Cristin Coppess
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WCMU News
Tuesday, Nov. 3 is one of the biggest election days for the state of Michigan in recent memory. Nearly all major seats in state government are up for grabs and the race for U.S. Senate could determine control of the chamber.
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.
News Wrap: Judge investigating if DOJ misled court
News Wrap: Judge investigating if Trump officials misled court about D.C. golf course plan
Capehart and Continetti on closing messages and predictions
Capehart and Continetti on closing messages and midterm predictions
Rahm Emanuel on what Democrats should do after midterms
'A down payment on change': Rahm Emanuel on what Democrats should do after midterms
Trump should 'own' election outcome, Sen. Tillis says
Trump should 'take stock' and 'own' election outcome, Sen. Tillis says
Inside a Ukrainian city hit by Russia during Starlink cut
Inside a Ukrainian city hit by Russian drones during the Starlink disruption
$6 billion cryptocurrency heist puts investors on edge
$6 billion cryptocurrency heist puts investors on edge
Candidates make final midterm stops as early voting surges
Candidates make final midterm stops as early voting surges
Retired Israeli general on what the election results tell us
Retired Israeli general on what the election results tell us
Republicans seize on controversy in Alaska’s Senate race
Republicans seize on controversy in Alaska’s closely watched Senate race
Pennsylvania races test who voters blame for high prices
Pennsylvania congressional races could hinge on who voters blame for high prices
Monday on WCMU Public Television
A U.S. Secret Service archive circa 1900, and a 1965 Noah Purifoy Watts riots sculpture.
From Montana to the Mexico border, explore the Blackfeet language revival and the return of the buffalo.
A Kashia Pomo elder guides seekers reclaiming homeland and a mysterious trip to Russia.
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 - November 1, 2026
This week on Destination Out, host Mike Johnston features a 1985 Blue Note Label reunion concert at Town Hall NYC. Featured artists include Herbie Hancock on piano, Jackie McLean on alto sax, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Tony Williams on drums, and Charles Lloyd on tenor sax.
Juke Joint - November 1, 2026
Host, The Juke Joint
Homespun - October 31, 2026
…No spookiness taking place on this week’s episode of Homespun; just good folk music to you in the Halloween mood! Billy Strings, The Steeldrivers, Mike Seeger, Chris Smither and other goblins should scare you to snap your fingers and tap your toes!
Destination Out - October 24, 2026
Blues in every shade on Destination Out: Max Roach, Stan Levey, the Lighthouse All-Stars with Miles Davis, Andrew Hill, Charles Mingus and more.
Juke Joint - October 25, 2026
This week on “The Juke Joint” broadcast, it's another of the Duke's favorites from our archive. Robert Barclay celebrated some history of Houston’s Juneteenth Blues Festival. He included music by Johnny Clyde Copeland, Albert Collins, BB King, Bobby Bland, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Clifton Chenier, Sippie Wallace, Lavelle White, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson and Big Mama Thornton, among others.
Homespun - October 24, 2026
This week on Homespun, the blues get some love as represented by Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Slim, and the Big Three Trio! We also hear new music from The Grascals plus Chris Jones and the Nightdrivers, and we finish off with the Bros. Landreth.
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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.
Meet huitlacoche, a gnarly corn fungus that's now gracing plates in the Midwest
A corn infection that farmers dread is also a culinary delicacy in Mexico. Now, farmers, chefs and a secretive vegetable broker are bringing it to one Midwest city.
Outside groups spend millions on ads to weaken Black support for El-Sayed in Michigan Senate race
An ad campaign targeting Black voters in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race has ties to a PR firm that was criticized for deceptive practices during the Flint water crisis.
In Grand Traverse County, a narrow Republican edge and rising costs shape the US Senate race
In closely divided Grand Traverse County, rising housing costs, political tensions and changing demographics are shaping voters' priorities ahead of Michigan's 2026 U.S. Senate election.
As clocks fall back, Michigan drivers face more wildlife on roads
Vehicle collisions with deer increase 16% nationwide in the week after daylight savings time ends, according to a University of Washington study.
Democrats say MI’s First Congressional District is ‘in play.’ GOP isn't buying it
Party leaders are showing optimism about candidate Callie Barr's chances in the Republican stronghold, despite losing to incumbent Jack Bergman by 21 percentage points in 2024.
Gothic horror trilogy uses Northern Michigan as a character
The final book in the series, "Coven of the Worm Moon," tells the story of the Fletcher family as they face paranormal activity throughout Northern Michigan.
Wildfires in Michigan's Upper Peninsula still ablaze after 3 weeks
Fires in the Marquette area have expanded in recent days. Now, nearly 500 acres of forest are engulfed in flames. Officials say the need precipitation to calm the fires.
Republicans spread “positive” message in West Michigan
Michigan House Republicans see a chance to flip a Grand Rapids-area district red this election, despite the national political environment generally favoring Democrats.