Radio Made in Michigan

Climate change is continuing to influence Michigan’s environment. Last March a sudden thaw and freeze devastated the state’s berry crops. While recently, record low water levels have forced the government to spend millions on dredging.

Jeff Andresen,  Michigan Climatologist and assistant professor of geography at Michigan State University, discusses Michigan's climate future.

The Michigan Farmers Market Conference takes place today and tomorrow as part of Agriculture and Natural Resources Week. The growth and expansion of farmers’ markets is one of the most visible aspects of Michigan’s vibrant local and regional food renaissance. This rapid market growth has created a need for educational and advocacy programs that protect and grow these venues and highlight the benefits and importance of Michigan agriculture.

The Michigan Senate has given final approval to legislation to overhaul Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Last week, Governor Rick Snyder named Macomb County Chief Circuit Judge David Viviano to the Michigan Supreme Court.  Viviano replaces former justice Diane Hathaway, who resigned in January under a cloud of scandal pertaining to her involvement in a fraudulent real estate deal.  Viviano has worked as a city attorney and was also a Republican nominee for Macomb County prosecutor.

If Mayor Virg Bernero has his way, Janene McIntyre will be Lansing’s next city attorney. She would succeed Brigham Smith, who left for a similar job in Connecticut earlier this year.

McIntyre is a Lansing native and Cooley Law School graduate, currently working with the public finance practice groups at Foster Swift Collins and Smith in Lansing.

If approved by the city council, she would become Lansing’s first female, and first African-American, city attorney. 

Current State’s Scott Pohl speaks with McIntyre about the new opportunity. 

Governor Rick Snyder is pushing lawmakers to act soon on a plan to raise more than a billion dollars in new revenue for roads and transportation projects.

Fred Heumann calls upon a flurry of guests today.  He kicks off the show with Lansing Catholic head coach Darren Zwick, who discusses the thrilling game last night that went into double overtime.  Fred then invites MSU hockey coach Tom Anastos to discuss his trips out west.  Lynn Henning chats about Tiger baseball in Florida to cap off the show.

Today on Current State:  A breakdown of the impending changes to Michigan's health care system; phobias and fears with the co-author of "Encyclopedia Paranoiaca;"  a profile of new state representative Theresa Abed; sports with the Detroit Free Press' Joe Rexrode; and business news with MLive's Angela Wittrock.

From possible Medicaid expansion to insurance exchanges to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s new status, the state’s health care system is about to change.

We’ll discuss just how drastically with Lonnie Scott, state communications director for the consumer advocacy group, Know Your Care, and Rick Murdock, director of the Michigan Association of Health Plans.