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Michigan Democrats elect new leader, Republicans stay the course

By & Joe Linstroth • Feb 25, 2013

At their annual convention, held in Lansing this year, Michigan Republicans reelected Bobby Schostak as their leader.
Credit Gabriela Saldivia

The state Republican and Democratic parties held conventions this weekend, and news was made at both.

After 18 years, Mark Brewer is out as leader of the Michigan Democratic Party, removing his name from consideration before the party’s chairmanship could go up for a vote. Lon Johnson takes over.

Meanwhile, Michigan Republican Party Chairman Bobby Schostak faced a challenge from Tea Party nominee Todd Courser.        

The new head of the Michigan Democratic Party, Lon Johnson, shares his plan. And the Michigan Public Radio Network’s managing editor Rick Pluta and reporter Jake Neher break down the news out of both conventions.

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Michigan politics
politics and government

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Sports check-in with Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press

By Mark Bashore • Feb 25, 2013

Detroit Free Press sportswriter Joe Rexrode joins us every Monday and Friday to discuss what's happening in the sports world -- from Michigan State to local prep athletics to the pro leagues. Today, he discusses the MSU men's basketball team's loss to Ohio State and what the ramifications are for post-season play.

Michigan universities see shift in enrollment trends

By Mark Bashore • Feb 25, 2013
Courtesy of MSU

A new story from Bridge Magazine poses a provocative question for the parents of Michigan’s high schoolers: “Is a student from China taking my kid’s college slot?”  The story explores recent trends in freshmen enrollment at the state’s public universities. Many have seen dramatic increases in the number of international and out-of-state students. Senior editor  Ron French compiled the story and discusses its findings.

East Lansing schools seek upgrade in technology

By • Feb 25, 2013
WKAR file photo

Tomorrow, East Lansing voters will decide on a school bond issue to upgrade outdated equipment.  Officials say hundreds of phones, computers, cameras and clocks in the city’s schools are becoming obsolete.  The district is asking residents to approve a millage that would not exceed 1.26 mils over the next five years. The measure would raise more than $5 million for the upgrade.  

WKAR’s Kevin Lavery visited East Lansing High School to talk with the district’s director of technology, Christian Palasty, who says there’s a sizable amount of equipment to replace.