Over the past year we haven't heard much good news about the state of Michigan. For the most part the state is facing extremely tough times, and the news we hear reflects that. Michigan has the nation's highest unemployment rate, foreclosures continue, the auto industry is struggling, and many residents have lost confidence in our state government. But how do we get past all the bad news and create a future? To start a new year, Michigan Radio will take a look at how we can make things better in our state. We're launching a series of interviews called "Three Things." Michigan Radio's Morning Edition host Christina Shockley will be asking artists, politicians, business owners, teachers, and people from all walks of life to give us their three ideas for things each of us can do to revive our state. The series kicks off on January 4 with an interview with Governor Granholm. That first week we'll also hear from Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, actor and musician Jeff Daniels, Rich Studley from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and ArtPrize founder Rick DeVos. Then each Monday in the coming months we'll present more ideas for improving the state from other well known Michigan citizens -- but also from you. We'll be asking for your ideas and inviting people who submit interesting ideas to talk to Christina about their "Three Things." Please visit threethings.michiganradio.org for more info blog comments powered by Disqus Original banner photo by cncphotos on Flickr.