Scott Pohl

On this Labor Day from reWorking Michigan, our Monday report looks at the future of training in the skilled trades.

WKAR’s Scott Pohl spoke with Lawrence Hidalgo Junior, training director for the Lansing Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.

It’s a joint program between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and NECA, the National Electrical Contractors Association. They work with young electricians to prepare them for careers in the field, both in labor and in management.

That training has evolved in recent years.

Today marks the bicentennial of the surrender of Detroit to the British in the War of 1812. The key figure is American General William Hull.

Grand Ledge native son Matt Greene is a defenseman on the NHL champion Los Angeles Kings. It’s become a tradition that each player on the winning team gets to do whatever they want with the Stanley Cup for a day. Friday, Greene is bringing one of the world’s most coveted sports trophies to his hometown.

In the Democratic primaries, voters nominated Tom Cochran for the 67th district, Andy Schor for the 68th and Sam Singh for the 69th.

There were a number of contested primaries for the Ingham County Board of Commissioners.

Michigan voters go to the polls tomorrow to cast their votes in the state primary election.  WKAR has been bringing you reports on a number of Lansing area political races and ballot questions.

Today, we conclude our series with an examination of contested races for the Ingham County board of commissioners.

Three funding proposals are going before voters in Ingham County next week. Two would renew existing millages, while a third would enact a small increase if approved.

Work on the new video boards at Spartan Stadium took a step forward Thursday.

WKAR’s Scott Pohl reports that crews began testing the stadium’s new sound system.

You might expect that a sound system test at Spartan Stadium would mean the fight song blaring at you a few hundred times.

Alas, it was smooth jazz coming out of the speakers shortly before noon on Thursday.

The Olympic Games begin with opening ceremonies in London on Friday.

DeWitt’s Jordyn Wieber will compete for a gymnastics Gold Medal beginning on Sunday. Over the next three days, we’ll have several stories looking at the excitement that’s building around her quest for a medal.

Sportswriter Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal will be in London to write about the Games. This will be his first Olympics.

Rexrode told WKAR’s Scott Pohl that his coverage will extend beyond the Jordyn Wieber story.

Michigan State University has appointed a new vice president for research and graduate studies.

Dr. Steve Hsu is director of the Institute for Theoretical Science and a professor of physics at the University of Oregon.

Hsu has also started two software companies, and has experience in venture capital. He says he hopes to unlock the value in the research done at MSU.

With a background in physics, Hsu adds that the development of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams on campus helped attract him to the post.

Michigan State University and local economic development officials say they’re making progress on expanding ultra-high speed internet service in the Lansing area.

A coalition called Greater Lansing Gig-U is announcing the creation of gigabitready.com, a website detailing property addresses that are ready to provide ultra-high speed internet service. Now being tested, a full-scale launch of the service is expected in the fall.

They’re also unveiling a gigabit certified building program.

Due to a power outage, City Hall in East Lansing has closed for the rest of the day. 54-B District Court and the Bailey Community Center are also closed. City officials are estimating that power will be restored at 5 p-m.

Utility crews are working to seal a damaged gas line on the Michigan State University campus.

The ruptured line is outside the campus police station.

A landscaping crew reportedly was digging a hole to install a sign when they hit an unmarked gas line. A crew from Consumers Energy is on site to work on repairs.

There are no reports of injuries.