Up North Nonprofits Holding the Line | wsg Jillian Manning | Week of Dec. 5, 2025

In this week's episode of Currently, host Christal Frost is joined by Northern Express editor Jillian Manning and Ticker reporter Beth Milligan to break down the top stories across northern Michigan. Support for "Currently" comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community, along with Old Town Playhouse, where community comes together in downtown Traverse City. Support also comes from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends. We begin with Jillian's reporting on the growing strain on local nonprofits as deep cuts to the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding leaves the Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center and the Women's Resource Center scrambling to meet rising needs. She also highlights the Elk Rapids nonprofit Do a Little Good, whose volunteer-driven efforts—including a new 24/7 Little Free Food Library—are quietly making a big difference for families facing food insecurity. Beth then brings updates from county and city government, including the narrow county vote to back $71 million in airport bonds, progress on Project Alpha, and the city commission's unanimous decision to appoint Benjamin Marentette as permanent city manager. "Currently" is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.