Michigan Radio: Lindsey Smith

Struggling Michigan City Privatizes Public Schools

Michigan Radio: Lindsey Smith — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Transcript

MELISSA BLOCK, HOST:

A small public school district is about to go private. The emergency manager for schools in Muskegon Heights, in western Michigan, is turning the entire system over to a charter school operator.

And as Lindsey Smith of Michigan Radio reports, that's already a model for the state's other financially-troubled districts.

LINDSEY SMITH, BYLINE: The situation at Muskegon Heights Public Schools was dire. It ran $18,000 in the red each day school was open last year.

Certain Ford Retirees Face Major Pension Decision

Michigan Radio: Lindsey Smith — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:23:00 +0000

Transcript

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

And now to big money that's tied up in a company's pension fund. Tens of thousands of white-collar Ford retirees will soon have a big decision to make: Should they stay in the auto company's pension plan, or take their chances with a lump sum payout instead? The offer is believed to be the first of its kind for such a large, ongoing pension fund.

Michigan Radio's Lindsey Smith reports.

LINDSEY SMITH, BYLINE: In Michigan, there are more than 30 clubs for Ford retirees. Charles White runs two of them.

A Return To 'Safety First' For Michigan Nuclear Plant

Michigan Radio: Lindsey Smith — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:50:00 +0000

The Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan had five unplanned shutdowns last year. It's one of the area's biggest employers, and its safety record is one of the worst in the country.

Mich. Furniture Maker Celebrates 100 Years In Business

Michigan Radio: Lindsey Smith — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

The American office furniture maker Steelcase is celebrating its centennial. Michigan Radio's Lindsey Smith explores the challenges of making cubicles and filing cabinets when both are in decline.

Unlikely Advocates Fight For Gay Rights In Mich. City

Michigan Radio: Lindsey Smith — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:28:00 +0000

Last June, the city council in Holland, Mich., voted against adding sexual orientation and gender identity to its local anti-discrimination laws. Now an unlikely coalition is pressuring the city council to change that vote.

On Wednesday nights, Pastor Bill Freeman turns the podium of the city council meeting into a pulpit.