Current State

  The Supreme Court heard arguments last week about whether human genes can be patented. The court’s ruling could drastically change the biotech industry and also the way universities do research.

Today on Current State: Lansing police chief retires; folk legend Tom Paxton; Michigan tourism; world renowned trumpeter Alison Balsom; and the Lansing Marathon.

 Teresa Szymanski joined the Lansing Police Department in 1987. She earned her stripes over the years and rose to become the city’s police chief in 2010.  Her tenure has been marked with successes and setbacks.

Chief Szymanski is retiring from the Lansing Police Department this week.  She chats with Current State about her time at the helm of Lansing law enforcement.

Folk singer Tom Paxton recently said that he enjoys songwriting more than ever.  That’s especially noteworthy since he’s been doing that since the 60’s.  Then, Paxton was at the center of America’s folk revival, performing in Greenwich Village with the likes of Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and others.  

Tom Paxton talks about singing, songwriting and his eventful musical career with Current State.

Trumpeter Alison Balsom is one of the world’s premiere performers on the classical stage and on major recording labels.  She comes to Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium Saturday, April 20th. WKAR's Peter Whorf previews her concert.

The state of Michigan saw an increase in tourism spending in 2012, most of which can be attributed to travelers from other states.

This week, at the annual Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism,  MSU professor and tourism expert Sarah Nicholls predicted another year of industry growth.  Nicholls speaks with Current States Emanuele Berry to unveil more tourism trends and plans for Michigan.

 Runners from around Michigan, the Midwest, Europe and South America will gather on Sunday for the second annual Lansing Marathon. At last years inaugural event, about 1,700 runners participated in either the marathon itself, the half-marathon or any of three other events. Race director Owen Anderson joins Current State to discuss the race's economic impact, security and other aspects of the event.

Today on Current State: MSU's renewable energy plan; critical bacteria research; the impressive career of WKAR's Dick Estell; and pianist Bob Baldori.

 In a plan adopted last year by its Board of Trustees, Michigan State University committed to an “energy future” comprised 100% of renewable energy sources.  This week, University President Lou Anna K. Simon updates the effort in her second annual energy roundtable, which will be a live webcast.  

There’s been a thrust in research over the last several years concerning the bacteria that live on and inside the human body. The early findings have been astounding and seem to point to a paradigm shift in medicine.

The research could unveil new methods to treat all sorts of common diseases, including diabetes, asthma and even obesity. MSU microbiologist Robert Britton explains the enormous potential behind research into what’s called the human microbiome.

Dick Estell is the longtime host of The Radio Reader on WKAR AM 870.  His program can be heard not just in mid-Michigan, but on dozens of public radio stations across the country.  

Next year, Dick Estell celebrates 50 years on the program. But his radio roots go back even farther.  He joined WKAR in 1955 as a student announcer, and by 1964, he was the station manager.

Pianist Bob Baldori's musical career has led him to countless gigs with the likes of Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters.

In recent years, “Boogie Bob” has spent a lot of time playing boogie woogie piano music around the world with Bob Seeley. Their time together has been documented in the movie Boogie Stomp, which the East Lansing Film Society is screening this month.

Today on Current State: Former priest makes his case for change in the Catholic Church; MSU Science Fest ; Author David Shields;  and Hospice of Lansing.

For more than 40 years, Roy Bourgeois’ life has been devoted to an often controversial liberal activism. The former Catholic priest is the founder of the Schools of the Americas Watch and has spent eight years in prison for illegal protests.  Five years ago, the 74-year old was excommunicated for his support of the ordination of women to the Catholic priesthood.  

The first-ever Michigan State University Science Festival is underway. It’s a chance for learners of all ages to explore the science that touches our everyday lives. Hiram Fitzgerald, the associate provost of Outreach and Engagement at MSU, and Renee Leone, the coordinator of the MSU Science Festival, joined WKAR’s Melissa Benmark to unveil more details about the festival. 

Renowned author David Shields will be on the MSU campus at Wells Hall today (Wednesday, April 17) for a lecture on his latest book How Literature Saved My Life. The author of 14 books and the Milliman Distinguished Writer-in-Residence at the University of Washington. Shields discusses his work and his take on current literary storytelling.

Making preparations for a loved one’s death can be a very stressful and difficult time for families. But with help, a person’s final weeks and months can also hold some of the most beautiful and poignant moments in their lives.

For this week’s Neighbors in Action segment, we feature the Hospice of Lansing, which helps families cope with the difficulties of end of life care. John Person, the executive director of Hospice of Lansing, breaks down the benefits and barriers to hospice care.  

Today on Current State: Lansing city budget; Red Cedar now open for fishing ; Wharton Center reveals new season; and a Public Poetry Announcement with Carl Phillips.

Yesterday the Lansing City Council continued discussions about one of the most challenging parts of next fiscal year’s budget--spending for city police services.  Mayor Virg Bernero’s proposed spending plan for the 2014 fiscal year includes a $700,000 cut to the police budget.