Radio Made in Michigan

Matt Ludtke continues his time in the host seat, as he analyzes more news around the coaching carousel of NCAA basketball and starts the hype of opening day baseball.  He also discusses the new Jay-Z business venture in sports, and the linking of Robinson Cano.  Matt later dissects the make-up of the Oakland Raiders, and more news around the NFL.

Today on Current State: policy operative Richard McClellan; the Great Lakes Energy-Water Nexus; and Michigan's steps toward autism benefits. 

From education and the judiciary to telecommunications and energy, Lansing’s Richard McLellan has played a huge role in Michigan’s policy landscape since the 1970s, as well as being active nationally and internationally.  The longtime GOP operative speaks to Current State about his long tenure in the policy arena, current debates, the future of his party, and his modest beginnings.

The dependent relationship between energy and water is important, but in a water-rich state like Michigan, it’s easy to overlook. Skip Pruss discusses the water-energy nexus  and its potential impact on the future of the Great Lakes. Pruss is a Principal at 5 Lakes Energy and former Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 88 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASD, across the nation. In Michigan, approximately 16,000 students and 50,000 individuals have ASD. Last April, Lt. Governor Brian Calley signed an Autism Insurance Reform law, making Michigan the 30th state to mandate that state-regulated insurance plans offer coverage for autism treatment and diagnosis. The law also provides a $15 million coverage fund for autism insurance providers.

Today on Current State: Congressman Dan Kildee on his “Marshall Plan”; a new tornado warning system; the wolf hunting debate; sports with Detroit Free Press' Joe Rexrode; and Lansing business news with MLive's Angela Wittrock.

Last week, Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee said he supports a “Marshall Plan” for U.S. cities that are struggling to get back on their feet.  The Flint Democrat says some cities need help transitioning to the “new economy.”  Current State’s Mark Bashore talks with Kildee on his plan, the challenges facing Flint and Saginaw, and deficit reduction.

Last year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration set up an experiment that changed the way tornado warning messages were communicated to the public. The experiment was conducted to better understand how social science plays a role in peoples understanding of severe weather warnings. The experiment was successful. The changes will expand to 12 states this April, including Michigan.