Radio Made in Michigan

Today on Current State: A breakdown of both state party conventions; sports with the Detroit Free Press' Joe Rexrode; a look at shifting enrollment trends at Michigan universities; East Lansing schools seek tech upgrades; and MLive's Angela Wittrock sorts out the Lansing metro's "real" GDP.

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.        

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.

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.

Tomorrow, East Lansing voters will decide on a school bond issue to upgrade outdated equipment.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.

MLive's Lansing beat reporter Angela Wittrock joins us every Monday for a rundown of the latest news about the local economy, business and development. This week, she discusses the Lansing metro area's real "GDP."

Russ White talks radio with WKAR Radio station manager Peter Whorf.  Kirk Heinze chats with Michigan DNR leader Keith Creagh, all about the Michigan Horse Expo, and Scott Westerman shares his stirring "I Am A Spartan" essay.

State Democrats and Republicans will meet this weekend to elect party leaders.

Today on Current State:  A look at the tri-county mental health system; Detroit spoken word poet Jamaal May; the unveiling of a collaborative mural at Peckham Inc; sports with Joe Rexrode; Lansing-made boats at the Detroit Boat show; and an Oscar preview.