Michigan News Group

WCMU's cohort of four newsroom interns covered a range of stories across central and northern Michigan in the summer of 2025.

From underwater robots to fishing competitions, county fairs and the Antiques Roadshow, WCMU's team of reporters and interns covered a variety of news stories across central and northern Michigan during the summer of 2025. Below are some of the best moments they captured from behind their camera lenses.

After surviving a suicide attempt, Tara started remembering sexual trauma she experienced in the military. Today, she says mental health services are the only thing that helped her stay alive, and that's why she advocates for the veteran support.

Lauren Schwab balances a remote tech career with running a backyard produce stand and selling at a local market in Bay City. After a stage four melanoma diagnosis, she’s found healing and purpose in growing and sharing fresh, local food.

Northern Strike is one of the largest Department of Defense's military reserve training programs in the country, taking place from Aug. 2 through Aug. 16 at Camp Grayling. It brought 7,500 service members to Michigan from 36 states and nine countries.

Michigan education leaders are pushing to close equity gaps in higher education as part of the state’s "60 by 30" goal. At a recent roundtable, advocates pointed to financial barriers, lack of awareness about aid programs and fear of sharing personal data as challenges, particularly for minority students.

Northwest Habitat for Humanity is growing to provide more affordable homes for Michigan residents.

Michigan Humanities had $900,000 of its $1.4 million budget put on hold by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in April. A federal judge has now ruled the cuts were “unconstitutional” and its case can move forward.

The Northwestern Michigan Fair held its annual "Kid's Day" and "Special Kid's Day" on Wednesday. The fair offered accommodations and activities for children with special needs.

A broadband infrastructure project has begun construction to connect some underserved rural areas in Michigan to the internet.