Michigan Radio

Auchter's Art: How DeVos stole defrauded students' money

First, let's acknowledge that the Dr. Seuss's book How the Grinch Stole Christmas is perfection.

Joel Sanderson at an iron forge — Lester Graham / Michigan Radio

Stateside: Rep. Mitchell on impeachment; progress on state budget impasse; a modern iron forge

There's a push to end "pet leasing" in Michigan

Gov. Whitmer tells Trump administration that refugees are welcome in Michigan

By Rick Pluta • 8 hours ago

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has notified the State Department that Michigan wants to continue to welcome refugees from overseas. It’s a response to an executive order from President Donald Trump.

The presidential order says states and local governments have to notify the federal government if they want to accept refugees. Whitmer says the letter to the State Department is her response on behalf of Michigan.

TWTS: Coping with two identical verbs and their completely different meanings

By Rebecca Kruth & Anne Curzan • 9 hours ago

A listener named Scott Overton recently wrote to us about a question he came up with while working on an old house.

"[I'm] listening to your podcast as I try to keep all my fingers on," he says. "What came first, the coping saw or 'I'll cope with it?'"

Scott, thanks for listening and for sending us a great question. Also, please don't sacrifice any limbs on our behalf!

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4:06

Listen to the conversation.

Howes: There are no coincidences in politics

By Daniel Howes • Dec 14, 2019

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3:37

Daniel Howes for Saturday, December 14, 2019.

That’s right – no accidents, just intention.

This was one of the most consequential weeks since Donald Trump became president. Within just a few hours, Democrats announced they’re moving ahead with impeachment articles … and that they’d reached a deal with the Trump administration to replace NAFTA.

Strange bedfellows? Nope. Dizzying politics.

Bill seeks to delay Michigan prison closures

By Tracy Samilton • Dec 13, 2019

Exterior of fence and prison grounds — Katie Raymond / Michigan Radio

State Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) has introduced a bill that would require the Michigan Department of Corrections to provide a one-year advance notice of the closure of any prison in the state, as well as require the department to conduct community impact studies.

McBroom's district saw the closure of the Ojibway Correctional Facility last year. The facility was the region's largest employer.

"All the taxpayers of Michigan are owed an explanation on the proposed closure," McBroom told Gongwer News Service, adding the Marenisco Township community where the facility was located was "still in the process of being numb" over the impact of the closure.

Department of Education launches investigation into Paw Paw Public Schools

By Bryce Huffman • Dec 13, 2019

Protesters holding signs in Paw Paw — Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio

The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into a southwest Michigan school district.

Paw Paw Public Schools is no stranger to controversy. The district has been under fire for its mascot name and image – the Redskins – for years. Now, the district is facing a federal investigation after the ACLU of Michigan filed a complaint back in January.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is handling the investigation. A spokesperson for the OCR said in a statement that the office is investigating “possible discrimination on the basis of race.”

House Judiciary Committee Approves 2 Articles Of Impeachment Against Trump

By Amita Kelly & Brian Naylor • Dec 13, 2019

Updated at 12:12 p.m. ET

The House Judiciary Committee on Friday approved two articles of impeachment against President Trump, making him the fourth president in American history to face impeachment.

In contrast to Thursday's contentious back-and-forth between the two parties, Friday's session was devoid of rancor, or even any debate. Immediately after calling the session to order, Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., ordered two votes, one for each article. Both were approved 23-17 along party lines.

Michigan starts collecting firefighting foam containing PFAS

By Virginia Gordan • Dec 13, 2019

PFAS foam along the Huron River. — Lester Graham / Michigan Radio

This week, the state began collecting PFAS-containing firefighting foam, known as Class B AFFF, that has been held in inventory by fire departments and commercial airports across Michigan.

According to Scott Dean, the spokesman for the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART), the effort is part of the state's $1.4 million plan to collect and dispose of about 35,000 gallons of the foam.

Bacon: Bowl bids offer final twist in roller coaster seasons for Michigan, MSU

By John U. Bacon • Dec 13, 2019

Jim Harbaugh, Mark Dantonio — MGoBlog / Flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0

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3:30

John U. Bacon for Friday, December 13, 2019.

In the preseason college football coaches poll, Michigan started the season ranked 7th, with Michigan State ranked 20th.

Since then they’ve both gone through plenty of ups and downs, with Michigan falling to 17th, and Michigan State falling out of the rankings altogether. But there’s one final twist left: their bowl games.

Stateside: WSU board member resigns; USMCA and automakers; influence of Grand Rapids billionaires

By Stateside Staff • Dec 12, 2019

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48:52

Stateside for Thursday, December 12, 2019

Today on Stateside, we look at what the resignation of Wayne State University's Board of Governors chairwoman means for the school’s divided leadership. Plus, we wrap up our series on billionaire influence in Michigan with a look at Grand Rapids and a conversation with the author of Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World.