections creates elder care staffing challenges
Trump vows major punishment after Houthi attacks in Red Sea
Trump threatens 'major military punishment' after Houthi attacks on tankers in Red Sea
Former U.S. diplomat breaks down Houthi attacks on shipping
Former U.S. diplomat breaks down Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping
Trump reluctant to pressure China after election claim
Trump reluctant to pressure China after claiming election interference
Trump threatens strikes on Iranian bridges and power plants
Trump escalates threats, vows to target Iranian bridges and power plants
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 - July 19, 2026
Mike Johnston features recordings of the The Human Arts Ensemble from the 1970s, based in St. Louis. Members include Joseph Bowie on the trombone, Julius Hemphill on the saxophones, John Lindberg on the bass, and Charles Bo Bo Shaw on the drums.
Juke Joint - July 19, 2026
This week on The Juke Joint is one of The Duke's Favorites, originally aired on October 8, 2017. Robert Barclay featured the work of Delbert McClinton, a singer, songwriter and harmonica player from Texas. Delbert's early exposure to Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Reed, Sonny Boy Williamson and Lightnin' Hopkins inspired his musical career. He's performed in roadhouses, juke joints and honky tonks for the past 50 years. Robert had the chance to sit down with Delbert on his tour bus and hear some of those stories.
Homespun - July 18, 2026
This week's Homespun is a re-spin of Tom Ball's favorites.These Summer days put me in a toe tapping mood, so on this week’s Homespun, we’ll pat our feet to Rick Farris, Bob Carlin, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Steve Forbert, and much more!
Destination Out - July 12, 2026
On this week's episode of Destination Out, Mike Johnston features recordings from Mali (Africa) from the past 25 years. He features artists such as Afel Bocoum, Ala Farka Toure, Oumou Sangare, and more.
Juke Joint - July 12, 2026
This week on The Juke Joint is one of The Duke's Favorites, originally aired on February 19, 2017.Robert Barclay featured the work of Chicago blues harp player and singer Charlie Musselwhite. During his interview with Charlie, they discussed Charlie's years in Memphis and Chicago, where he learned from the blues masters before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he has been based ever since.
Homespun - July 11, 2026
…Homespun this week looks back with the music of Taj Mahal, James Cotton, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, plus The Punch Brothers! We’ll also look to new music from Rodney Crowell, and South Carolina Bluegrass from Backline!
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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.
Alpena Community College hosts state police training for young recruits
Troopers from the Michigan State Police are training 14 students on basic police training this week between July 19 through July 24.
Michigan triples job-search requirements for unemployment recipients
Michigan's unemployment rules changed this week, tightening reporting requirements for people receiving state assistance.
FEMA awards ice storm relief for northern Michigan utility co-op
The Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op accrued over $150 million from the 2025 ice storm. This latest relief package provides the utility with nearly $15 million. The head of the co-op told WCMU there are several more aid requests in the works.
Benson talks affordability, public records access with Saginaw voters
Attendees told Benson that one of their biggest concerns going into the midterm elections is affordability. According to data from the 2020 census, the city of Saginaw's poverty rate sits at about 34%.
Michigan fisheries get one-time funding for whitefish restoration
For the first time, Michigan's Fisheries Division is getting funding specifically for whitefish recovery, but officials say it's not enough to solve the ecosystem issues causing the species' decline.
Saginaw inspired these mid-20th century songs
From Simon & Garfunkel, Lefty Frizzell, to The Monkees, musicians used Saginaw as a muse in their song writing.
Bill would end Michigan rule that blocks parents from seeing kids’ medical records
Some Michigan House Republicans are calling for an end to an exception in state law that could block some parents from seeing their kids’ medical records.
Emmet County Sheriff investigates violent incident at Blissfest
Lonn Hartman is being treated for his wounds at a local hospital after he sustained "severe lacerations to the neck area" while attending the Blissfest Music Festival on Sunday, July 12, according to the Emmet County Sheriff's Department.
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