Good morning, Traverse City.

The Empire Asparagus Festival takes place this Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. with asparagus-themed food, live music, a cookoff and a chance to meet the asparagus queen; visitors may also join the 5 km fun run and submit recipes.

Traverse City's Michigan College Planning's Vicki L.

Beam offered advice to new graduates on student loan repayment, urging them to review loan details on studentaid.gov as repayment typically begins about six months after graduation.

County officials met yesterday to review proposals to improve South Airport Road following flooding that disrupted traffic and emergency access.

The review includes forming a seven-member steering committee to gather public input on balancing transportation, environmental protection and pedestrian access — a step aimed at long-term corridor resilience.

A new traffic signal on U.S. 31 at the State Park entrance could be in full service this week, according to MDOT.

The project realigns the park entrance and has operated in flash mode since May 15 (a $1.9-million enhancement finishing ahead of schedule).

Munson Healthcare reached a tentative contract agreement with the local nurses union after months of negotiations for nearly 850 nurses at Munson Medical Center.

The deal focuses on issues like artificial intelligence, safe staffing, and nurse retention and still awaits union ratification.

Munson Healthcare and its project partners planned a May test flight for the Medical Drone Delivery Pilot Project but have delayed the drone tests after a partner left.

The team, including BlueFlite (among others), has yet to reschedule the flight in Traverse City.

Today's recreational fishing report shows local anglers can expect partly cloudy skies, a high near 81°F, and light west winds in Traverse City.

The forecast was updated at 1:28 p.m.

Traverse City Spring Art & Craft Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Open Space Park — Free entry — Dive into the heart of summer with local and regional artists showcasing stunning works.

Traverse City Spring Art & Craft Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Open Space Park, Traverse City, MI — Free entry — Celebrate summer creativity with stunning local art and live entertainment at this vibrant outdoor show.

Grand Traverse AKC All-Breed Dog Show

June 12-14 — Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds — Entry fee varies — Experience a weekend of all-breed dog shows including Best Veteran and Best Puppy competitions.

Howie Mandel Live Performance

Time TBD — Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with the iconic comedian and television personality Howie Mandel.

Pegtown Group Meeting

8:00–9:00 p.m. — Pegtown Station — Free entry — Join an engaging support group for alcohol addiction recovery in a welcoming environment.

Paint Grand Traverse Festival

All day — Crooked Tree Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate the beauty of Northern Michigan through a week-long plein air painting competition featuring national artists.

Paint Grand Traverse Festival

10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. — Crooked Tree Arts Center — Free entry — Experience the vibrant outdoor painting festival and competition in beautiful Traverse City.

Xavi Bou Artist Talk

4-5 p.m. — The Dennos — Free entry — Explore the intersection of art and science through digital chronophotography in a presentation by artist Xavi Bou.

Creative Movement Drawing Workshop with Xavi Bou

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — The Dennos — Ages 16+ — Explore how bird flight influences drawing through movement and observation.

Summer Reception and Launch Party

7-9 p.m. — The Dennos — Members free, public admission required — Celebrate summer exhibitions while enjoying passed appetizers and a first look at the updated brand.