6/22/06
Incarcerated Teenagers Sing the Blues
Sarah Hulett

On Monday, nine juvenile offenders will stage a concert for their peers. It�s part of a project to teach the incarcerated youth about roots music. These incarcerated teenagers have spent six weeks learning about roots music -- the early American music that was sung in fields, in churches, and on front porches. And as Michigan Radio�s Sarah Hulett reports, they�re turning their own stories into song.

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6/16/06
Paying for Art Therapy
Jennifer Guerra

Since the 1950�s, if a physician prescribed art therapy for a patient, the patient would generally have to pay out of pocket. But now art therapists in Michigan are trying to get health insurance companies to cover the costs of their service. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra has more:

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6/13/06
Grand Rapids Violence
Kaomi Goetz

A firebomb damaged a mobile police unit in Grand Rapids early this morning. Police brought the trailer to the city's southeast side last week, after a series of unrelated shootings. City leaders hoped the heightened police presence would help curb the violence. But some residents say the firebombing highlights a strained relationship between police and the community. Michigan Radio's Kaomi Goetz reports.

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6/12/06
Future of The UAW
Dustin Dwyer

The United Auto Workers union starts its constitutional convention today in Las Vegas. UAW President Ron Gettlefinger is expected to be re-elected. But three of his five vice presidents are retiring. And dozens of local leaders are also set to leave the unions as they give up their plant jobs under attrition packages at General Motors and Delphi. The change in leadership at both the local and national level has raised questions about the future of the UAW. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer has more.

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6/6/06
Casting for the Right Cast
Jennifer Guerra

The last time you went to the theatre, did you notice anything different? Were the actors the same race as the characters they were portraying? Or were families mixed and couples interracial? Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra visited a couple local theatres for a look at their casting practices and has this report:

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6/1/06
Sculpture Turning Heads in Grand Rapids
Kaomi Goetz

For the last couple of days, dozens of bronze sculptures by artist Tom Otterness have been popping up around Grand Rapids' downtown and at Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Today marks the start of the show, Tom Otterness in Grand Rapids: The Gardens to the Grand and it's already turning heads. Michigan Radio's Kaomi Goetz reports.

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5/31/06
Arts Organizations Look for New Blood & Money
Sarah Hulett

Gone are the days when the symphony or the opera could count on young patrons� subscriptions to help sustain them. Many cultural institutions are now playing catch-up with cultural habits that changed years ago. Michigan Radio�s Sarah Hulett looks at what museums and performance halls are doing to cultivate the next generation of arts patrons.

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5/30/06
Computers for Seniors
Michael Leland

This month, a middle school in Howell has been using computers to link eighth-graders with local seniors.But they�re not meeting on-line.The students are helping the seniors learn basic computer skills. Michigan Radio�s Michael Leland has more.

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5/27/06
Revisiting Jazz Revisited
Todd Mundt

At some point in each of our pasts there was someone or something that influenced what we decided to do with the rest of our lives. For Michigan Radio�s Todd Mundt it was a radio show. Oddly enough he ended up working for the station that produced it. He recently spoke with the show�s host.

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5/26/06
Parks for Sale or for Trade
Richie Duchon

Our state parks are going to start filling up again. But there is concern that some parks and recreation areas are threatned. Michigan Radio's Richie Duchon reports.

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5/26/06
Palisades Future
Tracy Samilton

The Palisades Nuclear Power Plant near Kalamazoo is up for relicensing, at the same time it's also up for sale. Both the relicensing and the sale are raising concerns. Environmental groups say the metal in the plant is too brittle and that it could become the next Chernobyl. Local schools and governments have a more mundane concern - property taxes. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton reports.

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5/24/06
Milford Digs Hoffa
Dustin Dwyer

Wednesday May 24th marks day eight of the search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa in Milford Township. The FBI has been digging around a horse farm there based on a tip from a former friend of Hoffa's Teamsters counterparts. And the search is bringing a lot of attention to an otherwise quiet town in Oakland County. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer visited Milford Township to see what locals think about all the Hoffa hoopla.

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5/23/06
Hidden Rules of the Middle Class
Tracy Samilton

Welfare reform efforts across the country and in Michigan are trying to stop the cycle of generational poverty. But more than twelve percent of the state�s population still live in poverty. Some people think they�ve found a way to change that. They�re teaching poor people the hidden rules of the middle class. Michigan Radio�s Tracy Samilton reports.

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5/15/06
Immigrants Rally in Detroit Against Bush Policy
Sarah Hulett

A weekend roundup of illegal immigrants in southwest Detroit has angered activists. The raids are also highlighting tensions in the simmering debate over U-S immigration policy. In Detroit today, immigrant rights activists protested the arrests. And they also weighed in on President Bush�s expected announcement that he plans to deploy thousands of National Guard troops along the U-S � Mexico border. Michigan Radio�s Sarah Hulett reports.

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5/14/06
The Flocking Party
Richie Duchon

There's been a lot of talk about what might happen if or when bird flu comes to the US. But even before the avian flu scare began, one Michigan based artist had been thinking about the impact such a virus could cause. As Michigan Radio's Richie Duchon reports, at least in art, it isn't always clear if an invasive organism is a postive or negative thing.

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5/13/06
Town Crier Competition
Kaomi Goetz

The town crier was once a community's chief means of mass communication. It�s likely considered an extinct profession now. But don�t tell that to the 13 town criers who dueled Friday in a competition in Holland. It was part of the West Michigan city�s annual Tulip Time festivities. Michigan Radio�s Kaomi Goetz got an earful.

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5/11/06
Marketing a Neighborhood
Sarah Hulett

Michigan�s residential real estate market is continuing to struggle under slow sales and low appreciation rates. Many communities are dealing with a glut of homes for sale. Michigan Radio�s Sarah Hulett reports on the efforts of a cluster of neighborhoods in northwest Detroit to try and move some of that real estate. They�re marketing their community to potential homebuyers, and to realtors.

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5/12/06
Cities Get in the Branding Game
Jennifer Guerra

�I Love New York,� �Virginia is for Lovers,� �Great Lakes, Great Times��for decades states and big cities been branding themselves. They use slogans and taglines to encourage businesses to invest, tourists to flock, and residents to nest. And now smaller cities are doing it as well. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra has this report:

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5/04/06
Living Under the Shadow of Delphi: Part 4 - Michael Harris
Dustin Dwyer

Delphi has been in the news a lot this week. The UAW is preparing a strike vote against the bankrupt auto supplier. And both sides are preparing for a bankruptcy court hearing on whether to allow worker contracts to be thrown out. Delphi�s blue collar workers about how they�re dealing with the problems at the company. Today, Dustin Dwyer brings us a story of one worker who�s moving on to Plan B.�

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5/04/06
Weighing in on Obesity: Part 5 - Science
Michael Leland

All this week on Michigan Radio, we�ve been examining various issues related to childhood obesity � for example, how people in low-income neighborhoods, school lunch rooms, and others are trying to fight the problem. While all of this is going on, scientists are still trying to figure out why many children � and adults --become obese. They say there�s more to it than eating too much of the wrong things. Michigan Radio�s Michael Leland has more.

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5/04/06
Living Under the Shadow of Delphi: Part 3 - Willie Andrews
Dustin Dwyer

This week we're hearing from some of the people who work at bankrupt auto supplier Delphi. Delphi leaders have said the company will close a number of plants and layoff workers in order to turn the company's fortunes around. They've petitioned a bankruptcy judge to throw out worker contracts in an effort to cut wages and benefits. And they're also offering deals with senior workers to retire early. Today, we hear from one worker who's taking that deal. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer has the story.

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5/04/06
Weighing in on Obesity: Part 4 - Healthy U
Kaomi Goetz

All this week, Michigan Radio is examining various issues related to childhood obesity. Some doctors who work with overweight kids say schools are among the best places for children to learn good exercise and nutrition habits. But tight budgets and a need to meet instruction requirements means that, in many districts, physical education and even recess is trimmed back. In Grand Rapids, one organization is working with the schools to make sure kids learn about nutrition and get a chance to exercise. Michigan Radio�s Kaomi Goetz has more.

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5/03/06
Living Under the Shadow of Delphi: Part 2 - Bill Anderson
Dustin Dwyer

Next week, a bankruptcy judge in New York will hold a hearing on whether to allow Delphi to throw out its worker contracts. Delphi executives say they need the cuts to return to profitability. The judge isn't expected to make a decision until June. In the meantime, Delphi's blue-collar workers have to wait. This week, Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer is bringing us stories of some of the people employed by Delphi. In part 2 of the series, we hear from one man who's used to the waiting.

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5/03/06
Weighing in on Obesity: Part 3 - Reading, Writing, and Losing Weight?
Tracy Samilton

Michigan Radio is taking a look this week at the growing problem of obesity among children. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton tells us how children at one Michigan elementary school are being taught to eat better and exercise more. School officials have learned a few things, too. What not to serve kids? Hummus wraps and tofu stir-fry.

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5/02/06
Living Under the Shadow of Delphi: Part 1 - Stacey Kemp
Dustin Dwyer

When the auto supplier Delphi filed for Chapter 11 last October, it was the biggest bankruptcy in the history of the auto industry. Next week, a judge will hold a hearing on whether to allow Delphi to throw out its worker contracts to save money. A decision isn't expected immediately. But this week, Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer is bringing us the stories of some of the workers who could be affected.

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5/02/06
Weighing in on Obesity: Part 2 - It's Not Your Father's Gym
Steve Carmody

In Michigan, childhood obesity is considered a problem. And for some, it can be a business opportunity as well. Michigan Radio�s Steve Carmody has the second in our weeklong look at the growing obesity problem among children.

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5/01/06
Weighing in on Obesity: Part 1 - Poverty, Obesity, and Inner-City Life
Sarah Hulett

Childhood obesity is a problem for kids from all kinds of households, all over Michigan. But many of the triggers for childhood obesity -- inactivity, eating junk food instead of fruits and vegetables -- get magnified in high-poverty neighborhoods. In the first of a series of reports on the issue, Michigan Radio�s Sarah Hulett takes a look at the problem of childhood obesity in the inner city.

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4/26/06
Church Comes to Your I-Pod
Jennifer Guerra

Recently, religious congregations have reported a drop in attendance, especially among young people. So to try to entice those folks back into the fold, some religious institutions are taking a digital approach to help people keep the faith. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra prepared this report.

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4/24/06
Farewell to the Mackinaw
Sarah Hulett

The historic Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw docked for a final time in its homeport of Cheboygan on Monday. The vessel is scheduled to be decommissioned at the beginning of June, after more than six decades of service on the Great Lakes. Michigan Radio�s Sarah Hulett visited the ship on its farewell tour of the lakes, and has this report.

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4/22/06
Searching for Bigfoot
Dustin Dwyer

Call it Bigfoot, Yeti or Sasquatch, stories of giant Apes in North America generally are associated with the Pacific Northwest. But there's a long tradition of Bigfoot lore here in the Midwest as well. Sure, most people say the creature doesn't exist. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer says, even if it doesn't, there's a deeper story in all those Bigfoot tales.

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4/15/06
On The Move with Shakey Jake
Jennifer Guerra

It's easy to dismiss a strange-acting person roaming the streets as crazy. But Michigan Radio's Jennifer Guerra decided to dig a little deeper, and she's glad she did. As part of "Weekend America's" story competition, Jennifer told us the story of Ann Arbor's favorite hometown celebrity: a longtime street performer named Shakey Jake.

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4/14/06
Virginia Ham
Jennifer Guerra

The University of Michigan Institute for Research on Women and Gender is turning ten this month�so to celebrate, the institute commissioned a performance art piece to get people thinking about feminism. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra dropped by during the cast�s dress rehearsal and has this story:

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4/14/06
Log Cabin Republicans
Sarah Hulett

A gay-rights Republican group is making a push in Oakland County for a bigger leadership role in the party. They want to blunt the power of social conservatives, and help set a more socially liberal agenda. As Michigan Radio�s Sarah Hulett reports, the effort highlights questions about who sets the party�s platform, and what makes a winning election strategy.

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4/12/06
The Mayor's Budget
Sarah Hulett

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has announced his spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. As Michigan Radio's Sarah Hulett reports, the proposal includes employee contract concessions and a trash pickup fee. But it does not include massive layoffs or borrowing.

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3/30/06
Detroit Archdiocese Announces Reorganization
Sarah Hulett

Catholics across southeast Michigan got word Wednesday of the Detroit Archdiocese's plan for reorganizing its schools and churches. As Michigan Radio's Sarah Hulett reports, the church hopes the closings and mergers will help strengthen congregations in the face of continued flight from Detroit and its older suburbs. .

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3/30/06
Interfaith Outreach
Richie Duchon

After events like 9/11, where religion is a factor, we often see a spike in the number of efforts by religious groups to talk with each other about their differences. It�s often called interfaith outreach. Michigan Radio�s Richie Duchon took a look at a couple of these efforts and how we can measure their success.

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3/29/06
Privatizing Culture
Dustin Dwyer

The Detroit city Council voted last week to put operating control of the Detroit Historical Museum in private hands. The deal is similar to one recently passed for the Detroit Zoo, and one passed in 1997 for the Detroit Institute of Arts. And with tight city budgets across the state, more are considering such agreements. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer has the story.

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3/27/06
Thousands Rally in Detroit against Immigration Proposals
Michael Leland

Thousands of people in Michigan have joined many more throughout the country this past week in protesting efforts to toughen the country�s immigration laws. The protesters� primary target is a bill that would make it a felony to be in the United States illegally. In Grand Rapids, immigrants and their supporters rallied in Garfield Park. In Detroit, several thousand people gathered in front of Holy Redeemer Church in the city�s Mexican Town neighborhood, and marched downtown. Michael Leland reports, their message was that it shouldn�t be a crime to come to this country to work.

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3/27/06
Protecting Military Funerals from Protests
Kaomi Goetz

A church group from Kansas protested at the funeral of a Michigan soldier today in Grand Ledge. It's the third such protest in the state in the last two months by members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. They say they soldiers' deaths are God's punishment for a country that tolerates things like abortion and homosexuality. Veterans and motorcycle clubs have also been attending military funerals, forming human shields to protect grieving families from the protesters. Kaomi Goetz has more.

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3/27/06
Multi-Cultural Arts Education
Jennifer Guerra

For most art teachers, �multiculturalism� has been a buzz word for the past twenty years or so. The thinking is that since classrooms are becoming more culturally diverse, lesson plans should, too. But some educators don�t think current multicultural art lessons are going far enough. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra has this report.

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3/24/06
A Native American Art Institute in the works
Kaomi Goetz

There is an effort underway to create an art institute in Grand Rapids to nurture and showcase Native American art and artists. If successful, it will be the first to focus on tribes from the Great Lakes region. Michigan Radio�s Kaomi Goetz has more.

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3/17/06
Public Radio Troubles
Dustin Dwyer

On March 16th, three former employees of Michigan Radio were charged with felony embezzlement by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's office. So far, there is no evidence that any money from listener donations has been mishandled. But the charges have brought to light issues about how the station handles on-air funding credits. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer has more.

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Dustin Dwyer has been assigned to cover the criminal investigation and internal reviews at Michigan Radio. For more details on the news department's decision to cover this story, go to michiganradio.org.

3/10/06
The Walking Project
Jennifer Guerra

When you look at a map, what do you see? Probably some street names, interstates, maybe the names of a few parks and buildings. But for those who walk around a city instead of drive through it, chances are their maps would look a lot different. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra reports.

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3/6/06
An Income Tax for Ypsilanti?
Steve Carmody

Escalating costs and stagnant tax revenues have Ypsilanti city leaders pondering whether they should ask voters to approve a new city income tax. Its been a dozen years since a Michigan city implemented a city income tax. But It's a decision that many other Michigan cities and towns may soon face. Michigan Radio's Steve Carmody reports.

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3/3/06
Last Day at Electrolux
Kaomi Goetz

Today was the last day at work for people at the Electrolux refrigerator factory in Greenville. Workers in the city have made refrigerators since the late 19th century -- back when they were made from wood and called "ice boxes." Electrolux is moving most of its fridge prodcution to Mexico, where labor is cheaper. Many of the workers being left behind in Greenville are still trying to determine their futures. Kaomi Geotz has more.

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3/1/06
Poetry Exchange
Jennifer Guerra

Dearborn is home to the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the United States. Next door, in Detroit, African Americans make up the majority of the population. And while the two groups might live near each other, there�s this perception that they don�t get along. So a group of professors from the University of Michigan-Dearborn hosted a poetry exchange between Arab Americans and African Americans in an effort to bring the two communities a little closer together. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra has more.

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2/21/06
Supreme Court - Wetlands
Michael Leland

Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments that could decide which wetlands the federal government can regulate. The case before the court involves a couple of construction projects in the state of Michigan, but it's being followed closely throughout the country. Michigan Radio's Michael Leland has more.

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2/21/06
The Future of the Detroit Zoo
Dustin Dwyer

This weekend the Detroit city council cas a vote that has put the future of the Detroit Zoo in doubt. Sunday, Detroit leaders began preparations to shut down the zoo. But, it's still not certain that the zoo will have to close. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer has the story.

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2/15/06
Legal Learning Center
Tracy Samilton

Three years ago, state officials created the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center. The Center is the only one of its kind in the country, designed to introduce people from elementary school age on up to Michigan's legal system. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton accompanied one fifth-grade class as it toured the Center and she filed this report.

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2/14/06
Red Ink Studios
Richie Duchon

In the typical industrial part of any city you don't expect to see too many people out after dark. But on a snowy night last December, a crowd of 1,500 people were gathered in a warehouse in Flint. This is because a California idea for fixing up a run down area has come to town. Michigan Radio's Richie Duchon has the story.

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2/13/06
Humor: A Serious Look
Dustin Dwyer

Even if you don't regularly read the New Yorker magazine, you're probably familiar with its cartoons. They're usually in black and white, with a single frame. There's also usually a caption to the drawing. So, they're more like the Far Side than Garfield. A new study is using New Yorker cartoons to study how people process humor. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer has more.

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Cartoon (c) 2005 The New Yorker Magazine--Cartoonbank.com

2/12/06
The Museum of Life and Death
Jennifer Guerra

The musical The Museum of Life & Death opened a couple days ago in Milwaukee�and it�s headed to Ann Arbor this week. But before you break out your tap shoes and jazz hands, you should know that this particular musical has a lot less in common with Chicago and Cabaret than you might think. Michigan Radio's Jennifer Guerra prepared this report.

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2/10/06
Janet Chandler Documentary
Kaomi Goetz

The City of Holland�s only unsolved homicide case dates back 27 years and still haunts the investigators who worked on it. Investigators reopened the case two years ago and, this week, made an arrest. Police aren�t saying what evidence they have, but they credit a student documentary for keeping the case in the public spotlight. Kaomi Goetz reports.

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2/10/06
Governor Granholm's Budget
Rick Pluta

Governor Granholm has sent her budget proposal for the coming fiscal year to the Legislature. It calls for more money for K-12 schools, modest increases for public universities and community colleges, and a pay raise for workers who take care of sick people in their homes. But Michigan is still in an economic crisis, and the budget plan must also address a 400 (m) million dollar deficit. And it�s an election year budget, unveiled as the governor�s about to ask voters to let her keep her job. Michigan Public Radio�s Rick Pluta reports.

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2/9/06
Repeal the SBT?
Michael Leland

Michigan�s Single Business Tax is scheduled to expire in 2009. But its critics say it is a jobs-killer, and want to get rid of it before then. Last night, Oakland County Executive L-Brooks Patterson proposed a ballot initiative to repeal the tax. His plan calls for the legislature to decide how to replace at least some of the money that would be lost in a repeal. But some say it�s more important to identify replacement revenue first. Michael Leland has more.

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2/7/06
General Motors Makes More Cuts
Dustin Dwyer

General Motors chairman Rick Wagoner cut his own salary on Tuesday. He and other members of the GM board are the latest targets of the company�s ongoing restructuring plan. On Monday, the company elected Jerry York, a former Chrysler executive, to the board of directors. York is an advisor to GM�s largest individual investor, Kirk Kerkorian, and some say his arrival will mark an acceleration in the company�s restructuring. Michigan Radio�s Dustin Dwyer has more.

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2/3/06
Ethan Allen Report
Tracy Samilton

In Warren County, New York, the sheriff has issued his final report on the criminal investigation related to the sinking of the excursion boat Ethan Allen last October. Twenty people -- 19 of them from Michigan -- died that day. Tracy Samilton reports that survivors have a mix of reactions to the report.

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2/3/06
Detroit Skyscraper Tour
Michael Leland

Detroit visitors this weekend will have a lot of entertainment options related to the Super Bowl. The Motown Winter Blast and the NFL Experience will attract thousands of people before the big game. And, visitors also have a chance to look at the city�s history. Preservation Wayne is leading several walking tours of downtown skyscrapers, offering a peek at Detroit back in the 1920s. Michael Leland went along this morning, and has this report.

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2/2/06
Of Vlogs and Vloggers
Jennifer Guerra

First there were text only web logs�called blogs. Then, if you threw in some photos, you�d have a photo blog. Now, the latest buzz word in the techno-sphere is vlogs�as in video blogs. And they�re popping up all over the Internet. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra has more.

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1/27/06
Toyota Engine Plant in West Michigan
Dustin Dwyer

This has been a week of bad news for Michigan's auto industry. On Monday, Ford effectively eliminated more than 1,500 jobs at its Wixom Assembly Plant in Oakland County. Yesterday,GM leaders announced a nearly 9-billion dollar loss for 2005. As the outlook for these companies darkens, Michigan leaders are increasingly looking toward one company to help revive the state's struggling auto industry: Toyota. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer has more.

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1/26/06
Granholm Delivers State of the State
Rick Pluta

Governor Granholm delivered the fourth and final State of the State address of her first term Wednesday. As expected, the governor's remarks focused on fixing Michigan's economy. She laid out a 2006 agenda that includes new programs to help people without health insurance and without retirement investments. And, even though she never mentioned the upcoming election, she also made a case for voters to support her in November. Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports.

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1/26/06
2006 State of the State Address

Governor Granholm's 2006 State of the State Address. The address was broadcast live from Lansing.

Additional Resource:
The text of Governor Jennifer Granholm's 2006 address

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1/24/06
What Kids Sing
Jennifer Guerra

Musical tastes change over the decades. Each generation of teenagers listens to music that is different from that of the previous. But little kids tastes in music can have everything and nothing to do with what is big on the charts. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra recently had reason to think about what kids like to sing.

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1/24/06
A Place For Prayer
Richie Duchon

Monday four of Michigan's universities announced a new initiative to increase the number of under-represented minorities earning baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, enginerring and math. As schools become more diverse, so do the needs of the student body. Michigan Radio's Richie Duchon has more.

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1/24/06
Ford Announces "Way Forward" Restructuring Plan
Michael Leland

Ford Motor Company is planning deep cuts as part of a plan to make the automaker profitable again in North America. The company calls it the "Way Forward" plan. It includes closing more than a dozen manufacturing facilities, and laying off at least 25,000 workers. It also calls for a new corporate culture at Ford. Michigan Radio's Michael Leland has more.

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1/20/06
Motown Building
Dustin Dwyer

The former corporate headquarters of Motown Records in downtown Detroit is expected to be torn down by early next week, and turned into a parking lot for the Super Bowl. The mid-rise office tower has been mostly empty since Motown abandoned Detroit in the early 1970s and moved to L.A. Many Motown relics that were still in the building will be lost forever. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer has more.

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1/20/06
Update on Jill Carroll
Michael Leland

Sometime Friday, a deadline set by the captors of reporter and Ann Arbor native Jill Carroll will pass. On Tuesday, her captors said they would kill Carroll unless all Iraqi women detained by coalition forces were freed. Pleas for Carroll's freedom have come from inside Iraq, as well as from Muslims in the United States, and Carroll's mother. Michigan Radio's Michael Leland has more.

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1/13/06
UM Recruiting in Saginaw
Michael Leland

The University of Michigan says the number of African American freshmen on campus rebounded this past fall, after a sharp drop in 2004. Since the U-S Supreme Court ruled in 2003 the U-of-M couldn�t give minorities extra points on their application, the university has stepped up minority recruiting. During the past two winters, President Mary Sue Coleman has visited several predominantly black churches � encouraging high school students to apply. Michael Leland has more.

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1/13/06
UAW Dissidents
Dustin Dwyer

This weekend, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit opens its doors to the public. Auto execs hope the new models will help turnaround sagging sales. But, even if sales go up, they say they'll still need major cuts from union workers to keep the companies going. The UAW leadership is almost certain to accept some sort of wage or benefit cuts. But a growing number of rank and file union members say they'll fight any reductions. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer has more.

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1/12/06
Orange Houses
Jennifer Guerra

With the Superbowl around the corner, efforts to clean up Detroit have increased. But there are still a lot of abandoned and dilapidated buildings that the city hasn't demolished yet. So a group of artists got together to see if they could help speed up the demolition process. Michigan Radio's Jennifer Guerra has more.

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1/12/06
Kid's Count Report: Abuse Is Up
Tracy Samilton

Cases of child abuse and neglect have risen more than 40-percent since 1995, according to the latest Kid's Count report published Wednesday. That means more kids are ending up in foster care. But child advocates and state officials have different explanations for the increase. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton reports.

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1/12/06
Affirmative Action Ballot Proposal Under Fire
Sarah Hulett

People told a state commission in Detroit last night that they were angry and heartsick when they found out they had signed petitions to limit affirmative action in Michigan. They said petiition circulators misled them into signing the petitions, and they want something done about it. Michigan Public Radio's Sarah Hulett reports.

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1/11/06
Alternative Energy
Dustin Dwyer

Natural gas prices have risen dramatically and electricity costs are also going up. Additionally, a new report from the Michigan Public Service Commission says demand is going up. The report says the state could need two new traditional electicity plants in the coming years. But what role will alternative energy play in Michigan's future? We sent Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer to look into it

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1/9/06
Detroit Auto Show - The Domestics
Michael Leland

The world's automakers have begun unveiling their new vehicles to the automotive press at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Two of the U.S. automakers - Ford and General Motors - are counting on new products to bring more people into showrooms, and improve the companies' slumping sales and bottom lines in North America. Michigan Radio's Michael Leland has more.

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1/6/06
Children's Health Series: School Clinics
Steve Carmody

Health experts say one of the best ways to address a variety of health concerns among kids - including their weight - is in the schools. Some schools have programs that teach students about the importance of diet and exercise. And as Michigan Radio's Steve Carmody reports, one school in Jackson has put a health clinic inside a school building.

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1/5/06
Children's Health Series: Healthy Schools
Michael Leland

More than 25 percent of high school students in the United States are either overweight or in danger of becoming overweight. Health experts say many of these teens are developing health problems usually seen only in adults, like high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes. They also say educating kids about the benefits of nutrition and exercise can help reduce the number of overweight young people. As part of our series on childhood obesity, Michigan Radio's Michael Leland reports on one program that hopes to do just that.

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1/4/06
Children's Health Series: The Problem of Childhood Obesity
Michael Leland

This is the time of year when a lot of Americans join a gym, or start a diet, and resolve to lose weight. Increasingly, many of the Americans who should lose weight are children. More than 25 percent of kids in high school are either overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. This worries health experts, who say overweight teens are more likely to develop a variety of illnesses, and more likely to become overweight adults. Michigan Radio's Michael Leland has the first in a series of reports we'll air this week on childhood obesity.

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1/3/06
A Busy Day for Pharmacies
Steve Carmody

This week, Michigan pharmacists are seeing a surge of people seeking prescriptions thru the new federal discount prescription drug benefit, known as Medicare part D. It started January 1st. As Michigan Radio�s Steve Carmody reports, the program is getting off to a rough start.

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12/30/05
Cool Cities Continue
Steve Carmody

The Granholm administration has spent the past few years promoting communities across the state as �COOL CITIES�. The idea is to use arts and culture to rev up Michigan�s struggling economy. But has it been successful so far? Michigan Radio�s Steve Carmody reports

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12/13/05
Michigan and the War in Iraq
Tracy Samilton

President Bush gave the third of four planned speeches yesterday in defense of the U-S military role in Iraq. The President hopes to boost support for America�s involvement in Iraq.� But support for the war remains weak � in Michigan and throughout the nation. Tracy Samilton reports.

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12/7/05
Bettye's Comeback
Jennifer Guerra

After spending nearly four decades in Detroit in virtual obscurity, R&B; singer Bettye LaVette is finally getting her turn in the spotlight. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra has this profile:

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12/7/05
The Stone Arch of Grand Rapids
Steve Carmody

An artist best known for weaving his art into the natural environment has a new work on display at the Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. Michigan Radio�s Steve Carmody reports.

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12/1/05
Blockbuster Impacts
Kaomi Goetz

Blockbuster shows have become popular with big city museums because they bring in lots of visitors and dollars. Now art museums in smaller cities are trying to host these type exhibits as well. One Michigan city is finding that blockbuster exhibits benefit not only the museum, but the community as well. Michigan Radio's Kaomi Goetz looks at the impact of big shows at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

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12/1/05
Ebay or Art
Tamar Charney

If you go on Ebay this month, you might stumble on a work of art. But these pieces are different than the thousands of paintings and sculptures you�ll find for sale on any given day. They might not even be listed in the art category. Michigan Radio�s Tamar Charney takes a look at the University of Michigan art exhibit Ebay A Day.

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11/28/05
Shadow Towns
Steve Carmody

Across Michigan, there are scores of small towns that once were. Some are ghost towns. Others, merely an echo of their past. A new book describes the past and present of these "shadow towns." Steve Carmody reports.

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11/25/05
Kalamazoo Promise
Tracy Samilton

There's a lot of thanksgiving going on these days in Kalamazoo, and it's got nothing to do with turkeys. Anonymous donors are giving a full or partial public college scholarship to the city's high school graduates for the next twelve years. Tracy Samilton prepared this report for NPR's Morning Edition.

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Xavier Nuez work can be seen on his website and at Biddle Gallery.

Web extra: Xavier Nuez talks about some of the encounters he's had with people late at night in alleys around North America.

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11/17/05
Searching for Detroit's Overlooked Soul
Jennifer Guerra
A new compilation of Detroit soul music called "Searching for Soul" hits stores this week. But you won�t find names like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin or Stevie Wonder singing on it. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra has more.

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11/11/05
A Soldier's Life Over Time in Michigan
Steve Carmody
A new exhibit opened this week at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing. It chronicles the daily life of soldiers in Michigan dating back to the beginning of the 18th century. Michigan Radio�s Steve Carmody reports.

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11/09/05
Teaching to the Test
Charity Nebbe
Teachers in Michigan are under a lot of pressure to prepare their students to pass standardized tests. Many teachers find themselves teaching to the test. Nancy Patterson is a professor of English at Grand Valley State University. She is concerned that the formulaic writing being taught is stifling the creativity of students.

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11/04/05
Detroit Mayor's Race -- the View from Outside the City
Tracy Samilton
Lawmakers in Lansing are closely watching the Detroit mayoral campaign to see who'll be elected on Tuesday. A few elected officials say it might not matter who wins, because Detroit is no longer relevant to Michigan. But others say not caring about Detroit is a profound mistake. Tracy Samilton reports.

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11/03/05
Detroit Mayor's Race
Michael Leland
Next Tuesday, Detroit voters will choose whether to give Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick a second term in office, or turn the leadership of the city over to Freman Hendrix. Hendrix says he has a plan to improve Detroit�s financial health, and make it a place more people will want to live. Kilpatrick says his administration has made progress in many areas, and he wants to continue that work. In the waning days of the campaign, both candidates have been working to get their messages out to voters. More from Michael Leland.

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11/02/05
Thousands Pay Their Respects to Rosa Parks
Michael Leland
The body of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks will be moved this morning from the Charles Wright Museum of African-American History in Detroit to the Greater Grace Temple, in preparation for her funeral at 11:00. Former President Clinton and singer Aretha Franklin are among the many dignitaries expected to attend. From Monday night until 5:00 this morning, thousands of people had a chance to pay their last respects to the woman many call the mother of the modern civil rights movement. Michael Leland spoke to some of them, and has this report.

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10/28/05
826 Michigan
Jennifer Guerra
Places where kids can go to learn creative writing are cropping up across the country. These non-profit centers are being started by authors who believe students need more help expressing their ideas on paper than many schools can provide. Michigan Radio�s Jennifer Guerra visited the new 826 Michigan writing center in Ann Arbor.

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10/26/05
Rosa's Bus
Michael Leland
The bus on which Rosa Parks refused to surrender her seat to a white passenger back in 1955 is on display at The Henry Ford in Dearborn. It is now draped in black-and-purple bunting as a sign of mourning for Parks� death Monday night. The bus is open to anyone who wants to sit in the same seat where many say the civil rights movement began. Michael Leland has more.

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10/13/05
Delphi's CEO Defends Ch. 11 Filing
Bill Poorman
Delphi's chairman and chief executive officer, Steve Miller, is defending his decision to take the auto parts supplier into bankruptcy.� Miller spoke yesterday to reporters in a news conference at the company's headquarters in the Detroit suburb of Troy.� Bill Poorman reports.

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10/9/05
Delphi Declares Bankruptcy
Bill Poorman
It's the largest bankruptcy filing ever in the auto industry, and ever in Michigan history.� Auto parts supplier Delphi filed for Chapter 11 protection yesterday. Delphi employs 50-thousand people across the country, and more than 15-thousand workers in Michigan could see their wages and benefits cut in coming months, or their jobs eliminated altogether. Bill Poorman reports.

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10/7/05
Temperance Grieves
Tracy Samilton
Funerals are scheduled for the next several days for some of the 20 people who died when a tour boat capsized earlier this week on Lake George, New York. One of the hardest hit communities was the town of Temperance, Michigan - population 7700. All six of its residents who signed up for the fall color tour on the Ethan Allen died. We have this report from Tracy Samilton.

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10/7/05
Lost Wax & Rodin
Steve Carmody
This weekend, a major exhibit featuring the works of Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudell opens at the Detroit Institute of Arts. In the late 19th century, Rodin and Claudell's sculptures in bronze and marble helped lead a revolution in the world of art. And their works continue to inspire Michigan artists today. Steve Carmody reports.

"CAMILLE CLAUDELL AND RODIN: FATEFUL ENCOUNTER" opens to the general public on Sunday and runs thru February 5th.

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10/7/05
MISO
Jennifer Guerra
This week, the University of Michigan is competing in a solar house building contest in Washington, D.C. The U of M is one of 18 teams competing to see who can build the most aesthetic and livable solar home. Before the team shipped their house to the competition site on the National Mall, Jennifer Guerra stopped by to check on their progress.

The official winner will be announced Friday, October 14th. You can see the house entries at the Solar Decathlon Website.

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10/6/05
Border Hop
Kaomi Goetz
Stereotypes often coupled with the notion of Mexican art, such as bold colors, folk art and religious themes are being challenged by a new exhibition in Grand Rapids. Border Hop, is a collection of five works culled from the best of Mexico�s young, emerging artists that speak to what life is like today in Mexico. Kaomi Goetz takes us for a closer look.

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9/30/05
Hotel Katrina
Michael Leland
Many of the people driven from New Orleans and other parts of the South by Hurricane Katrina have been away from their homes for about a month. The American Red Cross says about three-quarters of a million evacuees have dispersed throughout the United States. About 200 of them are living for now in a suburban Detroit hotel. Michael Leland has more.

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9/27/05
Asian-American Meeting
Tracy Samilton
Asian and Pacific Island Americans at the University of Michigan held a town hall-style meeting last night to discuss an alleged incident of ethnic intimidation that has galvanized their community. A white student is accused of urinating on an Asian-American couple from his apartment balcony earlier this month. Asian-Americans at the University say the incident reflects a much bigger problem. Tracy Samilton reports.

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9/19/05
Family Myths
Nora Flaherty
When you think about �family myths�, you might think about the story of your great grandfather arriving at ellis island, or your cousin�s legendary trip to Las Vegas. But according to a new book by a University of Michigan Professor, the whole way that people thought about families for a long time, was a myth. Nora Flaherty has more.

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9/19/05
A Troll Story Comes to Life
Linda Stephan
Farmers from all over Scandinavia immigrated en masse to Great Lakes states in the mid-19th Century in search of open land. And they brought their language and culture with them. One Northern Michigan woman with Swedish ancestry has written a unique story about her family�s immigration. It�s not really about the people who came to America, though. It�s about the trolls and elves that stowed away on the voyage. And she�s bringing the story to life. Reporter Linda Stephan visited Judy Hauser. She came back with this tale.

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9/16/05
Snowsuit Effort
Jennifer Guerra
Personal journals of a sort are winding up online in blog form. These blogs range in scope from the very personal to the overtly political. And because there�s no Ombudsman or publisher to please, the blog�s host can post whatever�whenever. That immediacy led photographer Ryan Keberly to hit the streets of Detroit and talk to the folks who live there�giving Detroit�s homeless a sort of blog of their own. Jennifer Guerra has more on his website called Snowsuit Effort.

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9/16/05
Displaced Musician Finds a Place in Michigan
Kaomi Goetz
Hurricane Katrina has affected thousands of people. It�s also affected New Orleans arts organizations. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra was to begin its rehearsals for the new season this week, but its musicians are now scattered across the country. Kaomi Goetz talked to one musician now in Grand Rapids.

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9/16/05
Lofts & Suburbs: Part 2
Nora Flaherty
As Michigan tries to re-urbanize its population, many cities in the state are looking to re-imagine themselves�they�re trying to become more like dense, walkable cities like San Francisco or Boston. But lots of Michigan cities, like Detroit, weren�t designed to be like that. And people don�t necessarily want them to be. Nora Flaherty has this report.

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9/15/05
Lofts: Part 1
Nora Flaherty
All over Michigan, old warehouses, factories and other buildings are being turned into brand new luxury loft apartments. And for cities like Flint, Detroit and Grand Rapids, those apartments are a big part of trying get people to move back to cities from the suburbs. Nora Flaherty has more.

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9/15/05
Cheap, Portable, Temporary Shelters
Tracy Samilton
An industrial design expert has an idea for temporary shelters that could house people left homeless by tsunamis, hurricanes, and other disasters. He says the shelters would be portable, disposable, cheap to build and require no tools to erect. Tracy Samilton reports.

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9/14/05
Iraq's Prime Minister in Dearborn
Michael Leland
Iraq�s prime minister is visiting Michigan this week. Last night in Dearborn, Ibrahim al-Jaafari met with hundreds of Iraqi-Americans in a town hall-style meeting. Many said they were glad to hear the prime minister himself describing progress in Iraq, while others say they�re still concerned about where Iraq is headed. Michael Leland has more.

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9/8/05
Katrina Evacuees at Ft. Custer
Tracy Samilton
More than 230 people displaced from their homes in New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina are settling into the barracks at the National Guard's Ft. Custer Training Center near Battle Creek. The barracks will be their temporary home while they look for a new place to live, and search for lost family members. Tracy Samilton visited Ft. Custer, and found many of the new arrivals to be coping well, but some are also dazed, worried and grieving.

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9/8/05
Interview: UM's Dr. Greg Button interviews Katrina Evacuees
Michael Leland
Among the evacuees and aid workers at the Astrodome in Houston are researchers. They're interviewing evacuees, to learn more about their experiences, and how they've handled being displaced from their homes and bused to Houston. One of the people conducting the interviews is Dr. Gregory Button, of the University of Michigan's School of Public Health. He spoke with Michael Leland.

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9/8/05
Forgotten
Nora Flaherty
Labor unions have been in the news a lot lately, with the split in the AFL-CIO, the Northwest Mechanic's strike and the labor day holiday this week. This weekend, a theatrical production in Southfield is aiming to remind people of another time when labor issues were big news, with a story of someone who's all but unknown in Detroit's labor history. Nora Flaherty has this report.

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9/8/05
Luke Swank
Steve Carmody
There's a new photography exhibit opens at the Kresge Art Museum in East Lansing. The exhibit is a retrospective of an artist whom you have probably never heard of, but whom 70 years ago, was among the leading figures in American photography. Steve Carmody reports.

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9/6/05
The Case of Numan Al-Kaby
Kaomi Goetz
An Iraqi man awaiting U-S citizenship was released from a U-S military detention camp in Iraq today, after months of being held without access to the outside world. Last week,the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit seeking his immediate release. Numan Al-Kaby is now a free man, but Kaomi Goetz reports, some say the case is shedding new light on some military policies.

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9/2/05
Work in Michigan:The Strike at Northwest Airlines
Bill Poorman
Northwest Airlines says it needs wage concessions and job cuts from all of its unions to avoid bankruptcy. But two weeks ago tomorrow, about 44-hundred mechanics and cleaners went on strike, saying Northwest was asking for too much. Union members continue to walk the picket lines and are learning to cope with the impact of the on-going strike. Bill Poorman reports.

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9/1/05
Work in Michigan: Peg's Story
Kaomi Goetz
Since 2000, Michigan has lost about 200-thousand manufacturing jobs. Many of those people whose jobs disappeared have spent months � even years � looking for new work. Today we hear from one such woman. She spent more than three decades at a manufacturing plant in West Michigan. She has spent the last two years unsuccessfully trying to get another job. Kaomi Goetz has more.

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8/31/05
Work in Michigan: Minimum Wage
Tracy Samilton
More than 316-thousand people in Michigan earn between the federal minimum wage of $5.15 and $7.15 an hour. Democrats and labor groups say it�s been eight years since the minimum wage was increased. They want to raise it to 7.15 an hour, with cost of living increases. Tracy Samilton spoke with one woman getting by on minimum wage. She says she could use a raise.

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8/30/05
Work in Michigan: Migrant Labor
Steve Carmody
Michigan state officials say each year, more than 40-thousand migrant workers come to the state to harvest crops ranging from cherries to blueberries to apples. Other estimates put that number as high as 100-thousand. Some migrants travel from one part of the U-S to another as one crop or another needs harvesting. Others decide to stay in one area -- as we hear from Steve Carmody.

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8/29/05
Work in Michigan: Creativity Needed in Finding Arts Jobs
Tamar Charney
We hear a lot about the high unemployment rate in Michigan and about manufacturing jobs leaving the state. But, the economic slowdown is also affecting workers in the arts. Arts workers have to be more creative both in their jobs and in finding jobs. Michigan Radio�s Tamar Charney reports.

More information about Tony Caselli and the Williamston Theatre Project is available.

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8/26/05
Outsourcing airline maintenance
Bill Poorman
Northwest Airlines wants to start outsourcing airplane maintenance in the United States and overseas to cut costs. Its mechanics union has been on strike for almost a week, and says it is concerned about outsourcing, which is a common practice in the airline industry. Bill Poorman reports.

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8/22/05
Northwest strike update
Bill Poorman
Northwest Airlines says its operations are carrying on normally on this, the third day of a strike by its unionized mechanics and plane cleaners. Union representatives, meanwhile, say Northwest is using a variety of tactics to make the situation appear better than it really is. Today was considered a full test of the airline's plan to keep flying with replacement mechanics and managers filling in for union workers. Bill Poorman has more.

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8/16/05
Ibrahim for Citizen
Michael Leland
Monday night in southwest Michigan, more than 250 people packed a small, Middle Eastern restaurant in the Lake Michigan community of Harbert. They gathered to support Ibrahim Parlak. He�s a Kurdish immigrant from Turkey that the federal government wants to deport.� Parlak�s friends say the U-S should instead make him a citizen. Michael Leland has more.

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8/12/05
Water Trails Guide Paddlers to Michigan's Heritage
Tamar Charney
If you traveled this summer you may have noticed more and more cars with canoes or kayaks on top. Paddlesports are growing in popularity. And so are efforts to give paddlers places to go. As Michigan Radio�s Tamar Charney reports, some of them benefit more than just the person in the boat.
Michigan Heritage Water Trail Program Web Site.

American Canoe Association Web Site.

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Here's a picture of the Amish boat trailer described in the story.

8/4/05
A New Plan for Grand Rapids' Zoo
Kaomi Goetz
It�s not the 200 million dollar new wildlife park John Ball Park and Zoo officials had once hoped for, but it may not be all that different. Zoo officials were back before area leaders, one year after voters rejected the old plan. This time, zoo leaders say they can make the improvements without a move and without a tax increase. Kaomi Goetz reports.

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8/4/05
StoryCorps Gathers Stories From Detroit

An Airstream trailer is traveling the country collecting stories. It is in Ann Arbor now, but for 4 days the StoryCorps recording booth was in Detroit.

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8/1/05
StoryCorps Starts Recording In Michigan

StoryCorps, the national oral history project that is touring the country, arrived in Detroit. They are recording the stories of people from around the state. We have some of the first stories from the mobilebooth.

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8/1/05
Detroit's Mayoral Primary
Michael Leland
Detroit voters go to the polls tomorrow to decide which two candidates for mayor will face each other in the November general election. Polls suggest current Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will be selected to run for re-election, but he might not be the top vote-getter. Michael Leland has more.

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7/29/05
Blueberry Growers' Lawsuit
Kaomi Goetz
A group of West Michigan blueberry growers says road officials are using too much salt and it�s destroying their crops. Seven growers are suing the state of Michigan and Ottawa County for compensation in a case that�s the first of its kind in the state. Kaomi Goetz reports.

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7/29/05
Danica Patrick at MIS
Steve Carmody
This weekend, the Danica Patrick show, also known as the Indy Racing League, rolls into Southern Michigan. The race at the Michigan International Speedway near Brooklyn will be the latest event to showcase the driver, who the league has apparently turned to, to save its place among the nation�s top sporting events. Steve Carmody reports.

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7/28/05
Art Therapy
Kaomi Goetz
A new program in West Michigan is helping gay teen-agers explore their identity and work through issues by making art. The art therapy class is held every week at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts in Grand Rapids. Kaomi Goetz reports that it�s as much about support as it is about art.

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7/26/05
ADA Anniversary
Steve Carmody
Fifteen years ago today, the first President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. The law protecting the rights of the disabled is being credited with raising awareness, as well as opening doors in Michigan. Steve Carmody reports.

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7/22/05
Farm with Sweat and Oxen
Tamar Charney
Ox-team driving, blacksmithing, and timber framing might seem like really out of date skills, but there is a place that is still teaching them. Tamar Charney pays a visit to Tillers International.

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7/22/05
Art Fair IS Hot!
Nora Flaherty
During the third week of July every year, thousands of people come to the Ann Arbor Art Fairs. The art may change from year to year. But one thing seems like it never changes. Nora Flaherty has more:

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7/21/05
Great Lakes Myth Society
Dustin Dwyer
In the past half century, Michigan has had more than its share of musical talent� from Aretha Franklin to Bob Seger to Eminem, much of this music has come with a uniquely Michigan feel. But few, if any, musicians have been as direct about their Michigan roots as an up and coming band out of Ann Arbor. Dustin Dwyer has this report on the Great Lakes Myth Society.

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7/21/05
Art Fair People Are Strange
Jennifer Guerra
The Ann Arbor Art Fairs are underway. And while you might go to check out the art, keep in mind the artists might be checking out you as well.

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6/27/05
Flint Stories
Nora Flaherty
This year, Flint is turning one hundred fifty. As part of the celebration, the Sloan Museum is collecting hundreds of stories from people who live, or have lived, in the city. Many of the stories will be used as part of an exhibit at the Sloan Museum. But as Nora Flaherty reports, the project�s organizers, and the storytellers, are hoping for more than just talk.

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6/17/05
Michigan Bike Trails
Michael Leland
Michigan has converted more old rail lines to biking and hiking trails than any other state. Michael Leland recently rode one of the state's more popular rail-trails, and reports there are plans to expand the system.

Photo courtesy Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail

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6/16/05
White tail Hall of Fame
Michael Leland
The White Tail Hall of Fame Museum near Grass Lake is place to enjoy deer up-close, and maybe learn a few things about an animal that researchers in Michigan are studying even today. Michael Leland stopped in during a bike trip across the state.

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6/15/05
Supposed To Be The Capitol
Michael Leland
Marshall is known for its beautifully preserved 19th century homes and commercial buildings. Those buildings are largely the result of boom times in the city�s history � times that included the expectation that Marshall would become the seat of Michigan�s government. Michael Leland stopped in Marshall on a recent bicycling trip to learn more.

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6/14/05
Agriculture in West Michigan
Michael Leland
Agriculture is Michigan�s third-largest industry, behind manufacturing and tourism. Its 53,000 farms contribute billions to the state�s economy each year, and put food on the tables of millions of people around the world. But like manufacturing, Michigan�s farms are feeling pressure from overseas, and within this country. Michael Leland recently spoke to people who work in agriculture in West Michigan.

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6/6/05
Michigan Civil Rights Initiative debate on Mackinac Island
Michael Leland
For the second year in a row, business leaders and politicians at the Mackinac Policy Conference set aside a few hours to talk about racial issues. Saturday morning, many gathered for a panel discussion on a proposed state constitutional amendment that would ban racial and gender preferences in state government. Michael Leland reports, it was a contentious discussion.

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6/1/05
Tall Ship Sails Again
Tamar Charney
Two years ago the state launched an initiative to make Michigan a �Maritime Heritage Destination.� The idea is to create attractions based on our lakes and shipping history that will draw tourists. This summer there�s a new one in South Haven that harkens back to a time when international wars were fought on the Great Lakes. Tamar Charney reports.

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5/27/05
Saving Seeds
Nora Flaherty
Planting a seed has a pretty obvious purpose: Once you put it in the ground, if you�re lucky a few weeks later something pretty, or useful, pops up. But for some people, seeds are a lot more than that. Michigan Radio�s Nora Flaherty has this report.

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5/20/05
Think Global: A Semester Under A Burqa
Michael Leland
The way people dress around the world is determined by a number of things: personal taste, the weather, local customs, and sometimes local requirements. In Afghanistan, the former Taliban rulers required women to wear a head-to-toe covering called a �burqa.� In other countries, like Saudi Arabia, many Muslim women are expected wear a similar garment when in public. This winter, a student at Eastern Michigan University wanted to get a better feeling for what it would be like to wear such a garment, and how people would react to it. Michael Leland has the final part of our series, �Think Global.�

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5/19/05
Think Global: Global Invaders Attack
Tracy Samilton
Globalization is bringing more and more cargo from around the world to Michigan. But with that increased trade comes plenty of unwanted stowaways. Michigan's forests and lakes are quickly being invaded by invasive plants and animals that have hitched a ride into the state in ships' ballast water and wood packing crates. The invasion is changing the look of the state. Tracy Samilton reports on these immigrants that just about everyone agrees are not welcome.

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5/18/05
Think Global: Global Life Sciences
Kaomi Goetz
The manufacturing industry continues to become more competitive, and many say globalization is helping to fuel that pressure. Michigan has already lost tens of thousands of high-paying factory jobs to overseas out-sourcing in recent years. Increasingly, state leaders are looking to a new industry to help turn the tide. Kaomi Goetz has more.

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5/17/05
Think Global: Off-Shoring Engineers
Bill Poorman
Among the many things going global today is work. It's called off-shoring. And it means moving jobs out of the U.S. to other countries. Manufacturing has seen its fair share of this for years. But increasingly, it's making its way into the white-collar world, including one area key to the auto industry - engineering. As part of our week-long series on how globalization affects this state, Bill Poorman has this look at how off-shoring works and what it means.

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5/5/05
Arab-American National Museum
Michael Leland
A new museum has opened in Dearborn, Michigan. The Arab-American National Museum is being called the nation�s first facility dedicated solely to preserving Arab-American history. The museum was in its planning stages before the 9-11 attacks in 2001, and its creators say their mission has taken on greater importance since that event. Michael Leland has more.

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5/4/05
Higher Education: Does Michigan Have A Future Call-in Show
Jack Lessenberry
We discuss the social and economic impacts of doubling the number of college graduates in the state. We discuss how to pay for an increased commitment to education, what the graduation goal might mean for elementary and secondary education, and ways to attract business to Michigan�s more educated workforce.

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5/4/05
Higher Education Series:
Getting Students' Attention (part 3)
Michael Leland
Michigan is looking for ways to double the number of college graduates it turns out each year by 2015. Lt. Governor John Cherry led a commission that has recommended a number of ways to reach that goal. He says Michigan not only has to remove the obstacles some people face in getting a college degree, but also emphasize the importance of getting one. Michael Leland has the final part of our series on increasing college graduation rates.

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5/3/05
Higher Education Series:
Cherry Commission recommendations and Michigan's colleges (part 2)
Kaomi Goetz
Governor Granholm says the key to improving Michigan's future economy is to double the number of college graduates within the next ten years. Many education leaders are lauding the goal, but say they might need some help to turn out all of those extra students. Some students say they'll need help, too. Kaomi Goetz has more.

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5/2/05
Higher Education Series:
Snapping Out Of Michigan's "Cultural Hangover" (part 1)
Sarah Hulett
Governor Granholm wants to increase the number of Michigan residents with degrees and other post-secondary credentials within the next decade. Lieutenant Governor John Cherry led a commission to find strategies to meet that goal. The commission says the state must expect every person in Michigan to get a college degree or credential - just like it expects elementary and high school completion. In the first of three reports on the commission's recommendations, Sarah Hulett looks at how the state might reach that goal, and why it matters.

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4/29/05
Jerry White of the Land Mine Survivors Network
Bill Poorman
Bill Poorman talks with the executive director and co-founder of the Land Mine Survivors Network about his graduation from the University of Michigan with an MBA, running a worldwide non-profit organization, and the next step in controlling land mines.

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4/20/05
River, Dog, Poem
Tamar Charney
If some of our legislators have their way, Michigan may join the ranks of states with Poet Laureates. But some of our cities already have their own. Grand Rapids recently named Patricia Clark its second poet laureate. She teaches at Grand Valley State University and her work has appeared in many magazines including The Atlantic and Slate. Tamar Charney recently took a walk with Patricia Clark to learn a little bit about her and how her writing is inspired by Grand Rapids.

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4/20/05
Motor City Music Conference
Nora Flaherty
If you go to the Motor City Music Conference this week, you can expect to hear a lot of bands�but you can expect to hear a lot of advice, as well. The conference is bringing a lot of major musicians to the city to perform. But it�s also focusing on showing Detroit-area musicians the ropes of the music industry. Nora Flaherty has this report.

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4/15/05
Theater to the Rescue
Nora Flaherty
Lots of towns and neighborhoods in Michigan have their own theatres. There are at least 50 local theatres in Michigan that give people a chance to see locally-produced plays. But different theatres exist in very different communities, and the ways that they work in with their communities can be very different, too. Nora Flaherty has this report.

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4/13/05
African Americans and the GOP
Kaomi Goetz
For most of the last century, African-Americans have been an important voter base for Democrats. Now, Republicans in Michigan say that is changing, and it could make the difference in next year's gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races against popular Democratic incumbents. Kaomi Goetz reports.

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4/12/05
50th Anniversary of Salk Polio Vaccine Trials
Michael Leland
Fifty years ago today, a scientist stood in a University of Michigan auditorium and said one of the world's most frightening diseases could be controlled. Dr. Thomas Francis announced that his trials of a new polio vaccine had found it to be "safe, potent, and effective." The trials were a collaboration among scientists, millions of American who contributed money, and nearly two million schoolchildren who lined up to get shots. Michael Leland has more.

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4/11/05
Palm Sunday Tornado Anniversary
Tracy Samilton
As tornado season approaches, we might take today�s tornado warning system for granted. Thousands of trained spotters volunteer to help the Weather Service warn the public, and a town without a siren is rare. But it wasn�t always so. Tracy Samilton reports on one terrible Palm Sunday � April 11^th, 1965, when a series of deadly tornados struck in Michigan and across the Midwest without warning.

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3/31/05
Petra Invades a Conference Center
Tamar Charney
In the movie �Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade� there�s a scene where Harrison Ford and Sean Connery ride horses through a narrow rock passageway that opens on a temple carved into a wall of stone. That temple is in Petra �an ancient city carved from sandstone cliffs in Jordan An exhibit of artifacts from Petra has been touring major museums in the US. It opens next week in Michigan, but in a somewhat unlikely spot. Tamar Charney reports.

Photo courtesy of Calvin College.

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3/18/05
Grande Ruins
Michael Leland/Dustin Dwyer
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