Recently, the Lansing school district announced that it will cut as many as 87 teachers in an effort to address the district’s budget deficit. Many of the teachers expected to be laid off are certified to teach art, music and physical education to elementary school students. The district says it's not eliminating its arts and physical education programs, but “redesigning” them, using existing teachers and outside programming as a substitute.
Don Gonyea graduated from Michigan State University in 1978. Pictured from left: School of Journalism director Lucinda Davenport, former Associated Press reporter Kathy Barks Hoffman, NPR National Political Correspondent Don Gonyea and MSU journalism professor Eric Freedman.
The MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences will honor NPR National Political Correspondent Don Gonyea this week with the 2013 WKAR Public Media Master Award. Gonyea earned two degrees from MSU on his way to a remarkable career in radio. Current State’s Scott Pohl spoke with Don Gonyea about the award and his work at NPR.
Matt opens the show with discussion on Big Ten Football security, in wake of the Boston Marathon bombings. He also talks about the Big Ten divisions, and the difficulties that Michigan State will face. NBA playoffs coverage is also a hot topic, and Matt delves in the discussion whether the Oklahoma City Thunder can hold on for the next round. Matt closes the show with the potential draft choices for the Detroit Pistons, and the confusion that it could give fans.
Today on Current State: Ingham County Chief District Judge talks Indigent Defense; the Lansing Information Technology Empowerment Center; Michael Finney from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and re-imagining the Grand River corridor.
Matt Ludtke starts the show off with MSU football recruiting, and potential NFL talent on the current roster. He switches gears to the Detroit Red Wings, as they drop their first game to the Ducks. Plus, the NBA playoffs are in full swing, and "dirty play" is an issue looming with one NBA team. He closes the show with the debate of the Redskins.
The sixth amendment to the U.S. Constitution makes it clear: any citizen accused of a crime will--if necessary--have access to qualified legal representation in court. Many legal professionals think that guarantee has been seriously compromised in Michigan for many years. The state often ranks low in assessments of its system of indigent defense. In recent years, several efforts by the state legislature to strengthen the system have failed.
