Radio Made in Michigan

Current State #111 | June 19, 2013

Current State — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:25:51 +0000

Today on Current State: the no-fault insurance debate; Neighbors in Action features the Fenner Nature Center; MSU announces new bioengineering facility; and "Mythbusters" comes to East Lansing.

Amidst proposed reform, no-fault insurance debate rages on

Current State — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:22:46 +0000

Last week, another wrinkle was added to the ongoing debate over auto insurance reform in Michigan, as a FOIA request to obtain information about rate setting procedures was denied. Currently, a bill in the state Senate calls to cap lifetime payouts at a million dollars per claim.

MSU breaks ground on new $40 million bioengineering facility

Current State — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:52:47 +0000

MSU has long strived to be a leader in the realm of global health, and hopes to do just that after completion of a 130,000 square-foot bioengineering facility set to be finished in 2015.

Neighbors in Action: Fenner Nature Center

Current State — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:45:30 +0000

This week, Neighbors In Action features Fenner Nature Center, which has been around for over 50 years.

Katie Woodhams, the center's program manager, and Nathan Martineau, a volunteer through Fenner's Youth Leadership Program, discuss the activities and resources Fenner offers the community.

'Mythbusters' comes to the Wharton Center stage (sans explosions)

Current State — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:40:47 +0000

This weekend, the hosts of "Mythbusters" will make a stop at East Lansing's Wharton Center as part of their "Behind the Myths" tour. For ten years, the Discovery Channel show has entertained skeptics, science buffs and ordinary folk alike with a lighthearted and creative approach to science.

Current State #110 | June 18, 2013

Current State — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:10:37 +0000

Today on Current State: Ingham County Land Bank; a tour of the Greater Lansing Hall of Fame; stocking fish in the Great Lakes; and Lord Huron, an indie rock band with local roots.

Ingham County Land Bank helps build neighborhoods

Current State — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:04:34 +0000

The Ingham County Land Bank, is currently going through a bit of a renovation. Chairman and County Treasurer Eric Schertzing along with the organization's new Executive Director Jeff Burdick discuss the current changes to the ICLB, including the organization's new pilot project involving transportation, which will be the first public bike-sharing program in Michigan.

Local legends fill the Lansing Sports Hall of Fame

Current State — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:50:05 +0000

The Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame, located within the Lansing Center, showcases a wealth of local athletic talent. Home to memorabilia from 228 individuals and 46 teams, the Hall of Fame celebrates the world class athletic talent that Mid-Michigan has produced. WKAR’s Al Martin toured of the Hall of Fame with Executive Director and 1994 inductee Bob Every.

The history of fish stocking in the Great Lakes

Current State — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:53:15 +0000

Brown trout, Chinook and coho salmon are all currently stocked in one or more of the Great Lakes, however none of these prized catches are native to the basin. These fish were stocked to help manage invasive species and to build a sport fishery.

Local band Lord Huron returns to Lansing

Current State — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:23:06 +0000

Ben Schneider, Mark Bary and Tom Renauda from Okemos, along with Miguel Briseno of Eaton Rapids and Californian Karl Kerfoot have been making waves with their band Lord Huron. Now based in Los Angeles, Lord Huron is touring to support their album "Lonesome Dreams."

Current State's Scott Pohl spoke with Ben Schneider about his music, and growing up in a media savvy household with his parents, well-known Lansing PR executive Sharon Emery and longtime Lansing State Journal columnist John Schneider.

Current State #109 | June 17, 2013

Current State — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:05:22 +0000

Today on Current State: Michigan high school education gap in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes; co-generation power plant in REO Town; third-party gubernatorial candidate Robin Sanders; 3D printing; and diagnosing sick dogs.

Closing enrollment gap in AP and IB classes a good short-term fix, research shows

Current State — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:59:05 +0000

Last week, Bridge Magazine highlighted a study conducted by The Education Trust, a Washington D.C.-based education research and policy group, showing Michigan had one of the worst rates in the country for enrollment in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes among low income and minority students. Enrollment in these higher level classes during high school greatly increases a student’s chances for success in college.

New co-generation power plant set to recharge Lansing

Current State — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:55:27 +0000

The massive co-generation power plant rising above Lansing's REO Town neighborhood is nearly complete. The Lansing Board of Water and Light 's (BWL) new 46,000 square-foot facility has been under construction for more than two years. The power plant officially comes online July 1, and will replace four coal-fired steam units at the nearby Moores Park plant built in 1950s. The BWL says the new plant is much more environmentally friendly. Residents and business owners believe it will also bring economic gain to their neighborhood.

Third party gubernatorial candidate Robin Sanders focuses on public safety

Current State — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:50:24 +0000

Many Michigan voters have begun anticipating a Gubernatorial contest next year between Republican incumbent Rick Snyder and Democratic challenger Mark Schauer.

3D printing at the forefront of technology

Current State — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:46:18 +0000

3D printing was in the news recently when a Texas group called Defense Distributed posted instructions on its website for printing a functional plastic handgun using a 3D printer. Although the State Department had the group remove the postings, the story brought 3D printing to the headlines.

New research helps owners, vets assess dogs' health

Current State — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:37:38 +0000

When a beloved dog becomes seriously ill, owners are faced with difficult decisions. Researchers are developing a new tool which could help dog owners tackle the tough choice of prolonging life or letting go.

MSU Today | June 16, 2013

Russ White — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Simon & Hollis talk with Strampel and Gould.

Current State #108 | June 14, 2013

Current State — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:48:10 +0000

Today on Current State: the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on gene patenting; Ann Arbor Summer Festival; Lansing Lugnuts; A Father’s Day memory and Mackinac fudge.

SCOTUS rules against gene patenting

Current State — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:46:46 +0000

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that naturally occurring human genes cannot be patented. The ruling will affect researchers, universities and industries.

Ann Arbor Summer Festival features live music, outdoor movies and more

Current State — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:44:00 +0000