Critical conversations here on COVID-19 and its effect on Michigan and the nation's elections, its candidates, economy and K12 education. From the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research -- focusing on policy education, political leadership and survey research -- in the College of Social Science at Michigan State University.

Michigan State University State of the State podcaster hosts talk the state's presidential primary elections, the economy and all in the light of the coronavirus and COVID19. With the economy challenged by pandemic, the nation has entered a recession, says MSU economist Charles Ballard.

The Michigan State University State of the State podcasters crisscross the state's issues in this edition, Their travel through the issues leads from the state's upcoming March 10 primary -- and the presidential candidates -- to clean water issues and efforts to repair the state's roads. One forecast: A Goldman Sachs announcement to be on guard for a stock market correction and the coronavirus. Taxes are on the agenda. Finally, the podcast welcomes a report concluding that a new effort to improve the state's lowest-performing schools show modest but positive results and researchers are looking ahead to an 18-month checkup.

All about consumer confidence, how much we trust government and how we rate Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. President Donald Trump are featured in this State of the State Podcast.

The monthly Institute for Public Policy and Social Research podcast tracks down research from its State of the State Survey and other advancements. The Institute, known as IPPSR, is at home at Michigan State University in the College of Social Science and focuses on policy education, leadership training and survey research -- a synergistic combination. IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann, MSU Economist Charles Ballard, director of IPPSR's State of the State Survey, and IPPSR Associate Director Arnold Weinfeld tackle key topics as the 2020 election season begins.

In this, the last State of the State Podcast of 2019, podcasters talk about legislative initiatives before and after 2020, the flat-but-hopeful economy and the effects of nonprofit philanthropy on governing financially strapped communities.

The monthly Institute for Public Policy and Social Research podcast tracks down research from its State of the State Survey and other advancements. The Institute, known as IPPSR, is at home at Michigan State University in the College of Social Science and focuses on policy education, leadership training and survey research -- a synergistic combination. Our hosts: IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann, State of the State Survey Director Charles Ballard with regular appearances by IPPSR Associate Director Arnold Weinfeld and this month's special guest Sarah Reckhow, associate professor of political science at MSU.

Every month, the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research tracks down research from its State of the State Survey and other advancements to illuminate in this recorded podcast. The Institute, known as IPPSR, is at home at Michigan State University in the College of Social Science and focuses on policy education, leadership training and survey research -- a synergistic combination. Our hosts: IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann and State of the State Survey Director Charles Ballard with regular appearances by IPPSR Associate Director Arnold Weinfeld.

Where are the substitute teachers in Michigan? Do new laws prevent retirees from returning to the classrooms to fill temporary vacancies? Or is it a lack of supply in response to demand? New Michigan State University research from Nathan Burroughs, Ph.D., senior research associate in the College of Education, outlines the need. He's joined by podcast regulars Arnold Weinfeld, associate IPPSR director, and Charles Ballard, director of IPPSR's State of the State Survey. And with them is IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann returning from sabbatical.

It's the back-to-school issue! Bethany Wilinski, MSU assistant professor of teacher education, joins State of the State Podcast hosts Arnold Weinfeld, associate IPPSR director, and economist Charles Ballard, State of the State Survey Director. She shares joint research into pre-K teaching and what teachers of our youngest learners need for on-the-job satisfaction. Weinfeld and Ballard review the economy. Recession signs ahead?

It's all about politics, tariffs and the popular vote -- read that as redistricting -- in this edition of the State of the State Podcast distributed by Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. IPPSR's three podcasters this month are Interim Director Arnold Weinfeld, economist Charles Ballard and political scientist Corwin Smidt.

Battling the Opioid Epidemic by Matt Grossmann and Charles Ballard