Podcasts about community affairs

August 11, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News has her latest America 250 piece on the film incentive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 10, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses Hunter Biden saying former President Joe Biden's cancer has spread to his bones. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 3, 2026 ~ WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News Marie Osborne talks to Sarah Krebs about an update on Nancy Guthrie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 31, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the feasibility study of the I-75 cap study. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 30, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the Trump administration ending the Medicare D subsidy program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 29, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News with the latest on new strikes in the Middle East. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 28, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses Michigan's role in the Underground Railroad. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 24, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses Canada's ribbon cutting ceremony for the Gordie Howe Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 22, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the local couple suing Taco Bell over Cyclosporiasis and RFK Jr declaring it under control. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 21, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the FDA saying data still supports Taylor Farms as source of Cyclosporiasis after false positive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 14, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News with a piece on the labor movement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 14, 2026 ~ WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News Marie Osborne gives a headline report on 2 state reps proposing a law to ban loud vehicles. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 13, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rich asks the listeners what he and WRVA could do to help the community

The Author Events Series presents Senator Cory Booker | STAND In Conversation with Cherri Gregg SOLD OUT Join U.S. Senator Cory Booker for a timely and hopeful conversation about our shared American ideals. Centered around his new book, STAND, Senator Booker will share stirring personal reflections and powerful stories of leadership that will challenge us to reclaim our national story and work together to redeem the American dream.  STAND shows that our principles are not luxuries; they are vital, strategic keys to our survival and success. By wielding these tools, we can reclaim our sense of common cause and change the course of our country's history. In STAND, Senator Booker offers inspiring and actionable insights for Americans from all walks of life. Senator Cory Booker is the senior United States Senator from New Jersey. He served as mayor of Newark before becoming New Jersey's first Black senator and only the fourth popularly elected Black senator in US history.  Cherri Gregg is co-host of WHYY's flagship daily radio news show Studio 2. She is also the executive producer and creator of the Emmy Award winning Good Souls Project, WHYY's effort to highlight individuals serving as role models for compassion, generosity and service. Prior to her current position, Cherri covered civil rights, social justice, race and public affairs issues impacting marginalized communities, spending nearly a decade as the Community Affairs reporter for KYW Newsradio, also reporting for CBS 3 Eyewitness News. She was the creator, host and executive producer of the weekly, syndicated radio show and podcast, Flashpoint with Cherri Gregg. Cherri, who is a former attorney, is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Law & Justice Journalism Project, a non-profit focused on shifting the journalism narrative around public safety, crime and justice. Bundle tickets come with a pre-signed copy of STAND, published by St. Martins Press Pre-signed copies of STAND will be available for purchase at the event.  Because you love Author Events, please make a donation when you register for this event to ensure that this series continues to inspire Philadelphians. All tickets are non-refundable. (recorded 3/26/2026)

June 23, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses her America 250 piece on the arsenal of democracy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 23, 2026 ~ WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News Marie Osborne details how Detroit became "The Arsenal of Democracy." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 19, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses a new terrorism case in Macomb county being tied to the Oxford high School shooting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 16, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses controversy over 2 road sides in Oakland County. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 15, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the news that MSU AD J Batt is leaving for Kentucky. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 15, 2026 ~ WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News Marie Osborne shares an update on the controversy over two newly installed road signs in Metro Detroit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on the Black Tech Building Episode. I'm going to go over the announcements for black tech and taking care of community affairs. Doing domos for Winter Olympics Demo Day.Recorded 1/30/2026

Today on the Black Tech Building Episode. I'm going to go over the announcements for black tech and taking care of community affairs.Recorded 1/23/2026

June 9, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News debuts her first special reports on America 250: Michigan Made. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 8, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the fighting between Israel and Iran that threatens the current ceasefire. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 5, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses recent threats made against Governor Whitmer and the Capitol in Lansing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 4, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses President Trump nominating acting AG Todd Blanche for full time AG. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 2, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the data center groundbreaking in Saline. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 1st, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the latest UAW strike. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 29, 2026 ~ Letty Azar, Grand Prix VP of Community Affairs talks to Jamie Edmonds in for Paul W. Smith live from the Grand Prix. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 22, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses a Father Wins Custody of Infant Son in Safe Delivery Case. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 22, 2026 ~ WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News Marie Osborne details the story of a Michigan father who had to fight against Michigan's Safe Delivery Act to get custody of his child. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 21, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the shocking news that Mike Duggan is dropping out of the race for governor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 20, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the data center that withdrew it's application in Washington Twp and Ypsilanti saying no to letting another data center use it's water. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

9am to 11am on Thursday, Purina will offer food and pet food to families in need outside Energizer Park. Kim Beardslee, Director of Community Affairs for Purina, joins Chris and Amy in-studio. Kim also updates on a veteran's home project that is set to debut on Thursday.

May 19, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses Ebola being declared a global health emergency and the American diagnosed with it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's episode of the Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast features a wide-ranging and timely discussion about one of the most consequential fair lending developments in years: the CFPB's final rule fundamentally reshaping enforcement under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and Regulation B. Hosted by Alan Kaplinsky (the Founder, Chair for 25 years and now Senior Counsel of the Consumer Financial Services Group at Ballard Spahr, LLP), the episode brings together an exceptional panel of fair lending authorities: our special guest Bradley Blower (the Principal and Founder of Inclusive-Partners LLC) along with John Culhane, Jr., and Richard Andreano, Jr., Senior Counsel in the Consumer Financial Services Group at Ballard Spahr LLP. The discussion revisits a proposal first examined on the podcast last year when the CFPB under Acting Director Russell Vought proposed sweeping revisions to ECOA enforcement principles (you can find more on that episode here). Now, the Bureau has finalized the rule largely as proposed, marking a dramatic shift in federal fair lending policy. The CFPB's Three Major Changes As discussed during the podcast, the final rule makes three major changes from the former Regulation B: ·        Eliminates the use of disparate impact analysis under ECOA and Regulation B. ·        Narrows discouragement liability by focusing primarily on spoken, written, or visual statements rather than broader conduct. ·        Revises the framework governing Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs), particularly for for-profit lenders. The Bureau's stated rationale is that ECOA does not authorize disparate impact liability and that fair lending enforcement should focus on intentional discrimination rather than statistical disparities alone. Supporters of the rule argue that the changes provide lenders with clearer standards, reduce regulatory uncertainty, and create a more predictable environment for innovation, including AI-driven underwriting and algorithmic decision-making. Critics, however, contend that the rule ignores the historical role disparate impact analysis has played in uncovering systemic discrimination and could make it substantially more difficult to identify discriminatory outcomes embedded in facially neutral policies or automated systems. Disparate Impact: A Sea Change, But Not the End of Fair Lending The panel devoted significant attention to the CFPB's elimination of disparate impact liability under ECOA. John Culhane described the move as a "dramatic shift" for non-mortgage lending, noting that disparate impact theories historically drove many federal fair lending actions involving indirect auto finance, student lending, and other consumer credit products. At the same time, Rich Andreano emphasized that the mortgage industry remains subject to disparate impact claims under the federal Fair Housing Act because of the Supreme Court's decision in Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs v. Inclusive Communities Project. As a result, mortgage lenders still face substantial fair lending exposure notwithstanding the CFPB's new ECOA position. The panelists also stressed that disparate impact is far from dead at the state level. Several states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, are expected to continue aggressive fair lending enforcement using disparate impact theories under state statutes, regulations, and consumer protection laws. Indeed, the panel highlighted the growing role of state attorneys general and state regulators as federal enforcement narrows. Discouragement Liability and the "Townstone Effect" Another focal point of the discussion was the CFPB's narrowing of discouragement liability. The panel explored how the Bureau's revisions appear heavily influenced by the CFPB's controversial enforcement action against Townstone Financial, where the Bureau alleged that comments made during radio broadcasts and podcasts discouraged minority borrowers from applying for loans. Rich Andreano characterized the final rule's discouragement provisions as effectively "the Townstone rule," reflecting the current CFPB leadership's strong opposition to the prior Bureau's enforcement theory in that case. Nevertheless, both Brad Blower and John Culhane cautioned that courts and state regulators may continue to consider broader conduct, including branch placement, marketing strategies, and community engagement, when evaluating potential redlining or discouragement claims. SPCPs Face New Uncertainty The podcast also examined the CFPB's revisions to Special Purpose Credit Programs. Brad Blower explained that while SPCPs remain permissible, the new rule substantially complicates the use of race-conscious programs by for-profit lenders. Many institutions may now seek to redesign programs around race-neutral criteria such as first-generation homeownership, low- and moderate-income geographies, or majority-minority census tracts. Rich Andreano warned that many financial institutions, especially banks, may scale back SPCPs due to litigation and regulatory uncertainty, particularly given the broader political and legal environment surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The Practical Message: "Stay the Course" Despite the significance of the CFPB's rule changes, the clearest takeaway from the discussion was remarkably consistent: lenders should not dismantle their fair lending compliance programs. All three panelists emphasized that institutions should continue: ·                 Monitoring for disparate impact. ·                 Reviewing underwriting and pricing models. ·                 Evaluating marketing and branch strategies. ·                 Testing AI and algorithmic systems for bias. ·                 Maintaining robust fair lending compliance management systems. As Brad Blower observed, institutions that "take their foot off the gas" risk state enforcement actions, private litigation, reputational harm, and future regulatory scrutiny under a different federal administration. Rich Andreano summarized the prevailing industry guidance succinctly: "Stay the course." AI, Algorithmic Underwriting, and Future Litigation The panel also explored how the rule intersects with AI-driven lending. Although federal ECOA disparate impact enforcement may narrow, the panelists noted that state laws and private litigation could continue targeting algorithmic discrimination. Several states already are pursuing or considering laws specifically addressing AI bias and automated decision-making. The panel further predicted that legal challenges to the CFPB's final rule are highly likely. Potential claims could include: ·        Administrative Procedure Act challenges. ·        Arguments that the CFPB disregarded congressional intent underlying ECOA. ·        Challenges arising under the Supreme Court's decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which eliminated Chevron deference to agency rules. The panel suggested that litigation over the final rule could ultimately reach the Supreme Court, particularly on the unresolved question of whether ECOA itself authorizes disparate impact liability. Conclusion This episode provides an exceptionally practical and nuanced examination of one of the most important fair lending developments in recent memory. While the CFPB has dramatically narrowed federal ECOA enforcement theories, the broader fair lending landscape remains highly active due to state enforcement, private litigation risk, the Fair Housing Act, and ongoing scrutiny of AI-based underwriting systems. For lenders, the message from the panel was unmistakable: despite the CFPB's final rule, fair lending compliance remains as important as ever. You can listen to the full podcast on the Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast available through Ballard Spahr and major podcast platforms. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

May 13, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses two black bear sightings in Southeast Michigan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 11, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the large water main break in Auburn Hills. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 8, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the latest with Spirit Airlines and Metro Airports. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 7, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News recaps Marco Rubio's visit with Pope Leo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 6, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses Detroit getting a professional women's hockey team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 5, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the latest on a shooting near the White House yesterday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 1, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR Director of Community Affairs and News, discusses an important event taking place this Saturday as the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency hosts a Family Member Update for nearly 500 families in Detroit and surrounding areas Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 27, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News sets us up for King Charles's visit to Washington. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 24, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the back and forth between Senator Peters and Secretary Lutnick about failed tornado sirens during a hearing yesterday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 23, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the hearing on data centers at the State Capitol yesterday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 22, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses 4 men rescued from the Detroit River. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 17, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of News and Community Affairs on Sexual Assault Awareness Month, highlighting resources, survivor support, and the ongoing work being done across Michigan communities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.