local history

The history of a 1929 statewide poll that determined Michigan’s state bird, and why not everyone is happy with the results.

We commemorate MLK Day with a conversation about the past, present, and future meaning of the federal holiday.

First, an exploration of foreign land ownership in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Then, a new take on brain imaging from University of Michigan researcher Changyang Linghu. Also, a deep-dive into the history of the sixth Great Lake that almost was with the Points North podcast.

First, senior reporter for Crain's Detroit Business Dustin Walsh talked business: why is Michigan's marijuana market so large? Then, an attempt to get the scoop on the mystery of blue moon ice cream from the Points North podcast.

On this Stateside episode, James Jesse Strang — the self-professed Mormon prophet and successor to Joseph Smith who, for a few years in the 1840s and 50s, ruled as the pirate king of a Mormon “utopia” on Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan. Also, a recipe for a scone-based riff on strawberry shortcakes, and a “bitcoin mining farm” in the eastern UP.

On this Stateside episode, James Jesse Strang — the self-professed Mormon prophet and successor to Joseph Smith who, for a few years in the 1840s and 50s, ruled as the pirate king of a Mormon “utopia” on Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan. Also, a recipe for a scone-based riff on strawberry shortcakes, and a “bitcoin mining farm” in the eastern UP.

Mackinac Island is celebrating 150 years since it was designated the country’s second-ever national park. Stateside spoke with the chief curator at Mackinac State Historic Parks, Craig Wilson, about early life and conflict on Mackinac Island, the tourism boom, and the little-known history of Mackinac’s brief time as a national park.

New research on housing insecurity and Black women’s health, Governor Whitmer on her relationship with President Trump, two teens sentenced to five years for sneaking out of the house, and Dearborn thinks big about buffering industrial presence in residential areas.

The historic Scarab Club's new gallery manager Donna Jackson spoke with us about her approach to community engagement—and the profound impact the Detroit arts scene has had on her own life.

First, an update on anti-war Michigan protestors accused of vandalism, and the question of who should prosecute the case. Then, a record-setting cow and its bond with a Traverse City hospital. A look at Trump's first 100 days. Plus, we unpack the Canadian election.