In this episode of "Past Deadline," Podcast Editor Christian Valk sits down with Managing Editor Blace Carpenter to discuss a former CMU instructor’s claim that the university’s rifle range gave him lead poisoning. The full story is featured in the August print edition.

Editors Note: This episode of past deadline was recorded on August 13, 2025. Central Michigan University provided Central Michigan Life with the following statement on Aug. 15.

"CMU is aware of the claims by Mr. Brewer, which related to his experiences approximately 30 years ago," CMU's spokesperson wrote in an email. "The matter was addressed in the Michigan Court of Claims and there was no judgment or findings against CMU. The case was dismissed by the Court of Claims, and the dismissal was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.

"The indoor rifle range is still in use by CMU’s Military Science and ROTC programs. CMU Environmental Health and Safety works with the Military Science program to monitor lead levels and to provide cleaning for the range."