August 6, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Mason Trowbridge, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Deputy and Dan Chlebos, Asst. Professor of Justice & Public Policy / Former Police Chief for this week's Beyond The Courtroom. They discuss the challenges of teaching during this period. Chlebos reflects on the difficulties of virtual learning and highlights the accomplishments of Mason Trowbridge, a standout student who graduated from the Washtenaw Police Academy while also completing his undergraduate and master’s degrees in three years. Trowbridge shares his experiences balancing academy commitments with online classes, the adaptations made due to COVID-19, and his receipt of the Physical Fitness Excellence Award.

August 6, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Paula Gardner, Business Editor, Bridge Michigan. The Michigan State Supreme Court has mandated an increase in the minimum wage from $10.33 to potentially over $12 per hour and plans to phase out the lower minimum wage for servers, which is currently $3.93 per hour. This ruling, originating from a blocked ballot proposal in the mid-2010s, raises concerns about the economic viability of restaurants, with some fearing significant menu price increases and closures. The restaurant industry, already struggling post-COVID-19, faces challenges in hiring and maintaining profitability, with 40% of independent restaurants reportedly unprofitable.

August 5, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Robin Hall, Owner, “We Rock the Spectrum,” a sensory-friendly gym for children with special needs, has opened in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Robin, a mother of two children on the autism spectrum, the gym aims to provide a safe and engaging environment that supports physical and sensory development, particularly for the autism community. The facility, located at 4370 Varsity Drive, features various equipment like a rock wall, therapy tools, a dual zip slider, and spaces for toddlers and arts and crafts. It also includes a teen lounge, a party room, and a calming room to help manage sensory overload.

August 5, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Mark Munzenberger, Financial Education Manager at the University of Michigan Credit Union. Michigan has introduced the Michigan Community College Guarantee, a new initiative providing free community college tuition for residents, which was signed into law in July 2024. This program, starting in fall 2024, covers in-district tuition and fees for recent high school graduates, benefiting an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 students with annual savings of four to five thousand dollars. To qualify, students must be Michigan residents, have graduated after 2023, fill out the FAFSA, and maintain full-time enrollment, without any income requirements.

August 5, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton. In November 2024, Washtenaw County voters will decide on the renewal and restoration of the Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage, originally passed in 2017. The millage has significantly improved access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, resulting in a 109% increase in services and a $5.3 million investment in diversion programs. Sheriff Jerry Clayton supports the measure despite concerns about misinformation potentially affecting its success. The funding allocation remains 38% for the Sheriff’s Office, 38% for community mental health, and 24% for rebates to cities with their own police forces. Clayton criticized elected officials for delaying the ballot placement and emphasized the importance of leadership in decision-making, warning that failure to pass the millage would result in nearly $17 million in lost funding for various services.

August 5, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Andy Hetzel, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, for this week's A Healthier Michigan. They discuss the benefits of Blue Cross Coordinated Care. This program is designed to manage chronic and mental health conditions more effectively, resulting in significant cost savings and better health outcomes for members. It has led to reduced inpatient hospital admissions by 25% and emergency room visits by 20%. The program ensures that 90% of enrolled members connect with a provider to establish a care plan.

August 5, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance is joined by Sharon McRill, Owner / President, The Betty Brigade for this week;s Around The Home. A company founded in 2003 that assists with moving, organizing, and downsizing. Initially called “My Gal Friday,” the company rebranded to “Betty Brigade” following a public contest due to legal issues. While it originally focused on errands and organizing, the company now emphasizes organizing and moving services, particularly for downsizing or personal loss situations. Seven years ago, they added a successful handyman division.

August 5, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Perry Seibert for this week's Talking Pictures. Perry Seibert reviews “Love Lies Bleeding,” a film directed by Rose Glass and starring Kristen Stewart as Lou, a gym manager in a small Texas town. Described as a “pulp masterpiece,” the movie embraces the gritty, raw storytelling characteristic of pulp fiction, avoiding trendy or self-aware pretenses. The plot revolves around a love story between Lou and Jackie, a young bodybuilder played by Katie O’Brien, complicated by Lou’s antagonistic father (Ed Harris) and brother-in-law (Dave Franco). Set in 1989, the film’s narrative surprises viewers with its twists and encourages them to watch without prior knowledge of the plot.

August 5, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Nick Nerbonne for this week's Pure Michigan Moment. The warm lake temperatures and stable weather make the Great Lakes ideal for swimming and outdoor activities like camping. Nerbonne highlights Michigan State Parks, recommending hidden gems such as Sleepy Hollow State Park near Lansing, Harrisville State Park on Lake Huron, and Aloha State Park near Mackinac Island. These parks offer diverse landscapes and amenities, including accessible fishing piers and waterfront campsites.

July 31, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Maura Dalian who has long aspired to publish children’s books, a dream she is now realizing with her third book in progress. Her daughters, Callie and Amy, assist with illustrations and promotion, respectively. Maura’s writing journey began in her 20s, inspired by her early experiences with playwriting at St. Francis. Her first book, “I’m All Right, Good Night,” follows a boy who struggles to sleep, creatively interacting with alphabet concepts. Illustrated by her daughter Kaylee, the book uses a collage style to blend reality and dreams.