9&10News: Recent Episodes
9&10 News
Focus is an interview-driven, current events podcast focusing on issues and topics affecting northern Michigan.
Hosted by veteran 9&10 News anchor Kevin Essebaggers, Focus features conversations with business, community and political leaders.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s first four years in office were A LOT. But here we are on the cusp of Whitmer’s second term. 9&10’s Eric Lloyd sat down with Governor Whitmer to ask about the term that was, and what’s ahead.
Democrats will control the executive branch, and both legislative bodies in Michigan for the first time in decades. It's the result of the November 8th election that saw sweeping victories for Democrats in the state. What will they do with the so-called blue trifecta? 9&10's Eric Lloyd asked Governor Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Senator Mallory McMorrow.
Every year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources makes some changes to the rules for deer hunting in the state. But this year the DNR is making it mandatory that hunters report their harvest online or with an app. Not reporting your kill is TECHNICALLY now a criminal misdemeanor. So how did that happen? Ed Golder is the spokesperson for the Michigan DNR, and 9&10’s Eric Lloyd asked him about the reporting requirement.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and challenger Tudor Dixon will face-off in their first debate this week, and it couldn’t come at a more critical time for the campaign. Strategist John Sellek talks with 9&10 News about the stakes of the debate, and state of the race.
The Federal Reserve raised the key interest rate again this week in an effort to combat inflation. What does that mean for you and your money?
Professor of economics Jason Taylor from Central Michigan University explains that, and puts our current economy into some historical perspective.
Michigan’s Palisades nuclear power plant ceased operations in May. But there’s a new effort to get Palisades producing nuclear energy once again, and it has the support of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Nicholas Culp is with Holtec International, the company that currently owns the plant and is decommissioning it. He explains what has to happen to get Palisades up and running again, and why it could be a really good idea.
There’s a new effort in Michigan to teach what really happened to Native Americans in this country and state.
It’s beginning to be incorporated into social studies curriculum in Michigan, and we talk to reporter Tracie Mauriello from Chalkbeat Detroit and Bridge Michigan who dug deeper into the story.
Michigan now ranks 10th in the nation for the number of home foreclosures. Why is it happening, and what can struggling homeowners do to stay in their homes?
Mary Townley of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority explains the issue, and what help is available.
New polling this week shows a very tight race for the Republican nomination for Michigan governor. It also shows Many Republican voters are undecided, and there’s just one thing that will likely make all the difference in this race.
Political strategist John Sellek is breaking down the race with 9&10’s Eric Lloyd.
Electricity demand is high and rising, especially on really hot summer days. Michigan utilities have so far been able to meet that demand, but they say something is threatening our electric reliability in the future.
Tony Anderson from Cherryland Electric Cooperative, and Eric Baker from Wolverine Power give us a better idea of the trouble we could be in for.
There are all kinds of conspiracies and just plain wrong information out there about the reason we’re paying so much for gas right now.
Patrick De Haan, the Oil and Refined Products analyst at GasBuddy clears up the confusion, rumors, and lies. He also explains what the “crack spread” is, and how it’s affecting you.
Prices for just about everything continue to rise. Inflation is causing increasingly more people to have a difficult time meeting household expenses. Just how many people? QuoteWizard by LendingTree’s Nick VinZant analyzes their latest report to paint a dire picture of what’s happening to family budgets in Michigan and nationwide.
With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to overturn Roe Vs. Wade, a closer look at Michigan’s 1931 law that would take effect banning all abortions in the state except for cases where the mother’s life is in danger.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has said she will not prosecute anyone under the old law, and has a lot to say about what could happen if the high court follows through with taking away a woman’s right to choose.
The federal trial of four men in the alleged plot to kidnap Governor Whitmer is over. Two men face a retrial, but the jury acquitted two others.
Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta are free men. With a mountain of evidence the government said proved they were plotting violence, how did their attorneys get them cleared? Let's ask them.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Building Michigan Together plan this week that will spend nearly $5 billion on infrastructure in the state.
Alex Rossman from the Michigan League for Public Policy explains what it means for the people they advocate for, and what to expect as a result of the historic spending plan.
Fox News correspondent Lauren Blanchard is from Traverse City. She's currently covering the Ukrainian refugee crisis in Poland for the cable news network. 9&10's Eric Lloyd asked her about the situation and her role in reporting it.
For the first time, the Michigan Public Service Commission is taking into consideration a proposed project's impact on climate change. It comes as they consider Enbridge's permits to construct a utility tunnel for their Line 5 pipeline that runs through the Straits of Mackinac.
Kate Madigan is the Executive Director of the Michigan Climate Action Network, a group opposing Line 5 and the tunnel. She explains why her organization sees this as a breakthrough in protecting the environment.
Uncertainty looms after an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin is seemingly offering any and all reasoning to justify the incursion. But what does Russian history tell us about the real motives behind the war?
Ferris State University’s Dr. Tracy Busch is a Russian history expert and guides us through the centuries leading to this moment.
There’s a new effort to restore a tax incentive for filmmakers in Michigan. The last incentives ended seven years ago.
State Representative Jack O’Malley is among a group of bipartisan legislators to introduce a bill to revive filmmaking in Michigan and create jobs along the way.
Governor Whitmer released her $74.1 billion 2023 budget proposal this week. We’re breaking down some of the big investments, and getting reaction from lawmakers in Lansing. There is also a call from a diverse coalition in northern Michigan to fund the new office tasked with bringing expanded broadband internet service to rural areas.
Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian joins us to talk about where we are in the fight against the Omicron variant of COVID-19, why the state case count numbers are becoming less accurate, and why that’s okay.
The Grand Rapids-based retailer set some ambitious goals for cutting their carbon footprint. At the helm of those efforts is Erik Petrovskis, Director of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability at Meijer. I asked him about the new endeavor.
A medical breakthrough this week with the successful transplant of a genetically modified pig’s heart into a man dying of heart disease. One of the doctors behind the procedure is from northern Michigan. We talk to him to learn more about what this means for the future of live-saving organ transplants.
Can we keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes? There are groups working hard to make sure we can. Marc Gaden from the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission joins us to explain the effort to get a permanent barrier built in Illinois to keep the carp out of Michigan waters.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian is Michigan’s chief medical executive, and she is not pleased with how the state is doing right now, especially when it comes to vaccines. She talked with 9&10’s Eric Lloyd about where we stand with infections, variants, hospitalizations and vaccinations.
The switch to electric vehicles has begun in earnest, and all those cars are going to need a place to charge. Consumers Energy is boosting its effort to increase fast charging options in Michigan by joining the National Electric Highway Coalition. Brian Wheeler from Consumers Energy joins Kevin Essebaggers to explain what driving in the future will be like in Michigan.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is led by administrator Deanne Criswell, who is from Manistee. We caught up with Criswell to ask how she sees FEMA’s mission at a time that every state is under an emergency declaration because of COVID-19, the role of climate change in weather-related disasters, and making federal emergency help easier to get.
The trillion dollar federal infrastructure plan is in motion. But how much of that money is coming to Michigan? Lance Binoniemi, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association explains how it will be spent in our state.
Hospitals are struggling to provide services on top of surging patient loads from COVID-19. Munson Healthcare even invoked what they call their “Red Level Response.” What that means, and how it will affect healthcare in northern Michigan.
More people walking, running or biking are being hit by cars and trucks every year, even in 2020 when fewer people were driving. Michigan has one of the highest number of pedestrian deaths.
David Reich from the National Road Safety Foundation explains why it's happening and what can be done to save lives.
President Joe Biden came to Michigan to sell his Build Back Better plan. He wants to focus on what's in the plan, and not what it costs. The cost is what concerns Republicans and even some in the president's own party.
Several factors are pushing up the price of oil, and it's affecting more than just gasoline prices.
Patrick De Haan from Gasbuddy explains what's going on in energy markets that could make for a pricey few months ahead.
State lawmakers passed a nearly $70 billion budget this week, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign it. Before she does, Kevin Essebaggers caught up with the governor to ask her about the priorities it funds.
The latest enhanced child tax credit was sent to parents this week as part of the American Rescue Plan. Advocates are trying to persuade lawmakers to make the payments a permanent fixture of the tax code and they tell us why.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer discusses some of the top issues facing the state right now, including the budget, COVID-19 and the state accepting refugees from Afghanistan.
Amid the messy U.S. pullout in Afghanistan and the desperate effort to evacuate Americans and allies, we talk with Jack Segal who is a former NATO chief political advisor to operational military command in Afghanistan. He explains the 20 year conflict, the missteps along the way, and why he says he feels remorse, shame, and disappointment.
As President Biden announced ambitious new goals to transition America to electric vehicles, the automotive industry was meeting in northern Michigan. The U.S. Secretary of Energy was in our state too.
We get reaction from them on the plan to reduce emissions by going electric.
The July jobs report is out and it did not disappoint. But what do the numbers mean for the economy and your pocketbook?
Nick Juhle, Director of Research for Greenleaf Trust explains what's going on in this recovering economy.
The status of the gray wolf in Michigan’s upper peninsula and what level of protection the animals should get from the government is a long-debated, often heated topic.
In continuing coverage of the issue, Kevin Essebaggers talks with wolf expert Dr. Rolf Peterson from Michigan Technological University.
Law enforcement has a hiring problem right now. They’re losing officers, and struggling to fill open positions.
We look into why that’s the case, and talk to two northern Michigan sheriffs and the Michigan State Police about the problem, and the creative ways they’re trying to find new officers.
Senator Debbie Stabenow is sponsoring a bill to ensure U.S. Government contracts go to U.S. companies, closing loopholes that send $92 billion taxpayer dollars to foreign countries.
She stopped in Cadillac this week to talk about the plan.
One year ago, two dams failed sending flood waters rushing through parts of Midland and Gladwin Counties.
On this week's Focus Podcast, we look back on the disaster with those who lived it, and find out how their unique spirit is setting the area up for a comeback.
There's a lot going on with vaccines.
We look at vaccination rates in northern Michigan, the expanded eligibility for vaccinating younger people, and the "MI Vacc to Normal" program with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and doctors from local health departments.
Pure Michigan wouldn’t be nearly as pure without our abundance of trees and forests. There are plenty of threats to different species of trees, and one of them is Oak Wilt.
May is Oak Wilt Awareness Month in Michigan. We learn all about it from arborist Julie Stachecki from the Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition.
COVID-19 variants are part of Michigan's recent surge in cases. So what are they, and how effective are the vaccines on the variants?
Kevin Essebaggers asks those questions and more to Dr. Rosha McCoy, and finds out that we shouldn't fear the variants... yet.
Lake Superior State University was the first in the nation to open a cannabis chemistry program.
The Cannabis Center of Excellence is leading the way, and just announced the first in the nation scholarship for students specifically in the cannabis program.
Kevin Essebaggers asked Dr. Steven Johnson about it. Johnson is the Dean of LSSU’s College of Science and the Environment.
Coastal wetlands around the Great Lakes harbor wildlife and improve water quality for humans. Audubon Great Lakes announced a new, ambitious plan to restore coastal wetland areas under siege from development, pollution, and climate change.
Kevin Essebaggers talks with Conservation Director Nat Miller about the plan, and what it means for birds and people.
While we wait for the COVID-19 vaccines to defeat the pandemic, testing remains an essential way to help fight the spread of the virus. Northern Michigan has a new option for rapid testing.
Kevin Essebaggers asks TC Rapid Testing about the test’s usefulness, reliability, and affordability.
The pandemic is obviously terrible in almost every way. But some medical students are actually benefitting from the hands-on experience COVID-19 is offering.
9&10's David Lyden caught up with Debra Kimball-Christie, the program director of CMU's Physician Assistant program, and PA student Haley McNabb and discussed how students are getting involved in vaccination clinics.
Two things dominated the week in Lansing: The governor’s proposed budget, and more controversial remarks from republican senate majority leader Mike Shirkey.
We get Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s take on both items in this week's Focus Podcast.
General Motors took a dramatic turn by announcing that they will only produce electric or zero emissions light duty vehicles by 2035. GM also announced an effort to be carbon neutral by 2040. It will likely shape our future when it comes to transportation.
On the latest Focus Podcast, Kevin Essebaggers asked GM's Senior Manager of Sustainability and Environmental Strategies about the plan.
This week Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave her third state of the state address. Her first during a pandemic.
What does she hope results from the speech? 9&10’s Eric Lloyd caught up with her right before the address to ask her about that, and much more.
Child care is hard to find in northern Michigan. It was that way before the pandemic, and it’s only gotten harder during the pandemic.
Republican State Representative Jack O’Malley has a plan to address the situation, and he explains it to 9&10’s Madison Schlegel.
For two years, Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and her team have been planning something called a risk-limiting audit. It began Monday as a way to make sure elections in our state are accurate.
She discusses the process with 9&10's Eric Lloyd.
You thought you had a bumpy ride in 2020? How about leaders whose job was to protect people in the middle of a raging pandemic? Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer took a few minutes to look back on the year that was, and all its medical, economic, and political pitfalls.
The FDA is expected to approve an emergency authorization for the first COVID-19 vaccine. So what happens next? Kim Corliss from Northwest Michigan Health Services explains how the vaccine will actually get to them, and into the bodies of people in our state.
Monday the Michigan State Board of Canvassers certified Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election in Michigan. But the road to get to that certification got weird.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson explains what happened, and whether people can have trust in the election system in Michigan.
With new restrictions now in effect to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, and another backlash over those restrictions, we talk to Governor Gretchen Whitmer about the case surge, the safety measures and calls for her impeachment.
The 2020 election is over, but the legal challenges have begun. The president’s campaign is filing lawsuits in several states in an apparent attempt to change the election outcome.
Matthew Cross is an election lawyer with some insights into the legal challenges and possible outcomes in Michigan.
Northern Michigan hospitals like Munson Medical Center are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, as we approach the thick of the seasonal flu season.
Munson’s Chief Medical Officer addresses local concerns that hospitals could get overwhelmed by patients with cases of both illnesses.
One of the treatments for people battling the worst of COVID-19 is convalescent plasma. But there's suddenly a shortage of plasma to help these patients.
On the latest Focus Podcast, Dr. Dan Waxman from Versiti explains what's going on and how you may be able to help save lives.
There are big developments this week having to do with the quality of Michigan’s water.
On the latest Focus Podcast, we’ve got details of the state’s MI Clean Water plan and we’ll hear from EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler who was in Traverse City to announce federal funding for an effort to get trash out of the Great Lakes.
It’s another conversation with Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This time about the new state budget deal, her executive order setting the goal for Michigan to be carbon-neutral by 2050, and her attempt to get an investigation into the Trump administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week marks six months since Michigan’s first reported cases of COVID-19. Governor Gretchen Whitmer took some time to reflect on the pandemic, including the biggest challenges, surprises and failures of the state’s response to COVID-19.
The Grand Traverse region is known for cherries. But it’s becoming increasingly known for its role in the aerospace industry. So much so, that it was home this week to the North American Space Summit. We asked Gavin Brown, the Executive Director of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturer’s Association about northern Michigan’s link to space.
Back to school time is even more anxiety-inducing thanks to COVID-19. We've compiled a series of reports looking into how back to school is being handled both by K-12 districts, and universities.
It was a big week for Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer. From a high-profile appearance at the Democratic National Convention to signing a plan for a return to learning for Michigan students, Whitmer has been out front. There was also a hot microphone incident involving “shark week” that got some attention. She talks about it all with 9&10’s Eric Lloyd.
If and when kids head back to the classroom, it will put millions of American seniors and people with disabilities at risk of contracting COVID-19. A new study found 3.3 million seniors live with school-aged children.
Maura Horton from Juniper Unlimited explains the problem and the precautions that families can take.
Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist is helping the state deal with the coronavirus pandemic while also addressing the rising movement calling for racial justice.
As an African American, Gilchrist has a unique perspective of both situations, and talked about it with 9&10 News’ Eric Lloyd.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer mandated people wear masks inside public businesses and outdoors when social distancing was difficult. It's the latest strategy to push rising COVID-19 case numbers back down. Whitmer's top medical advisor Dr. Joneigh Khaldun explains why masks are important right now.
As people in Midland and surrounding counties suffer through the rebuilding process after historic flooding, President Trump approved Governor Whitmer’s request for a federal Major Disaster Declaration.
Congressman John Moolenaar from Midland explains what that means, and how federal resources will help.
As well as Michigan has done to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases, the state is seeing an uptick in the numbers. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is deciding whether she will indeed move the entire state to Phase 5 by July 4 as she had hoped.
9&10's Eric Lloyd asked the governor about that and more on Wednesday, June 24.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a proposal outlining changes she would like to see in how our state’s police agencies do their job. We caught up with Nessel to ask her about the reforms, and why she’s issuing them.
The Whitmer administration ordered all insurance companies to refund drivers some of their premiums because everyone was driving less during the stay at home orders due to COVID-19.
Kevin Essebaggers asks insurance agent Seth Wenger about what drivers can expect, and new changes to auto insurance rates in Michigan.
Under an executive order from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Elective medical procedures including surgeries are once again allowed in Michigan starting Friday, May 29.
Kevin Essebaggers talks with Munson Healthcare’s Executive Director of Surgical Services, Dr. John Cox about what types of procedures are coming back now, and what patients can expect.
The state of Michigan is staring at a huge budget problem because of the coronavirus, with revenue sharply dropping. Lawmakers who set the education budget are warning of steep per-pupil funding cuts. Republican State Senator Wayne Schmidt from Traverse City is the chair of the committee that sets the K-12 budget.
Kevin Essebaggers asked him about the problem, if he expects federal help, and about the governor's handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
We continue to talk to medical experts about COVID-19 is affecting northern Michigan. How are our medical facilities holding up under the strain? What elective procedures are allowed now? And what’s the worst thing that could happen now to cause a spike in cases in northern Michigan?
Kevin Essebaggers asked it all to Munson Healthcare’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Nefcy.
As Governor Whitmer is considering what actions the state will take on May 1 to possibly ease some restrictions preventing the spread of coronavirus, Kevin Essebaggers caught up with Munson Healthcare’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Nefcy to ask about her about it from a medical perspective. They also talked testing, immunity, and reports of some strange symptoms.
Where do we stand medically in this COVID-19 pandemic? What are the number and severity of cases telling us about Michigan? What treatment options are are being tested? Does gathering to protest stay home orders actually spread the virus and prolong the crisis?
9&10’s Courtney Hunter asked these questions and more to Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joe Santangelo.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced she is extending the state’s stay-at-home order through the rest of the month. She also put tighter restrictions on the number of people allowed in stores, what those stores can sell, and movement within the state for people with second homes. Some question if it’s going too far. 9&10’s Eric Lloyd was able to ask the governor about it.
Nurses are the soldiers in the COVID-19 fight. So what is their situation day to day? Kevin Essebaggers talked with Dawn Day, the Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs at Spring Arbor University about the situation, and other issues that nurses are dealing with.
As the coronavirus continues its exponential spread, there’s a lot of fear, anxiety and confusion about what’s going on. Dr. Christine Nefcy is the Chief Medical Officer with Munson Healthcare in Traverse City. She is answering some the most frequently asked questions about the pandemic, our response and staying safe.
With Michigan’s rising number of Coronavirus cases and deaths, and the state’s stay at home order in effect until April 14, We’re checking in with a medical professional to see how their response has been, and what they are expecting.
9&10’s Courtney Hunter is speaking with Dr. Joe Santangelo, the Vice President of Medical Affairs at Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital, which is one of three Munson facilities designated for care of COVID-19 patients.
The forced closure or curtailing of certain businesses in Michigan due to the coronavirus is hitting workers hard. It’s especially tough for workers in the hospitality fields, including bars and restaurants.
Kevin Essebaggers checked in with several northern Michigan establishments to see how they’re handling business and workers. Northwest Michigan Works also has advice for those who need to find another paycheck in these unprecedented times.
Former Vice President Joe Biden beat Senator Bernie Sanders Tuesday by 16 points in Michigan’s Democratic presidential primary. How did it happen, and what does it mean for the race for the white house, and for the state of Michigan? Dr. Christian Peterson joins Kevin Essebaggers to discuss the results.
Big announcements are coming out about Michigan’s role in the aerospace industry. Specifically the announcement of a possible spaceport location, and a northern Michigan ground station to communicate with satellites.
Kevin Essebaggers launches into the topic with the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturing Association and ATLAS Space Operations.
The Great Lakes are now setting monthly records for high water levels, and could hit a new all-time high.
Kevin Essebaggers talks with Michigan Sea Grant’s Mark Breederland and 9&10 News chief meteorologist Tom O’Hare about how the lake levels got this way, how bad the situation is, and what to expect now.
Former sports doctor Larry Nassar’s criminal case may be over, but the after effects of his rampant sexual abuse of young amateur athletes continue. Right now, the U.S. Senate is considering a bill aimed at better protecting athletes, and allowing them safe ways to report abuse.
Kevin Essebaggers updates that legislative effort, and drops in on a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the subject.
The U.S. Constitution requires a count of the population every 10 years, and the results are very important when it comes to fairly distributing federal funding. But one historically undercounted group is the elderly. Add in the fact that the census will be largely filled out online this time, and there are real concerns about getting older people to participate. Kevin Essebaggers asks Wexford County Council on Aging Executive Director Kathy Kimmel about it.
Electric automaker Tesla settled a lawsuit with the state that will allow sales and service in Michigan.
Applauding the move is the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum. Kevin Essebaggers talks with MICEF Executive Director Ed Rivet about the Tesla development, and what it’s like being a conservative group lobbying for renewable energy solutions.
A federal ban on certain vaping products aims to keep them out of the hands of teens. But the FDA rules are not nearly enough to do that say two public health experts interviewed by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Sara Goza, MD of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Dorian Furhman with Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes explain what they think should be done to protect kids.
Versiti Blood Center of Michigan says the supply of blood for transfusions in our state is critically low. They’ve taken the rare step of calling a blood emergency, calling the situation “dire.” Kevin Essebaggers Talked with the manager of the Versiti Blood Center in Traverse City, Brigg Cutter, about how we got in this situation… and how we get out.
Governor Whitmer signed bills on Friday, December 20 that make sports betting and online gaming legal in Michigan. So how are established casinos reacting to the change? Kevin Essebaggers sat down with Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort CEO Mike Bean to find out.
The worlds of environmental protection and military policy intersected this week with the finalization of the National Defense Authorization Act. Senator Gary Peters secured some provisions for the testing and cleanup of PFAS chemicals around military sites. Other measures for PFAS cleanup were dropped. Senator Peters discusses the successes and failures of getting the problem fixed.
Some of the states that legalized recreational marijuana set a certain level of THC in the blood to be considered too impaired to drive. Michigan is not one of those states.
Michigan State Police Lt. Derrick Carrol explains what officers look for in Michigan, and why a set THC level may not work.
If you haven’t looked around at homes for sale in the Grand Traverse region lately, you may be surprised by what some homes are fetching. But how is the real estate market really faring these days?
Kim Pontius is the CEO of the Traverse Area Association of Realtors. He goes over the latest sales numbers for us, and explains what the area desperately needs right now.
There's a growing chance that wherever you want to fly, you can fly there directly from Traverse City. Cherry Capital Airport Director Kevin Klein explains just how fast the TVC roster is growing, what's behind the growth of flying options, and why none of it may have happened without COSTCO.
For our 50th episode, we’re checking back in with Dr. Christian Peterson from Ferris State University to get his analysis of recent election results, and get some historical context for the presidential impeachment inquiry underway right now.
The Musser family has owned and operated the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island since the 1930’s. They recently sold the property to a private equity firm.
Dan Musser remains chairman of the Grand Hotel, so we asked him what will change under the ownership.
Former Michigan Governor William Milliken recently passed away at the age of 97 at his Traverse City home.
Kevin Essebaggers is looking back and the life and service of the longest-serving Michigan governor (1969-1983) in interviews with his biographer Dave Dempsey, and former State Representative David Rutledge.
Hunters are dealing with new rules from the Natural Resources Commission addressing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in the deer population. Among the most controversial rules is a baiting ban in the entire Lower Peninsula.
Kevin Essebaggers is asking the DNR’s top wildlife biologist for deer, Chad Stewart about the disease and how the new rules were designed to help.
On the latest episode of the Focus Podcast, Michigan’s 4th district representative in Congress, Republican John Moolenaar, sits down with Kevin Essebaggers.
Moolenaar explains why he doesn’t think impeachment is appropriate, the progress done to fund a new lock in Sault Ste. Marie and the threats to our state’s cherry industry.
The League of Women Voters, Grand Traverse Area hosted a forum for voters to hear from all 10 candidates for Traverse City Commission and Mayor.
Kevin Essebaggers moderated the forum and asked the candidates questions submitted by voters in attendance. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
As the way forward on road funding in Michigan plays games with the budget process in Lansing, a new road plan emerged. This one from State Representative Jack O’Malley puts an emphasis on the ability of local governments to raise money to fix their own roads. O’Malley’s news conference on the bills helps explain how it would work.
Inphastos is a Traverse City startup that believes there’s a huge industry ripe for disruption. The new construction industry. The company recently achieved building a home in a day, and they are expanding operations.
Kevin Essebaggers talked with Vice President of Business Development Craig Wesley about how it works, and the Inphastos vision for the future of construction.
The Great Lakes Restoration initiative spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year on a vast array of programs to protect and restore our waterways. Every year it’s a fight to get it funded. We caught up with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow on a Traverse City visit to see how she’s trying to get even more funding for the GLRI.
While everybody talks about solving the affordable housing problem in the Grand Traverse region, Habitat for Humanity is taking action.
Kevin Essebaggers discusses that with Habitat staff, and the big new changes ahead for the organization.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has made herself available to the press several times in the last week, holding formal events and informal press conferences we call “scrums.” Kevin Essebaggers has the wide ranging questions and answers from the governor.
A company started in Traverse City works to connect local growers with local stores and restaurants, and now they’re doing it statewide. The farm-to-table movement is blossoming, and so is Taste The Local Difference.
Kevin Essebaggers talks about it with TLD’s CEO Tricia Phelps.
A state program that protects farmland from development recently started allowing farmers to use land for commercial solar energy installations.
Kevin Essebaggers found out more about the effort from Rich Harlow, program manager of the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program.
We live among wildlife in northern Michigan. Sometimes that’s a problem.
DNR Wildlife Biologist Vernon Richardson joins Kevin Essebaggers to talk about what causes nuisance animals, and what to do if you’ve got one.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently took the state’s elder abuse task force on the road to Traverse City to hear stories of abuse and exploitation of the elderly. Her goal is to form laws that will better protect those who protected their families and communities over the years.
The number of drownings in the Great Lakes spiked last year.
Kevin Essebaggers is talking with the executive director of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project about the troubling trend and his group’s mission to save lives.
With no-fault auto insurance reform signed into law, how much will Michigan drivers really save?
Kevin Essebaggers talks to insurance analyst Bailey Peterson from ValuePenguin to break down the law and potential savings.
President Donald Trump picked former Michigan House Speaker Rick Johnson to be part of a yet-to-be-formed Soo Locks Authority.
9&10’s David Lyden sat down with Johnson to talk about his role in the construction of a new lock, how the Authority will work, and what he’s already doing to advance the project.
Why drive an electric car? Kevin Essebaggers talks with AAA Michigan about a new study that shows some reasons people are slow to adopt green vehicles, despite strong interest in them.
In light of an Upper Peninsula corrections officer being arrested and charged with bringing drugs and cell phones into a prison, Kevin Essebaggers talks about the dangers prison workers face with a former corrections officer who was shot six times in a hit orchestrated by an inmate using a contraband cell phone.
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer has described her job as "trying to drink from a fire hose."
Kevin Essebaggers looks at what’s kept the governor so busy for the first 100 days of her administration, and Whitmer sits down with 9&10’s Eric Lloyd to talk about that, and her recent visit to Cadillac.
Growing local food, teaching new skills, eating healthy, starting agribusinesses, and offering a farmer’s market and agritourism destination. These are some, but not all, of the things a group called Grow Benzie is doing.
Kevin Essebaggers is talking with Grow Benzie’s Executive Director Josh Stoltz to see what the group has in store for 2019.
Water quality has become a top concern for people in Michigan, and the Watershed Center has been focused on issues surrounding the quality of water in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed for 25 years now.
Kevin Essebaggers talks with executive director Christine Crissman to discuss what the Watershed Center is doing to celebrate, and what projects they've got going on right now.
Former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa and former President of National Public Radio Delano Lewis recently was the guest at Central Michigan University’s Griffin Policy Forum.
Kevin Essebaggers moderated the forum, and sits down with the political and business leader to talk about his passion for public service, and effort to inspire future leaders to build better communities.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is going full-speed ahead on the state's investigation into the Catholic Church. Kevin Essebaggers gets you up to speed on the actions taken already, and Nessel's plans for the future of the investigation into predator priests. We also hear everything the Attorney General had to say on the matter at her recent press conference.
What's being done to stop Asian Carp from getting into the Great Lakes? Is it enough? Why is it important? Kevin Essebaggers talks with the president and CEO of Alliance for the Great Lakes Joel Brammeier to find out about that, and how the government shutdown could affect the defense mechanisms keeping the invasive species out.
Kevin Essebaggers looks at the first actions of the Whitmer administration during Gretchen Whitmer's first week as Michigan governor. You'll also hear from Whitmer on her plans in an interview 9&10 News conducted with her just before her inauguration.
On this episode of Focus, Kevin Essebaggers welcomes Andy Cole, the Executive Director of 20Fathoms in Traverse City. It's a startup business incubator, but it's nothing like what you would expect.
Cole describes how they get talented entrepreneurs going on the road to success, and why Traverse City's startup scene is so exciting right now.
On the eve of legalized recreational marijuana, Kevin Essebaggers talks to the CEO of Grassroots Cannabis, Mitch Kahn. They discuss the realities facing marijuana companies hoping to set up shop in Michigan once state regulations are finalized, and what people can expect from companies like his when it comes to operating in Michigan.
As the Coast Guard Authorization Act is working its way through Washington, D.C., we're getting a better idea of how the Coast Guard would respond to a potential oil spill in the Great Lakes.
We speak with U.S. Senator Gary Peters who authored a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act to establish a U.S. Coast Guard National Center of Expertise for the Great Lakes.
With the 2018 midterm election now behind us, Kevin Essebaggers is joined this week by Ferris State University history professor and political science expert Dr. Christian Peterson to break down the election results.
Topics include the Democrats taking control of the House of Representatives, governorships, Michigan's Proposal 2 and the record voter turnout.
In the spring, President Donald Trump visited Michigan and discussed his support for building a new shipping lock in Sault Ste. Marie. President Trump just signed the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 into law, an act that includes a $922 million authorization for construction of a second so-called super lock. Kevin Essebaggers has reaction from Republican Congressmen John Moolenaar and Jack Bergman on this next step towards a new lock.
Democrat Gretchen Whitmer is running for Michigan Governor. Kevin Essebaggers goes one-on-one with Whitmer to learn more about where she stands on issues like fixing Michigan's roads to healthcare to Line 5.
Republican Bill Schuette is running for Michigan Governor. Kevin Essebaggers goes one-on-one with the Attorney General to learn more about where he stands on the issues facing Michigan, and his plans if elected. You can be sure there will be some political jabs mixed in.
On the next Focus Podcast, Essebaggers will be talking with Democrat Gretchen Whitmer.
Michigan voters will decide on Nov. 6 if recreational marijuana use should be legal in the state. Kevin Essebaggers is talking to the leading groups in the fight for and against Proposal 1, so you can a more informed decision on election day.
Road construction season is a necessary evil in Michigan, but something’s got several road projects at a standstill, with time running out before winter. Kevin Essebaggers discusses the labor dispute that’s frustrating drivers with 9&10 News reporter Aaron Parseghian.
There comes a time when many will need extra care as they age. While the focus is on the well-being of seniors, there’s also a growing concern for the well-being of those taking care of an aging relative. Something called “caregiver fatigue” or “caregiver burnout.”
Kevin Essebaggers talks to Gerontologist Jennifer Fitzpatrick about her book “Cruising Through Caregiving: Reducing The Stress of Caring For Your Loved One.” She explains that while people step up to help their parents in older age out of love and obligation, they can often do so at the expense of their own health.
The relationship between the United States and Cuba is one of blockades, embargoes and sometime violence. But in recent years some of the travel restrictions on Americans who want to visit the communist island nation have eased. Kevin Essebaggers is asking a travel expert about things any American should know before planning a trip to Cuba, and has details on his upcoming trip there.
Traverse City is so much more than cherries and wine. The proof: Boomerang Catapult. It’s an investment company that helps startups who want to call TC home, not Silicon Valley. Kevin Essebaggers is talking with the man behind Boomerang Catapult, Casey Cowell, about why the Traverse area is ripe for a technology boom.
Tariffs levied by the Trump administration on foreign steel and aluminum were just the beginning. Tariffs on more imported goods have prompted countries like China and Canada to place tariffs on U.S. commodities and products too. The result so far? The beginnings of a trade war that Michigan farmers stand to lose, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau. Kevin Essebaggers is talking with experts from the MFB about the expected impact on Michigan’s agriculture industry.
It’s hard to talk about and difficult to confront, but domestic violence is a problem affecting every community. Kevin Essebaggers welcomes the Executive Director of OASIS Family Resource Center to discuss ways to help those impacted by domestic violence, and what victims and their families can expect when they do seek help.
The 92nd National Cherry Festival begins Friday, June 29th in Traverse City. Kevin Essebaggers explores the history of the event, and welcomes Executive Director Kat Paye who describes what’s new this year, the musical entertainment and food options, and her favorite event of the entire week. We’ve also got tips for finding one of those elusive parking spots.
The Michigan DNR’s latest survey on the wolf population in the Upper Peninsula is out. Kevin Essebaggers discusses the results with Wildlife Management Specialist Kevin Swanson, and the recent announcement from the US Fish and Wildlife Service that they are considering another attempt to drop legal protections for gray wolves.
After years of planning and securing funding the Boardman River restoration project is in high gear in Grand Traverse County. It is a monumental environmental project to turn back the clock more than one hundred years, erasing much of the damage man has done to the river and its ecology. Kevin Essebaggers takes us through the project and talks with ecologist Frank Dituri about where the project stands, what you can expect to see happen this year, and why it’s such an important undertaking.
This week that we observe Memorial Day, Kevin Essebaggers welcomes Renee Haley, an Army veteran and Director of Veterans Services for Clare County. She explains why it can be very difficult for veterans in northern Michigan to get the benefits they earned in the service of their country, and the effort to change that. We also explain a change the U.S. Veterans Administration made this week to make it easier for veterans in Michigan to secure a low-cost home loan.
Michigan’s auto insurance rates routinely rank among the highest in the country. Kevin Essebaggers looks into the reason for that, and welcomes insurance agent Seth Wenger to talk about what’s driving up costs, and the effort to reign in those costs. We’ll also hear from the Republican candidates for Michigan governor about their plans to reform the system.
This week Kevin Essebaggers looks into a renewed effort to build a new shipping lock in Sault Ste. Marie. It started when President Trump publicly backed the plan at a rally in Michigan last month. Find out what state leaders are doing to build on that momentum, and 9&10’s Aaron Parseghian joins the conversation after attending the Trump rally, and the subsequent stop by the Lt. Governor in the Soo to push for funding the project.
On episode 3 of 9&10 News Focus, Kevin Essebaggers breaks down the details of Governor Snyder’s proposed boost to school security, and the moves already taken by the Michigan Senate to fund those changes. Officer Jeff Rork of the Cadillac Police Department joins Kevin for a discussion on the role of school resource officers in Michigan, and how that role could be expanded under the new plans.
On this week’s 9&10 News Focus we’re following up on 9&10’s forum on the Opioid crisis in northern Michigan. A doctor with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan suggests it may be a bigger problem in Michigan than nationally, and a bigger problem in northern Michigan than the rest of the state. Kevin Essebaggers is talking with reporter David Lyden about the crisis and what came out of the forum that can be used to help turn around the staggering statistics. We’ll also hear a father tell the heartbreaking story of the loss of his son to an opioid addiction.
In this inaugural episode of 9&10 News Focus we turn our attention to the controversial Line 5 pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac. How did it become so controversial and who is now calling for Enbridge to decommission it in light of recently discovered damage? We get perspective from 9&10 News reporter Aaron Parseghian who has talked to lawmakers, Enbridge, the U.S. Coast Guard, residents and others about the current state of Line 5, and what happens next.