On today's Stateside, the Republican-controlled state Legislature passes two progressive ballot proposals, giving them the power to amend the laws with a simple majority. Plus, two Port Huron teachers reflect on teaching high school music when you're just starting out, and when you've been doing it for 27 years.
You can listen to the full show above or hear individual segments below.
Reactions to legislature’s passage of sick leave, minimum wage ballot proposals
State lawmakers have passed a hike in the minimum wage and a requirement that employers provide paid sick time for employees. That action keeps both measures off the November ballot, and lets legislators amend the laws with just a simple majority.
Those fighting for these ballot proposals fear the GOP will undo the proposals after the election or during lame duck. Among those cheering the legislature's decision, after opposing the original proposals, is the Michigan Restaurant Association. Stateside talked to the organization’s CEO Justin Winslow and Democratic House Minority Leader Sam Singh, for their reactions.
As Ford cuts costs, where might layoffs happen?
Investors, employees, suppliers are keeping close watch on the Ford Glass House in Dearborn. They're wondering what CEO Jim Hackett will do to respond to a plethora of problems. Detroit News business columnist Daniel Howes joined Stateside to talk about the challenges Ford is facing right now, and what that could mean for the company’s workers.
Building confidence, keeping things fresh: the ups and downs of teaching high school music
Erick Senkmajer has been teaching high school music for 27 years, so the Port Huron teacher has learned a thing or two about the profession. For today’s Work in Progress conversation, Senkmajer sat down with rookie music teacher Erika Senecal to talk about what it takes to be a great high school music teacher, and the power of music in their students’ lives.
Amway co-founder Richard DeVos Sr. dies at 92
Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. has died at the age of 92. He co-founded Amway with partner Jay Van Andel, and owned the Orlando Magic basketball team. He was also the father-in-law of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Michigan Radio’s Lindsey Smith looked back at DeVos’s life in this remembrance.
Changes to MSU Alumni magazine miss opportunity to heal, says MSU alum
From teal—the color of sexual assault awareness—to Spartan green. From stories and essays about the toll of Larry Nassar’s abuse and the culture of silence at Michigan State University, to stories focused the university moving on from the "most difficult challenge in its history." Those are the changes made to the 2018 MSU alumni magazine on the orders of interim president John Engler.
Stateside talked to MSU alum and faculty member Stephanie McCann. Her essay “Being a Spartan Now” was scrubbed from the magazine. Regarding the changes to the alumni magazine, an MSU spokesperson sent this statement.
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