A transportation bill introduced last year to encourage the use of “clean fuels” has environmental and animal activists concerned about its potential impacts. Environmentalists say Senate Bill 275 would incentivize reliance on biofuels, which could lead to more Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), also known as “factory farms” in the state. This week on MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow dives into this under the radar issue with Oakland County physician and activist Dr. Cheryl A. Ruble. Also, Zach sits down with Gongwer staff writer Elena Durnbaugh to discuss a new approach to fixing the roads in Michigan. 

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• Different legislative approaches to fixing Michigan’s roads
• The “low carbon fuel standard” bill and how it impacts the environment
• The benefits and drawbacks of “clean fuels”

Michigan’s ‘clean fuels’ bill

In April 2023, the Michigan Legislature introduced a package of clean energy bills that were signed into law before the end of the year — all but S.B. 275, Ruble says. The bill would enact a low carbon fuel standard, or clean fuel standard, that would award carbon credits — also known as offsets — for the production of alternative fuels like biogas.

“It has the noble goal of reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels. That’s very important to reduce greenhouse gases and try to get us out of this climate crisis that we are in. The problem is that it would incentivize biogas, made from manure, using these on-farm, industrial scale anaerobic digesters,” she said. “You’re essentially monetizing manure.”

Critics of the bill say it would have devastating effects on communities, leading to an increase in CAFO operations in the state and, in turn, an increase in pollution and manure runoff into nearby waterways.

Fresh takes on fixing Michigan’s roads

When the Legislature comes back in session in December, there will be a limited time where Democrats will maintain their trifecta in state government.

Durnbaugh says Democrats may use that window to pass legislation focused on finding new ways to fix Michigan’s roads.

“As time has gone on, the need for a solution has become more pressing,” Durnbaugh said. “There needs to be a solution. It needs to be something that, people in both caucuses can be on board with.” 

Michigan’s 103rd State Legislature is set to take over on Jan. 1, 2025.

More from WDET:

• Federal money coming to three Michigan cities for safer, greener roads
• Whitmer announces federal funding to boost Michigan’s green initiatives
• Michigan aims to tackle clean energy goals in Upper Peninsula

More from Gongwer News Service

• Whitmer nudges Legislature on road funding

A new program from the Detroit Health Department will provide free rides to doctor visits for new and expectant mothers for one year.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The “Rides to Care” program will provide all Detroit women who are pregnant, and anyone who takes care of an infant up to one year of age, with free transportation to and from prenatal visits, postpartum visits and pediatric visits for the baby.

The program aims to remove a common barrier to expectant mothers and their babies receiving proper care: access to transportation.

“Every expectant mother and new mom in Detroit deserve the security of knowing they can get to their prenatal or postnatal appointments so their baby can have their best start in life,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in a statement. “With Rides to Care there is no reason to miss a vital medical appointment, because free roundtrip transportation to every doctor’s office visit is now an automatic benefit to them as a Detroiter.”

The service is available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Participating residents’ health care providers must be located in Detroit or up to five miles outside the city.

To book a ride, call 313-876-0000.

Other headlines for Friday, Nov. 22, 2024:

• The Toyota Mobility Foundation has selected 10 semifinalists to receive $3 million to participate in its Sustainable Cities Challenge to develop innovative solutions for Detroit’s iconic Eastern Market. 
• The Rink at Campus Martius Park opens for its 21st season on Saturday, Nov. 23, with a variety of celebrations planned throughout the weekend.
• Ray J is passing through the Motor City on Saturday to host Slow Jams: An Ultimate R&B Experience at the Detroit Shipping Company.
• The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be passing through metro Detroit on Monday, Nov. 25, after an evening event in Windsor, Ontario.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

A Michigan Congressman is proposing legislation to end normal trade relations with China.

U.S Rep. John Moolenaar chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Moolenaar says fighting the security threat posed by the U.S. adversary is one of the few issues that bring Democrats and Republicans together in Congress.

Listen: U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar discusses concerns about the CCP

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar: We’re going to work to prevent the CCP from stealing our technology, co-opting businesses, harassing the American people, and pressuring us into compliance. President Trump has made some important appointments. Michael Waltz, who is the new national security advisor for the president, is very serious about addressing the threats China presents. And we look forward to closely collaborating.

Quinn Klinefelter, WDET News: The president-elect has talked a lot about putting tariffs on various products. China officials have said that they are rushing, it seems, to get semi-conductor production up and going even more in their country. The Biden administration had pushed to make a domestic supply chain for that. What do you think the U.S. policy should be in regards to that? And do you have any fears if there are tariffs being applied that a kind of a trade war erupts between China and the U.S.?

JM: In a sense, China has been initiating a trade war with the United States for many years. They’ve been violating various trade rules and I believe it’s time that we revoked the permanent normal trade relationship status that China has enjoyed for the last two and a half decades. And because of the violations that they’ve incurred, I do believe tariffs are a very reasonable approach, specifically targeted at addressing E-sectors and areas of technology where we need to rebuild our supply chain resilience. And make sure that we are not furthering our dependence on China.

QK: One of the concerns some people have had is the use of TikTok. It also seems that now President-elect Trump seems to be kind of a fan of TikTok, which you had not seemed to be in in the past. When you look at views that you and the President have regarding that, do you see that those will be able to mesh?

JM: I do. And I think President Trump has had long standing concerns about the CCP’s control of TikTok. And in our legislation we did not ban TikTok. What we said is that TikTok needs to be severed from its owner ByteDance, which is affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party, and to divest from TikTok. And my hope is that President Trump will use the fact that we have a law in place now that requires that divestiture as a way to negotiate in a way that an American company may have the opportunity to take TikTok over and provide this forum in a way that would be safer for the American people and free from adversarial control.

QK: Have you had any discussions with Trump or some of his people in regards to TikTok or any of the other Chinese matters?

JM: That will be an ongoing discussion. Right now there are some issues that are being resolved in the courts. And there is a deadline of Jan. 19 where TikTok must be sold. There also is a provision where the president can delay that if negotiations are occurring in a productive way. So it gives the president a lot of flexibility to work on this and hopefully find an American buyer or at least a friendly nation — one that’s not China, Russia, North Korea or Iran.

QK: When the leader of China, President Xi Jinping, met a while back with Biden, he outlined what he was calling “red lines” in the relationship between the U.S. and China. Issues like the status with Taiwan, democracy or human rights, China’s own system and what he called China’s rights to development. When you look at those red lines, what’s your view of how he sets that out?

JM: It’s interesting how he frames things. He will talk about Taiwan as something where he feels they have a legitimate right to take over Taiwan by force if necessary. We view that very differently. Taiwan is a free island nation, a Democratic free island that is a huge part of the world economy. And the idea that Xi Jinping thinks he can just take it over to me is a very dangerous provocation on his part. They have promised in the past things like in Hong Kong, that they would have one China but two systems. But political dissenters have been thrown into prison; Jimmy Lai, who is someone from the media who spoke out for democracy, is in prison. So they are putting their political adversaries in prison. It’s very difficult to view what Xi Jinping says as having integrity. So my goal would be to do everything we can to deter aggression with respect to Taiwan. And also make sure that we keep the rule of law, the status quo, in the South China Sea and other areas where China is threatening our allies like the Philippines and Japan. Make sure that they don’t continue to instigate further destruction.

QK: Trump has said in regards to Taiwan that he thinks the country should pay the U.S. for helping provide its defense. What’s your view of that?

JM: Well, again, President Trump is a strong negotiator. I think there’s very strong agreement that Taiwan needs to strengthen its force, its defenses, and its posture to help protect itself from aggression from mainland China. President Reagan talked about “Peace through strength,” and I believe we must display American strength when it comes to our relationship with China. A big part of that is arming Taiwan so that they can defend themselves and that Xi Jinping realizes it is a very unattractive option for him to try and take Taiwan by force. I think what President Trump is doing, similar to what he did with NATO allies, is encourage them to participate more in funding their own defense. And we can be part of that by selling them arms, by helping them equip themselves. But they really need to step up their game. And they are. I’m encouraged by the progress they’re making.

This week, we have tons of seasonal festivities, from tree lightings to ugly holiday sweater skate parties.

Plus, some unique opportunities for holiday shopping. Read on to learn more.

Seasonal festivities

Friday, Nov. 22 is the 21st Annual Detroit Tree Lighting in Campus Martius Park. This free event kicks off the holiday season with live performances by national and local musical acts and figure skaters, holiday shopping, food trucks, unique lighting attractions across Downtown Detroit and more. The festivities go from 4-9 p.m. and are open to the public. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Friday, Nov. 22 also kicks off the annual Light The Village holiday celebration in The Village of Rochester Hills. The 375,000 square foot outdoor shopping center will be covered with over 800,000 colored lights and offer an evening of family-friendly entertainment, including music, food, a fireworks display and a visit from Santa. The festivities go from 6-9 p.m. and are free and open to the public. For more information, visit thevohr.com.

The Aurora Winter Wonderland forest walk has returned to Glenlore Trails now through Dec. 29. Now in its fifth year, visitors can explore the mile-long trail Thursday through Sunday nights starting at dusk. This year’s attractions include touch-sensitive light installations, motion-triggered displays, enchanted holiday sounds, interactive games and magic wands that unlock hidden surprises along the trail. General admission is $25 and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit glenloretrails.com.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Visit Detroit and Michigan Lottery are throwing an Ugly Holiday Sweater Skate Party at The Rink in Campus Martius Park. From 6-10 p.m., guests are encouraged to wear their best ugly holiday sweater for this festive evening under the glow of Detroit’s Christmas Tree, featuring holiday tunes from DJ Invisible, prizes for the best ugly sweater and a chance to win instant lottery tickets. General admission is $12 and skate rentals are $6. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Holiday shopping

Find quality ceramics for bargain prices at Sugar Hill Clay’s 2024 Seconds Sale on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Seconds are pieces that are experiments, tests, have minor flaws, or pieces that were simply left with the studio. All pieces will be available for purchase at accessible prices, starting from $5. This sale is a fundraiser for the members of Sugar Hill Clay, and all proceeds will be used for the advancement of members’ studio experiences and community building. For more information, visit sugarhillclay.com.

Get your holiday meal prep done at Eastern Market’s Thanksgiving Food Holiday Market on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This special Tuesday market will focus primarily on local food vendors and is a perfect place to find everything you need for your holiday meals. For more information, visit easternmarket.org.

Tactile exhibitions

Saturday, Nov. 23 is the annual Clawson Comic Book and Toy Show at Knights of Columbus. Comic book enthusiasts and invited to buy, sell and trade during this massive display of rare and collectable items. This year’s show also features horror artist Don England and door prizes every hour. Admission is $5, parking is free and the show takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit Facebook.

Related: Detroit cartoonist Martin Hirchak talks Clawson Comic Book Show – The Metro

One of the latest exhibits at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies Valade Family Gallery is Fiber Flux, which pays homage to the innovative spirit and boundless creativity of educators across the Midwest. This exhibition features artwork that offers a compelling glimpse into the innovative spirit of fiber art and textile design. From intricate weavings to avant-garde textile sculptures, each piece reflects the educators’ commitment to pushing the limits of the field. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12-6 p.m. For more information, visit ccsdetroit.edu.

Related: Detroit fiber professors discuss new CCS exhibit – The Metro

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a new online dashboard for residents to track complaints against Detroit police; a Detroit-based meat company launching a national ground beef recall due to possible E. coli contamination and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

New dashboard aims to improve Detroit police oversight

The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners launched a new online dashboard this week to track citizen complaints against police in the city. The Detroit Free Press reports the dashboard will provide data including the number of open and closed complaints, type of complaints and the number of allegations attached to each incident, as well as the race and gender of the police officer and those who filed the complaint against them. The dashboard can be found on the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners website. 

Book highlights celebrity connections to Detroit

A new book highlighting various celebrities and their unique connects with the city of Detroit came out this month. In the book, titled “Motor City Famous: Celebrity Homes, Graves, and Little-Known Locales,” the author Steve Platto lists various celebrities with known ties to the city like Joe Louis, Stevie Wonder, and Eminem. He also highlights some new connections like Lucille Ball, Tony Hawk and Iggy Pop. Platto will be hosting a book signing from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Schuler Books in West Bloomfield, and at Paperback Writers & Weirdsville Records in Mount Clemens from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Detroit company recalls ground beef for E. coli risk

Approximately 168,000 pounds of ground beef products from a Detroit-based meat company are being recalled due to possible E. coli contamination. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Wolverine Packing Co. recalled both fresh and frozen products that were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide. The affected fresh products have a “use by” date of Nov. 14, 2024 and the frozen products are labeled with a production date of Oct. 22, 2024. 10 22 24. All the products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. For more information visit fsis.usda.gov.

Hope for the Holidays at Second Ebenezer Church  

The Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit is hosting a turkey giveaway for its 10th annual Hope for the Holidays event. Distribution will take place between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the church, located at 14601 Dequindre Rd, Detroit. The church will also host a food distribution event from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 6602 Walton in Detroit. 

Detroit Trivia Night

The city of Detroit Youth Affairs Team is hosting Detroit Trivia Night at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, with the city’s historian Jamon Jordan. Participants can test their knowledge of the history of Detroit. The event will take place at the Jospeh Walker Williams Recreations Center at 84331 Rosa Parks Blvd. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz withdrew Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general amid continued fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer.

The announcement averts what was shaping up to be a pitched confirmation fight that would have tested how far Senate Republicans were willing to go to support Trump’s Cabinet picks. It represents a setback in Trump’s efforts to install fierce loyalists in his administration and is the first indication of the resistance the incoming president could face within his own party to picks with checkered backgrounds.

“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz, a Florida Republican who one day earlier met with senators in an effort to win their support for confirmation to lead the Justice Department.

“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,” he added.

Trump, in a social media post, said: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”

The selection of Gaetz just nine days ago to lead the department that once investigated him came even as Trump was thought to be considering other contenders with more extensive legal qualifications. In the Senate, deeply skeptical senators repeatedly raised concerns over the sex trafficking allegations and demanded more information about a now-closed federal investigation. Meanwhile, Justice Department lawyers were taken aback by the pick of a partisan lawmaker who has repeatedly railed against their agency and echoed Trump in claiming that it had been weaponized against political adversaries.

In recent days, an attorney for two women said his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman.

One of the women testified she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017, according to the attorney, Joel Leppard. Leppard has said that his client testified she didn’t think Gaetz knew the girl was underage, stopped their relationship when he found out and did not resume it until after she turned 18. The age of consent in Florida is 18.

““They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” Leppard said Thursday. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.”

Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and said last year that the Justice Department’s investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him.

Gaetz’s political future is uncertain, at the moment.

He had abruptly resigned his congressional seat upon being selected to be as attorney general. That move was seen as a way to shut down the ethics investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

Republicans on the committee declined this week to release its findings, over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter.

As word of Gaetz’s decision spread across the Capitol, Republican senators seemed divided.

Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, said it was a “positive move.” Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker said it was a “positive development.” Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.”

Others said they had hoped Gaetz could have overhauled the department.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott, a close ally of Trump, said he was “disappointed. I like Matt and I think he would have changed the way DOJ is run.”

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said he hopes Trump will pick someone “equally as tenacious and equally as committed to rooting out and eliminating bias and politicization at the DOJ.”

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., suggested that Trump name Utah Sen. Mike Lee, a former prosecutor and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Trump needs someone he has confidence in, Rounds said, but also someone whom the Senate “recognizes, knows and also has confidence in.”

Rounds added that “the president has the right to make the nominations that he sees fit. But the Senate also has a responsibility for advice and consent. And in this particular case, I think there was advice offered rather than consent.”

Gaetz did win reelection in November for the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, 2025. But it’s unclear whether he would take office. There are plans for a special election in Florida for his seat.

Gaetz has said he did “not intend to” take the oath of office in the new Congress.

In his Nov. 13 resignation letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Gaetz said, “I hereby resign, as United States Representatives for Florida’s First Congressional District, effective immediately, and I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress, to pursue the position of Attorney General in the Trump Administration.”

He transmitted a similar letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., as the state launched a special election process to fill the vacancy.

Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick, and Adriana Gomez Licon contributed to this report.

Lake Superior’s top predator fish is at a sustainable population. The lake trout population has recovered to the point it no longer has to be stocked. The fish had dropped to extremely low levels.

Ever since European settlement, overfishing took a vast toll on lake trout in Lake Superior. Then the invasive sea lamprey, a parasite, nearly wiped out the population by the 1990s. It took the states, tribes, Ontario, and the two nations decades to come to an agreement that would eventually restore the lake trout.

“We have the largest freshwater lake in the world, the top species in that freshwater lake that was driven down 95 percent because of overfishing and lamprey predation, today declared restored,” said Marc Gaden, executive secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. That organization is primarily known for controlling the invasive sea lamprey population.

The Lake Superior Committee made the announcement about the milestone. That committee, coordinated under the auspices of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, consists of fishery managers from three of the Great Lakes states that border Lake Superior (Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota), the Province of Ontario, and the U.S. Tribes represented by the 1854 Treaty Authority, Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, according to a news release by the committee.

Not just number, but diversity

Gaden said the sustainability milestone is not just about the increased number of lake trout; it’s also about diversity. He said the different subspecies — lean trout, humper trout, and siscowet — have all recovered to sustainable levels.

Between 1920 and 1950, an annual commercial harvest of 4 million pounds was taken, according to the fishery commission. By 1964, the harvest was down to 210,000 pounds.

The Lake Superior Committee estimates the current abundance of naturally reproduced lake trout is at or above the estimates prior to the sea lamprey invasion that reached Lake Superior in 1938.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald is asking a judge to refuse the Oxford High School shooter’s request to withdraw his guilty pleas to murder and other charges.

In filings with the court, the prosecution argues the shooter was fully aware of the consequences of his pleas, which resulted in a sentence of life with no possibility of parole.

Prosecutors argue the teenager acknowledged the shootings were premeditated, willful and deliberate and the sentences fit the crimes.

Related: State and county officials not on same page as Oxford shooting victims look for answers

“There was no defect in the plea-taking process; thus, defendant cannot withdraw his plea,” said the prosecution. “Further, defendant testified under oath that he intended to kill; that he acted knowingly; and that his murders were done with premeditation, were willful, and were deliberate…”

Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 years old at the time of the shootings, pleaded guilty two years ago to murdering four students and injuring seven other people. His defense attorneys argue life without parole is too harsh a sentence, citing a troubled home life and the possibility that fetal alcohol syndrome could be a mitigating factor.

Oakland County Circuit Judge Kwame Rowe is now considering the request. There is no specific timeline for a ruling.

Detroit officials are reassuring residents about the safety of the city’s water system.   

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The statement comes after the city sent federally mandated letters to thousands of residents about the materials used for water service lines.  Many Detroiters were concerned that the letters served as some sort of warning.

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Director Gary Brown held a news conference on Tuesday to let residents know there’s no reason to worry. 

“Our water is safe and some of the best water in the world. We’re a leader in the United States in delivering quality water,” he said. “We’re below the actionable level for lead at 12 parts per billion in the most recent testing results.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires municipalities with lead service lines to send out the letters. Brown says the city uses a special coating to prevent old service lines from leeching lead into the water. He says concerned residents can run water for three to five minutes in the morning to flush standing water out of the system. 

Detroit has 10 years to replace all of its lead service lines. Brown says the city has spent $100 million this year in its efforts to replace those lines. 

Other headlines for Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024:

• The city of Detroit broke ground Tuesday on a project that will turn a historic school into affordable housing.
• AAA Michigan says you should pack your patience if you’re planning to take a trip over Thanksgiving, as 2.6 million Michiganders will be traveling over the holiday weekend.
• Gas prices continue to trend lower in metro Detroit, according to AAA Michigan, with the average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded now at $3.10 — down five cents from a week ago.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Earlier this year, WDET made a significant commitment to serving metro Detroit with updates to its programming designed to bring more local coverage and locally curated music to the airwaves as we celebrate our 75th anniversary year. The response to these changes was very positive, as measured by listener ratings data, membership feedback, fundraising metrics, and via WDET’s annual listener survey results.  

On Monday, Nov. 25, WDET will refresh its programming schedule again with changes informed by additional input from our community. Sixty percent of the new schedule will feature local programming — up from 51% previously. We’ll include more daily local coverage of news, arts and culture, with more input and call-in dialogue from our listeners on an expanded The Metro, more local and national reporting on Morning Edition, and more opportunities for listeners to hear our one-of-a-kind music programming every weekday evening with an expanded weeknight music schedule.  

Other changes include more music overnights with rebroadcasts of In the Groove Monday-Friday starting at midnight; Jeremy Hobson’s The Middle joins WDET’s roster of national current affairs programming; Fresh Air adds a Friday episode; and On Point, Latino USA, Fresh Air Weekend, The Treatment and Sound Opinions will occupy new time slots.  

After almost a decade of service to WDET listeners, Stephen Henderson will wind up his tenure as a daily host with the conclusion of the program Created Equal. The nationally syndicated show On the Media will also be discontinued.  

“We want to thank and acknowledge Stephen Henderson for his important contributions to our city and our station. Although Created Equal will no longer be a part of our schedule, WDET remains committed to pursuing stories that highlight the challenges of inequality and the promise of opportunity in our communities, throughout our programming and journalism,” said WDET Program Director, Adam Fox. “We are extremely proud and grateful for Stephen’s tenure at WDET, and we know Stephen’s commitment to our community will continue.” 

General Manager Mary Zatina noted that, valuing transparency, WDET leadership made the choice to implement these changes now, before our Holiday On-Air Fundraiser, which begins on Dec. 3 and runs through Noel Night on Dec. 7.

“Growing listener and member bases and delivering the exceptional programming expected from WDET Public Radio is important as we improve our financial stability for the next 75 years serving Detroit,” Zatina said. “WDET ended Fiscal 2024 in a deficit, and we are working hard to improve our financial position.”     

Listeners can view the updated program schedule here or by going to wdet.org/schedule on Monday.

View a summary of the programming changes below.

What if a radio show could almost feel as frenetically fresh as your Instagram feed? Welcome to MI Local: your one-stop shop for literally the latest in local music, particularly when a cavalcade of new releases comes tumbling into my inbox just in time for the show!

Pictured above, we have Mother Night, a new cinematic-sounding indie-rock quintet coming out of Ypsilanti; they have their debut full-length album, “Hungry Ghost,” out on Nov. 30, and we were able to premiere their lead single, “Looking Skyward,” before it even appeared on Bandcamp or iTunes (or elsewhere). Mother Night will perform an album release party next Saturday at the Dreamland Theatre in Ypsilanti.

One of my favorite new artists in town, Bluhm, recently released a full-length album, “Midnight Hill.” They were previously in-studio guests, earlier in the summer, where I interviewed vocalist and guitarist Claire Bluhm and multi-instrumentalist and producer Cameron John Marion. Bluhm will be releasing a new single, “Double Dream,” this Friday, but you can hear it — exclusively — on MI Local this week!

Singer-songwriter and music educator Audra Kubat will lead an impressive lineup of songwriters at this weekend’s “Friday Night Live,” at the DIA. Kubat is working on a follow-up to her 2019 album, “The Sliver and the Salve,” and (surprise) we were able to hear an unreleased track from this as-of-yet-untitled-follow-up, with a beautiful ballad titled “Hand and Leaf.”

But there’s more! Two local garage-pop trios, Zem and Prude Boys, are putting out a split EP, featuring three songs by each band. A digital release should be available on the internet any day now, but you can hear Zem’s “Finger,” and Prude Boys’ “Insane” on this week’s MI Local.

Plus, we heard the latest hip-hop track from happytree, the latest punk shredder from The Antibuddies, and a danceable electro-pop track from the project known as Haunted House!

• “Back N Forth” – happytree
• “EXT266” – Haunted House
• “Looking Skyward” – Mother Night
• “Imagine My Eyes” – Ronny Tibbs
• “Veterans Park Ice Arena” / “Arbor Oaks Park” – Timothy Monger
• “Double Dream” – Bluhm
• “New Forgetting” – Fred Thomas
• “First Place” – pia the band
• “Calloway” – Laurel Premo
• “Leaf and Hand” – Audra Kubat
• “Finger” – Zem
• “Insane” – Prude Boys
• “Verde” – Mooses
• “Mothman Live(s)” – The Antibuddies

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Michigan State Police’s new campaign to encourage residents to sign up for emergency alerts; Detroit PAL’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

MSP launches ‘Know Your Plan. Be Alert’ campaign

The Michigan State Police has launched the “Know Your Plan. Be Alert.” campaign, encouraging residents to sign up for alerts to stay informed during emergencies. Alerts would send information during severe weather, active shooter incidents, missing or endangered individuals and more. For more information or to sign up for alerts visit michigan.gov/miready and click on local alerts. 

State holds hearing on child care licensing rule changes

The state is updating its child care licensing requirements and wants to hear from residents. The proposed rules would tighten regulations on drinking water and add standards for outdoor nature-based childcare centers. They would also make it easier for teachers to qualify for a job at a childcare center. The state held a public hearing on the changes in Lansing on Tuesday. People can submit questions or comments on the changes by mail or email until 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22.

Cycling at the Velodrome

The Lexus Velodrome and Detroit Parks and Recreation are teaming up to offer an indoor cycling program for youth ages 13-17. The six-week program will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting on Jan. 7 and running through Feb. 11. Youth will learn the fundamentals of indoor track cycling from experienced competitors and coaches. Registration is open now and costs $10. For more information about this and other Parks and Recreation sports programs, visit dprdathletics.com. 

Detroit PAL hosting Thanksgiving Food Drive

Detroit PAL is partnering with APEX Leadership Academy and the Detroit NFL Former Players Chapter to offer thanksgiving meals to 500 families next week. Turkeys, dressing, cornbread, cranberry sauce and more will be distributed from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Detroit PAL’s headquarters, 1680 Michigan Ave., Detroit.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

I wanted the first hour of the show to feel like being wrapped in your favorite flannel around a bonfire because it is that time in Michigan… and man, did we nail it… as a team! Because your song selections for music you’re currently obsessed with DID NOT MISS.

Thank you for dropping those on the Groove hotline… PLUS! New music from Kim Deal, who is finally going solo after decades of being part of Pixies and Breeders and basically my musical upbringing. The new record is lovely. It’s called “Nobody Loves You More” and is out this Friday. This New York Times profile about her is lovely, too.

Also, new music from MJ Lenderman, Lola Young, Tyler The Creator and more.

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above.

In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for Nov. 19, 2024

• “Winterlong” – Pixies
• “Invisible Man” – Breeders
• “Nobody Loves You More” – Kim Deal
• “Are You Mine?” – Kim Deal
• “Gigantic” – Pixies
• “Into The White” – Pixies
• “Angels With Dirty Faces” – Los Lobos (Groove Hotline)
• “Keep On Keepin’ On” – Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio (Groove Hotline)
• “Green Arrow” – Yo La Tengo (Groove Hotline)
• “Wristwatch” – MJ Lenderman
• “Not” – Big Thief
• “Charlie (feat. Lil Yachty)” – Lola Young
• “Os Ancestrais (feat. Dom Salvador)” – Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad
• “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” – Stevie Wonder
• “Ghost Town” – The Specials
• “Stompin & Motorik’n” – Penza Penza
• “20th Century Boy” – T. Rex
• “Noid” – Tyler The Creator (In The Groove Pick of the Week)
• “Paranoid (feat. Mr Hudson)” – Kanye West
• “Still Life” – ALASKALASKA
• “Is It It or Is It I?” – Astrel K
• “Football” – Youth Lagoon
• “100 Years of Bill & Lil” – Joe Webb
• “What You’re Missing” – Shannon & the Clams
• “This Time Tomorrow” – The Kinks
• “Can’t Hardly Wait (Cello Version)” – Replacements
• “Hot Sun” – Wilco
• “Hive Mind (Speakers Corner Quartet Remix)” – Tirzah
• “Burn The Witch” – Radiohead
• “Canopy” – Charlotte Day Wilson
• “Cantar Das Kandakinhas” – Pedro Ricardo
• “Estación Esperanza (feat. Manu Chao)” – Sofia Kourtesis
• “Tjomme (DJ Koze Remix)” – José González
• “Second Wind” – Kadhja Bonet
• “Les Fleurs” – Minnie Riperton
• “Darkness, Darkness” – Kieran Hebden & William Tyler

Listen to In the Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org.

Nearly three years after a teenager killed four of his classmates in a shooting at Oxford High School, victims’ families are still looking for answers.

They want a review of how school officials acted leading up to the shooting, calling on Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, to do so this week.

Steve St. Juliana’s daughter, Hana, was among those killed in the Oxford High School attack. He says further action is needed to prevent future school shootings.

“This is about getting the truth out there,” says St. Juliana, “to create the counter measures to save our kids. This is not about identifying people to prosecute.”

The families are frustrated that a state review of procedures around the 2021 shooting has not taken place. They say they’ve had a hard time getting answers from the Oakland County prosecutor and state attorney general — accusing Nessel of retracting an offer to investigate over lack of probable cause.

Speaking to the media, Nessel countered that her offer to review has always been on the table.

“Now these offers were made to the school board and to the criminal investigation and prosecutions being handled by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and prosecutor. Our involvement on both fronts was soundly rejected,” she said.

While Nessel says she remains willing to help, she isn’t sure why Oakland County officials are now pointing the case at her.

“My authorities are not expansive beyond those that are already held by the county prosecutor and sheriff, who currently have the investigation, and have investigated this matter thoroughly for years and years now,” she said.

Nessel says her office can’t investigate without a referral from local authorities. She says she’s confused by Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard appearing in support of the Oxford family’s call to action, arguing that she’d need information from him to move forward.

In a statement, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said she’s unaware of any action needed by her office to involve the attorney general.

Oxford families say they’re tired of the finger pointing.

President-elect Donald Trump doesn’t have many concrete plans for what he wants to do when he gets into office. His policy list is thin, but there are two things he’s talked about a lot: deportations and tariffs. 

Trump has said he plans to deport millions of people in the U.S. who don’t have legal status. Yesterday, he said he would use the military to carry out this plan. He also wants to use tariffs to develop industry here.

But how will these policy changes affect neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico? Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens joined The Metro on Tuesday to talk about the potential impact in Canada.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Dilkens says Canada has long been impacted by U.S. immigration policy at the Mexico-U.S. border.

“The millions of people who have crossed [the U.S.-Mexico border] in the last four years, many of them have made their way up to Canada, crossed illegally into the country,” he said. “And so in my city today, I’ve got two hotels who overlook the Detroit River and stare at Detroit, full of people who have crossed into our country, waiting for their cases to be adjudicated by our immigration and refugee group in Canada.”

In 2004, the U.S. and Canada entered into a Safe Third Country Agreement, a treaty between the two governments with the goal of better managing the flow of refugees better manage the flow of refugees seeking asylum at the border.

As part of the agreement, individuals seeking asylum in Canada are required to request refugee protection in the first safe country they arrive in, unless they qualify for an exception, Dilkens said.

“If you’re entering Canada to claim refugee status from the United States, you’re now required to wait in the United States to have your case adjudicated,” he said. “We’re no longer going to put you up in hotels and have you hang out here.”

Use the media player above to listen to the full conversation.

More headlines from The Metro Nov. 19, 2024: 

• What is today known as the Knights of Columbus Hall in Clawson, used to be a raucous concert venue called The Hideout from 1966 to 1969. It was the third location in a series of teen clubs in southeast Michigan, where legendary musicians like The MC5, many of Bob Seger’s early groups, and The Subterraneans once played. Martin Hirchak, a Detroit cartoonist and graphic designer, joined the show to talk about the former venue, and an upcoming event at Knights of Columbus, “Tales from the Clawson Comic Book and Toy Show.”
• Educators at the College of Creative Studies (CCS) have made it their mission to stoke the flame of creativity already inside the students they teach. Fiber Flux, a new exhibition on view through Dec. 14 at the Valade Family Gallery on CSS’ campus, pays homage to arts educators across the Midwest through fiber art. Wayne State Associate Professor of Fashion and Fibers Heather Macali and Professor and Section Lead of Fiber and Textiles at CCS, Jeremy Noonan, joined the show to discuss the exhibition.
• Last week, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced he won’t run for another term. WDET’s Senior News Editor Quinn Kleinfelter joined the show to discuss the mayor’s legacy and what the future might hold for both the city of Detroit and Duggan’s political future.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

This week was a special The Foreign Exchange (TFE) tribute edition of The Progressive Underground as we celebrated the group founded by Phonte Coleman and Nicolay Rook back in 2004. We chronicled their rise from a groundbreaking duo to a game-changing music ensemble with a burgeoning record label and music movement redefining the sound of progressive soul and conscious hip-hop while providing a multifaceted platform for independent artists.

We played tunes from the TFE catalog as well as individual works of its members such as Phonte, Matthijs Nicolay Rook, Zo! aka Lorenzo Ferguson, Carmen Rodgers and Tamisha Waden, while also mining cuts from artists on the TFE record label like Sy Smith, Bemyfiasco and YahZarah St. James. Plus, some TFE-adjacent artists like Eric Roberson (the king of independent soul), Maurice Pirahnahead Herd & Tee Diviniti Smith, Tall Black Guy Productions and many more! We give TFE and their family tree their flowers and celebrate them for the musical movement that they are.

See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

The Progressive Underground Playlist for Nov. 16, 2024:

• “Milk & Honey” – The Foreign Exchange
• “Brave New World” – The Foreign Exchange
• “Take Off The Blues (feat. Darien Brockington)” – The Foreign Exchange
• “Make Me Fool (feat. Jesse Boykins)” – The Foreign Exchange
• “Right After Midnight (feat. Sy Smith)” – The Foreign Exchange
• “So What If It Is” – The Foreign Exchange
• “We Are On The Move (feat. Eric Roberson)” – Zo!
• “Role Play (feat Bilal)” – Leron Thomas
• “We Can Fly” – Nicolay
• “Sweet Love (feat. Jeanne Jolly)” – The Foreign Exchange
• “The Answer” – The Foreign Exchange
• “If This Is Love (feat. YaZarah)” – The Foreign Exchange
• “Flight of the Blackbyrd (4Hero Remix) [feat. Phonte]” – Zo!
• “Love Come Save The Day” – YaZarah
• “Flowers” – Sy Smith
• “Close To You” – Art Nap
• “Pretty Little Love (feat. Lola Violet)” – BeMyFiasco
• “Saturday Night (feat. Carlitta Durand)” – Nicolay
• “Wonderluv” – Darien Brockington
• “Lifetime” – Bain
• “Follow (feat. Carlitta Durand)” – Phonte
• “The Beauty of Life (feat. Carmen Rodgers)” – Pirahnahead & Diviniti
• “Lifelines (feat. Dornik)” – Zo!
• “Body” – The Foreign Exchange
• “The Brightest Star (feat. Phonte & Carmen Rodgers)” – Nicolay
• “Why Do You Keep Calling Me?” – Sy Smith
• “Don’t Wanna Be Your Lover” – BeMyFiasco
• “Hold My Hand (feat. Phonte/Muhsinah & Darien Brockington)” – Zo! & Tall Black Guy
• “Funk in the Hole (Nicolay Remix)” – Roy Ayers
• “No More Waiting (feat. Creative Theory)” – Nicolay
• “Better” – The Foreign Exchange
• “Something” – Phonte & Eric Roberson
• “Count to Five” – Zo!
• “Asking for a Friend” – The Foreign Exchange
• “Sun Rings/Uprising” – Nicolay
• “All The Kisses (feat. Paris & Amber Strother of KING)” – The Foreign Exchange

President-elect Donald Trump is filling key posts in his second administration, and it’s shaping up much differently than his first. He’s prioritizing loyalists for top jobs.

Trump was bruised and hampered by internal squabbles during his initial term in office. Now he appears focused on remaking the federal government in his own image. Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation battles even with Republicans in control of the U.S. Senate.

Here’s a look at whom he has selected so far.

Cabinet nominees:

SECRETARY OF STATE: Marco Rubio

Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making the critic-turned-ally his choice for top diplomat.

Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump’s running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement.

The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator once called a “con man” during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.

Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump’s plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations.

ATTORNEY GENERAL: Matt Gaetz

Trump said Wednesday he will nominate Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz to serve as his attorney general, naming a loyalist in the role of the nation’s top prosecutor.

In selecting Gaetz, 42, Trump passed over some of the more established lawyers whose names had been mentioned as being contenders for the job.

“Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and Restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department,” Trump said in a statement.

Gaetz resigned from Congress Wednesday night. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating an allegation that Gaetz paid for sex with a 17-year-old, though that probe effectively ended when he resigned. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Tulsi Gabbard

Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, another example of Trump prizing loyalty over experience.

Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party’s 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall, and she’s been accused of echoing Russian propaganda.

“I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement.

Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions.

DEFENSE SECRETARY: Pete Hegseth

Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.

Hegseth served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011. He has two Bronze Stars. However, Hegseth lacks senior military and national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea.

Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year.

HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: Kristi Noem

Noem is a well-known conservative who used her two terms leading South Dakota to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic.

More recently, Noem faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog.

She is set to lead a department crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda as well as other missions. Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports.

CIA DIRECTOR: John Ratcliffe

Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term, leading the U.S. government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy ran for president as a Democrat, then as an independent, and then endorsed Trump. He’s the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign.

The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines. For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism.

TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY: Sean Duffy

Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump’s most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business.

Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children.

VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY: Doug Collins

Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate.

Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command.

“We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need,” Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.

INTERIOR SECRETARY: Doug Burgum

The governor of North Dakota, once little-known outside his state, is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump and then spent months traveling to drum up support for Trump after dropping out of the race.

Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs.

Trump initially announced his choice of Burgum while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Thursday night. The president-elect’s formal announcement on Friday said he wanted Burgum to be Interior secretary and chairman of a new National Energy Council “that will oversee the path to U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE.” As chairman of the council, Trump said Burgum will also have a seat on the National Security Council, which would be a first for the Interior secretary.

ENERGY SECRETARY: Chris Wright

A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market.

Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States.

Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ADMINISTRATOR: Lee Zeldin

Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X, “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.”

“We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added.

During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration’s promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referred to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign that his administration would “drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration.

In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”

White House staff:

CHIEF OF STAFF: Susie Wiles

Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager.

She has a background in Florida politics, helping Ron DeSantis win his first race for Florida governor. Six years later, she was key to Trump’s defeat of him in the 2024 Republican primary.

Wiles’ hire was Trump’s first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration considering her close relationship with him. Wiles is said to have earned Trump’s trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trump’s three presidential campaigns.

Wiles was able to help keep Trump on track as few others have, not by criticizing his impulses, but by winning his respect by demonstrating his success after taking her advice.

NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Mike Waltz

Waltz is a three-term Republican congressman from east-central Florida. A former Army Green Beret, he served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs.

He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population.

BORDER CZAR: Tom Homan

Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history.

He served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and he was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border once Trump won the election. Homan said at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to “run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”

Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border.

DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR POLICY: Stephen Miller

Miller, an immigration hardliner, was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump’s priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump’s first administration.

Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump’s policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation’s economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally.

Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security.

DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF: Dan Scavino

Scavino was an adviser to all three of the president-elect’s campaigns, and the transition team referred to him as one of “Trump’s longest serving and most trusted aides.” He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president.

He previously ran Trump’s social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF: James Blair

Blair was political director for Trump’s 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president.

Blair was key to Trump’s economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate’s “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago.

DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF: Taylor Budowich

Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump’s 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president.

Budowich had also served as a spokesman for Trump after his first presidency.

WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: Karoline Leavitt

Leavitt, 27, was Trump’s campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history.

The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps.

Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas.

Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump’s first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL: William McGinley

McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump’s first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee’s election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign.

In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.”

Ambassadors and envoys

SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE MIDDLE EAST: Steven Witkoff

The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect’s golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump’s club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination.

Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud.”

Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee.

AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL: Mike Huckabee

Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel’s interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah.

“He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.”

Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland.

Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Huckabee has rejected a Palestinian homeland in territory occupied by Israel, calling for a so-called “one-state solution.”

AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS: Elise Stefanik

Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump’s staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment.

Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership.

Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile.

If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine that began in 2022.

Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri, Lolita C. Baldor, Jill Colvin, Matthew Daly, Edith M. Lederer, Adriana Gomez Licon, Lisa Mascaro, Chris Megerian, Zeke Miller, Michelle L. Price and Will Weissert contributed to this report.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will pause work on Segment 9, the final extension of a paved, multi-use trail through the park.

The decision comes after growing opposition to the four-and-a-half mile trail extension, including from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

Sleeping Bear Superintendent Scott Tucker said conversations with the tribe ultimately influenced the park’s decision to pause the project.

“The Grand Traverse Band, through all of our consultation conversations, were opposed to the route through this section of the National Lakeshore,” Tucker said at a news conference on Wednesday.

In August, Grand Traverse Band tribal Chairwoman Sandra Witherspoon penned a letter of opposition to the proposed route.

“Our opposition is grounded in serious concerns regarding the potential impacts on wetlands, tree removal, and the treaty gathering rights of our Tribal members,” she wrote in the letter addressed to U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), U.S. Secretary of the Interior Debra Haaland and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Superintendent Scott Tucker.

Tucker said the tribe’s concerns are the reason the park is putting the brakes on Segment 9.

“Out of respect to the [tribe’s] ancestral homelands, we are pausing that project,” Tucker said.

Tucker said the pause is indefinite and the park will prioritize other projects.

“We look forward to continuing the consultation process with the National Park Service and appreciate their willingness to work with us,” the Grand Traverse Band’s Witherspoon told IPR in an email.

TART Trails, a Traverse City nonprofit focused on non-motorized transit, was leading fundraising for Segment 9.

TART CEO Julie Clark said roughly $2.6 million has been raised and that those donations are restricted for use on the project. Clark said the nonprofit will talk with donors on what “possibilities may be” for the money.

Clark said TART respects the decision to pause the project but is disappointed that the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail might remain uncompleted.

“We lose safe access, right?” Clark said. “It is not a safe place to bike or run along M-22 and that section of the park, it is not comfortable. We know that the community wanted [a] separated trail, so we lose this opportunity to build a facility that provided safe, responsible, managed access to the Lakeshore.”

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore had contracted with a construction firm through the Michigan Department of Transportation for an initial design.

Tucker said that the design draft is still expected this winter but the park won’t act on it.

He said it will serve as a foundation for future conversations with the tribe if the park chooses to revisit the project one day.