juvenile lifers

On today’s episode, after 8 years, people sentenced to a life in prison for crimes committed at 18 years old wait to see if they will get a chance at freedom. Then, how some of Trump’s “fake electors” from 2020, have been re-nominated by the GOP. Lastly, a voice actor's involvement in bringing Michigan’s indigenous language into the Star Wars universe.

On today’s episode, a Kent County resident was released from prison — after serving more than 38 years — following a Michigan Supreme Court decision to ban automatic life sentences for 18-year-olds. Next, how an Indian Tribe of Michigan has developed a new library book classification system for Native topics. Additionally, a conversation with podcast host, Courtney Anderson, about her path to sobriety and being listed as the Best Social Media Influencer in Best of Detroit 2024.

Michigan has more so-called “juvenile lifers” than almost any other state in the country. More than a decade after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled automatic life without parole sentences for juveniles violated the Constitution, the vast majority of those people have received a new, lighter sentence.

Hundreds of people sentenced to life without parole as juveniles have now been released. In most cases, they’ve gone on to live completely ordinary lives that they had no reason to believe were possible for them.

Michigan's Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform was established in June 2021 with a goal of recommending changes to the state's juvenile justice system.

In early October, Warren-Gibbs traveled to Lansing to support legislation that would outlaw life-without-parole sentences for people younger than 19 in Michigan. It appears unlikely the bills will get a vote before lawmakers adjourn for the year. But Warren-Gibbs said it’s the job of adults to protect children.

The Michigan House makes moves to accelerate Michigan's shift to renewable energy sources. Also, a woman whose brother was murdered wrestles with the fate of those involved in his death. And, the bright young voice bringing old soul back to Detroit’s airwaves.

Michigan sentenced over 360 minors to life without parole — more than any state except Pennsylvania. Half of them have now been released and 90% have been resentenced, in most cases to a finite length of time.

The state House Criminal Justice Committee opened hearings Tuesday on legislation that could allow parole for people sentenced to life in prison when they were teenagers.

Bills scheduled for a Michigan House committee hearing Tuesday would ban life prison sentences for anyone aged 18 and under.