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12/31/02
Governor-elect Jennifer Granholm interview (part 2)
Todd Mundt
Michigan has its first new governor in twelve years. Jennifer Granholm takes the oath of office tomorrow and she faces a number of difficult issues. The state has taken control of the finances of the city of Flint, it is running the Detroit school system and has its hands in other "traditionally" local matters. In this second part of our conversation, Michigan Radio's Todd Mundt wanted to get a sense of how the new administration would tackle these issues. Todd spoke with her from her office in Lansing and asked her how the state should help the city of Flint.
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12/30/02
Governor-elect Jennifer Granholm interview (part 1)
Todd Mundt
After twelve years, Michigan has a new governor. Jennifer Granhom will be sworn into office on Wednesday. The state has some serious financial troubles and her party isn't in control of the legislature, the Attorney General's office nor the Secretary of State's office. In the first of a two-part conversation, Michigan Radio's Todd Mundt spoke with Governor-elect Granholm last week from her office in Lansing.
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4/12/02
Prostitution Subject Of Concern In Grand Rapids
Matt Shafer Powell
For years, prostitution has been a concern on Grand Rapids' South side. This week, the Grand Rapids-based Nokomis Foundation released a report on prostitution in that city. The report outlined the ways in which prostitution affects the girls and women involved in it. And it made suggestions about how this often-ignored part of the population can find help. In conjunction with the report, members of several different humanitarian agencies will meet today at Grand Valley State University for a day-long discussion on prostitution as a social issue. Michigan Radio's Matt Shafer Powell has more…
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4/5/02
Coal Power Plants Big Polluters
Gina Carrier
Most of the electricity produced in Michigan comes from coal burning power
plants. It's an abundant and affordable energy source. The problem is coal-fired
power plants produce more pollution than other energy sources like nuclear or
natural gas.
Michigan Radio's Gina Carrier reports on a new study that shows coal burning
power plants in Michigan have become even bigger polluters in the last 5 years.
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3/29/02
Welfare Reform In Michigan
Gina Carrier
In 1996, sweeping welfare legislation was pushed through the Republican
controlled congress and signed by President Clinton. The welfare law
is up for reauthorization this year and Congress will soon begin debating it.
Michigan's governor and welfare advocates are hoping Congress gives the
states even more flexibility in how they administer welfare programs.
Michigan Radio's Gina Carrier has a look at welfare reform in Michigan over the
last decade and the state's future goals for continued reform.
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2/21/02
Food Pantries Using New Approach
Gina Carrier
The task of gathering and distributing emergency food to the poor rests with the
state's food banks. After food banks received donated food they distribute it
to shelters, soup kitchens, churches and food pantries. Most food pantries then
prepare packages of groceries and hand them out to needy families and
individuals. But some food pantries are trying something new. They're allowing
clients to come in and select what food they need and want.
Michigan Radio's Gina Carrier has the story.
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Each year, about 215,000 people are served by Michigan's emergency food
network. Feeding the hungry has become a bigger concern in recent months
because the state is struggling through its first recession in a decade.
Emergency food providers say there's been an increase in demand while
donations have decreased.
If you're interested in donating to a food bank in the metro Detroit area, Gleaners
can be reached at 313-923-3535.
Elsewhere in the state, the Food Bank Council of Michigan can provide
information on food banks in your local areas. The number is 517-485-1202.
5/11/01
Special Education
Tracy Samilton
By this July, the State of Michigan planned to have significant changes in place to the rules governing special education services in public schools. But that plan was derailed, after parents accused the state of pushing the rules through too fast. They also accused the state of changing the rules to defend against lawsuits claiming the state is underfunding special education. One parent sued, and won a delay of the new rules until September. As Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton reports, some of the changes the state is proposing could be good for all kids, whether they're in special ed or not. But the state will have to convince thousands of skeptical parents that's true.
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5/4/01
Road Scholars
Matt Shafer Powell
Over this past week, more than thirty faculty members from the University of Michigan
have been traveling across the state on a bus. It's the third year for what's known as the "Road Scholar" tour.
During this quick-paced, whirlwind excursion, they've been shown some of Michigan's popular tourist attractions. But they've also been introduced to some of the various industries, communities and economies that make up the state's character. Michigan Radio producer Matt Shafer Powell was along for the ride, and put together this audio postcard from the road…
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