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Republican Tom Smith, who suspended his campaign several weeks before the August primary, finds himself going head to head with incumbent Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet this November.

Saturday on WCMU Public Television

Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.
Franz fears the merging of the German Empire with Russia.
Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo performs highlights from "You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love."
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.
ICE shooting of man in New York City sparks outrage
ICE shooting of man in New York with child in his car sparks outrage
News Wrap: Trump announces diesel deal with Russia
News Wrap: Trump announces diesel deal with Russia
GOP donor who accused Guilfoyle of corruption speaks out
‘It was a definite quid pro quo.’ GOP donor who accused Guilfoyle of corruption speaks out
How voting machines are tested to ensure election integrity
How local officials are testing voting machines to ensure election integrity
Ke Huy Quan reflects on escaping Vietnam on ‘Settle In’
Ke Huy Quan reflects on his family’s escape from post-war Vietnam on ‘Settle In’
Brooks and Capehart on the midterm fight for Senate control
Brooks and Capehart on the fight for Senate control in battleground states
Human rights attorney Navi Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize
Navi Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize after long career of investigating war crimes
What to expect as Hurricane Isaias bears down on Gulf Coast
What to expect as Hurricane Isaias bears down on the Gulf Coast as a major storm
AI video startup touts possibilities, but concerns remain
AI startup touts new possibilities for video creators, but concerns remain
Gulf Coast prepares for landfall as Isaias gains power
Gulf Coast prepares for landfall as Hurricane Isaias gains power
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 - October 4, 2026
This week on Destination Out, host Mike Johnston features the work of tenor saxophonist Bill Barron, primarily recordings from the late 1950s and 1960s.
Juke Joint - October 4, 2026
Host, The Juke Joint
Homespun - October 3, 2026
…On the next edition of Homespun, we’ll catch some new sounds from Kenny & Amanda Smith, Darcy Wilkin, and a recording from Rodney Crowell that sat on the shelf for 10 years! We’ll also go Honky Tonkin’ with Webb Pierce , Carl Smith , Lefty Frizell, and the Possum himself, George Jones!
Homespun - September 12, 2026
As the days get shorter and leaves begin to fall, we sample the new sounds of Daryl Mosley, The Grascals, plus Kenny & Amanda Smith on Homespun this week! We also get the blues with Son House and Paul Butterfield, and hear the story of Elvis Presley’s Blues from Gillian Welch & David Rawlings.
Destination Out - September 27, 2026
This week on Destination Out, host Mike Johnston features the middle- and late-period music of John Coltrane, in honor of the legendary musician's 100th birthday.
Juke Joint - September 27, 2026
This week on The Juke Joint is one of The Duke's Favorites, originally aired on April 14, 2019. Robert Barclay shared some more music and stories about Son Seals, Albert Collins, Gatemouth Brown, Etta James, John Mayall, Earl Hooker and Tom Waits. He also celebrated the centennial of the birth of singer Jimmy "T-99" Nelson and celebrated the successful heart surgery on Mick Jagger.
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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.
Mid-Michigan community rallies to save high school football game
Earlier this week, Shepherd High School found out that Standish-Sterling Central wouldn't be able to field a team for their homecoming game. But the student council and parents were able to find a solution.
Benson calls for attracting biofuel production developments to Michigan
Democratic nominee for governor Jocelyn Benson is backing state incentives to attract biofuel production facilities to Michigan that she says would expand the state's agricultural economy.
Michigan police departments weigh using AI to write drafts of officers’ reports
The Wayne County prosecutor cautions local departments that AI can make errors that jeopardize cases in court.
Northern Michigan ski resort to reopen as nature preserve over two decades after closing
The Sugar Loaf Scenic Area in Leelanau County will open to the public on Friday, Oct. 9.
A year into reintroduction, no grayling seen in Michigan wild. Hope remains
Northern Michigan tribes are releasing Arctic grayling for the second year in a row, in hopes of restoring the native freshwater species. Questions remain about how many have already survived and how to adapt to shifting weather from climate change.
Northern Michigan landowners still waiting for federal dollars to restore ice-damaged forests
More than a year after the devastating ice storm, some landowners and foresters said they're frustrated with the lack of movement on work they say is important for the future of northern Michigan's forests and the economies that depend on them.
Obama, Trump to campaign for Michigan candidates ahead of November election
Former president Barack Obama is scheduled to appear at a rally in Detroit on October 24 with U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El Sayed, gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, and other Democrats.
Saginaw Bay election officials to address election security at Delta College forum
Election officials from the Saginaw Bay Region will address concerns about the democratic process. It comes as more Americans are concerned about the election process.
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