Stateside

Earlier this week a series of tornadoes whipped through West Michigan, destroying buildings in their path. Images of the aftermath show ruined houses and a caved-in FedEx warehouse facility, where 50 workers were trapped due to downed power lines. On this episode, we look at the immediate affects of the storm. Plus we zoom-in on Portage, a city in Michigan particularly hard hit.

GUESTS:

Brett Dahlberg, news editor at Michigan Public

Patricia Randall, mayor of Portage, Michigan

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Yumna Jawad is best known as the Feel Good Foodie, with millions of followers on TikTok and Reels. Her shortform videos gained popularity for combining the easy and comfort of Midwestern cooking, but with Lebanese flavors and sensibilities. Now Jawad has a new cookbook, "Feel Good Foodie" publishing this week. 

GUEST:

Yumna Jawad, Feel Good Foodie

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In Michigan, the warmer months mean mushrooms! On this episode, we learn about some of the mushrooms in season, the basics of foraging, and some simple ways to prepare your bounty.

GUESTS:

Jill Grenchik, co-owner of Great Lakes Treats

Aaron Grenchik, co-owner of Great Lakes Treats

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Gaza solidarity encampments have been present at the University of Michigan's Diag for more than two weeks. The coalition of students organizing the protest are calling for the university “to divest from its financial holdings in companies that invest in Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.” In this episode, Michigan Public reportersjoined Stateside to share their analysis of the university's decades-long history with divestment and divestment-related protests. 

Then, several Jewish students discussed what a call for divestment means to them, their different experiences on campus since the conflict began last October, and what they wish to see from the university moving forward.

GUESTS: 

Kate Wells, Michigan Public health reporter 

Adam Yahya Rayes, Michigan Public data reporter 

Ryan Silberfein, UM undergraduate and chair of Michigan Hillel 

Jack Landstein, UM undergraduate and vice president of engagement at Michigan Hillel 

Katya Olson Shipyatsky, UM graduate student and organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace

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Music in this episode byBlue Dot Sessions.

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Tiff Massey is an interdisciplinary artist whose work focuses on ideas of community and adornment. She makes everything from custom, wearable jewelry to large scale architectural sculptures. Her work contends with race and class, while evoking the history of West African and Black American culture. Massey's solo exhibit, "7 Mile + Livernois ," opens at the Detroit Institute of Arts May 5th.

GUEST:

Tiff Massey, interdisciplinary Detroit-based artist

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"Diarra From Detroit" follows Diarra Brickland, a Detroit school teacher, as she attempts to track down a Tinder date who ghosted her. Diarra Kilpatrick, a Detroiter herself, writes, stars is, and executive produces the new BET+ series. She joined Statesideto discuss the real-life moments that inspired her writing, and what it takes to balance many themes and genres in one story.

GUEST ON THIS EPISODE:

Diarra Kilpatrick,writer, lead actress, executive producer, "Diarra From Detroit"

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In 2009, an assistant Wayne County prosecutor made a horrifying discovery: more than 11-thousand untested rape kits sitting in an abandoned Detroit Police warehouse. The repercussions of that find are still being felt today.

GUEST:

Sarah Cwiek, reporter for Michigan Public

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After 14 years of organizing and building, the Detroit People’s Food Co-op will open its doors on Wednesday, May 1st, with a grand opening celebration to follow on Saturday, May 18th. 

The co-op was fathered by the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network. Malik Yakini, who co-founded the group, currently serves as its executive director.

"Part of what we're working on is really not just addressing access, but addressing the questions of who shapes the food system, who owns it, who benefits from it,” Yakini said. “And really, we're trying to make a shift in power from the corporate side of things, controlling things to actually having a food system that is shaped by control by and serves people.”

GUESTS:

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For many years, Michigan was considered a national political bellwether. 
There are so many factors in play this year. We’ve talked in recent days about how the arrival of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the Michigan ballot last week as a candidate with the Natural Law Party might shift primary results. So, is Michigan going to be any kind of predictor of trends in national election results in 2024? In this episode, Michigan State University political science professor Matt Grossman helped us look ahead to what will matter this November. 

GUEST: 

Matt Grossman, professor of political science, Michigan State University

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What would you do if your tap water turned brown? If it gave your children a rash every time they took a bath? Or worse, what if it made them sick? We're revisiting Michigan Public's audio documentary from 2015 about the Flint Water Crisis. Plus we'll hear from the reporter about the making of Not Safe to Drink.

GUEST:

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More than 100 people who were abused by former Michigan State University and U.S. Olympic gymnastics doctor Nassar have finally reached a $138.7 million settlement with the Department of Justice. The FBI failed to properly investigate complaints about Nassar, which allowed Nassar to continue abusing patients and athletes in Michigan for another year.

GUEST:

Kate Wells, reporter for Michigan Public

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Ten years ago today a devastating water crisis began in the city of Flint, Michigan. Its water was tainted with lead, threatening tens of thousands of people. Suddenly the spotlight swung onto Michigan and on the quality of the nation’s drinking water. Today, we’re looking at what happened, what’s changed, and how people are thinking about the crisis ten years later.

GUESTS:

Steve Carmody, reporter for Michigan Public

Sheldon Neeley, Flint Mayor

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The politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be on the presidential ballot in Michigan, as the nominee for the Natural Law Party. Will his run from the outside is a swipe at the binary choice of Joe Biden or Donald Trump, but the odds are stacked against him. 

GUESTS:

Tyler Scott, reporter for Michigan Public

Jonathan Hanson, political science expert from University of Michigan

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Kalamazoo-born artist Titus Kaphar's work is displayed in some of the premiere art museums, like MoMA, the Whitney, and the Met. But you can also find his work in a different kind of institution. One of his pieces features in his series "From a Tropical Place"  is currently displayed at Grosse Pointe North High School.

The painting is causing quite a stir. On this episode, we’re talking to Titus Kaphar about this particular piece, his process, and some new projects he has in the pipeline.

GUEST:

Titus Kaphar, artist

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When changes to auto-no fault insurance in Michigan passed in 2019, lawmakers hailed it as a bipartisan win. But for many catastrophically injured survivors of auto accidents, it meant losing the care they’ve depended on for years. On this episode, we hear about the attempts to increase the caps on in-home nursing care for catastrophically injured crash survivors--and why proposed reforms are stalling.

GUEST: 

Tracy Samilton, energy and transportation reporter for Michigan Public

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Music in this episode byBlue Dot Sessions.

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A political legal drama is unfolding in Michigan. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed more than a dozen charges against former state House Speaker Lee Chatfield, alleging that he used a non-profit to amass kickbacks and to use a slush fund for personal expenses.

GUEST:

Craig Mauger, state politics reporter for The Detroit News

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For 33 years, the story of Anita Wiley’s disappearance was unresolved. After firefighters found her remains in a vacant house in Detroit that had been set on fire, she was buried in a cemetery for the unidentified, and her case was named “Unknown Woman 1987.” In 2020, through a cemetery DNA program, Anita’s remains were identified and linked to her son, Antonio Wiley, and her sister, Tonya Mosley, who never knew she existed.

Together, Antonio and Tonya have produced a new podcast series, She Has a Name, that aims to tell Anita’s story with attention to not only grief and trauma, but to beauty and joy.

GUESTS:

Tonya Mosley, Emmy award-winning journalist; cohost of Fresh Air; founder of TMI Productions

Antonio Wiley, executive producer of She Has A Name

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The Mackinac Bridge lacks modern protections around its piers in the Straits of Mackinac, making it vulnerable if a freighter veered off course as happened recently in Baltimore.

In response to this question, a representative from the Michigan Department of Transportation sent this statement: "The investigation into the tragedy in Baltimore continues, and appears to be focused on what caused the ship to lose power and veer so far off course. For now, our interest is concentrated on the findings of that investigation, what steps are being taken by the maritime shipping industry and safety agencies to reduce shipping hazards to bridges, including the Mackinac, and guidance for what mitigations are possible."

GUESTS:

Louis Mleczko, former Detroit News reporter

Venkatesh Kodur, professor of civil and environmental engineering, Michigan State University

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The NFL Draft is happening in Detroit from April 25-27. With high volume events like this, there's a risk for human trafficking. So how are law enforcement and advocates preparing to protect people this NFL draft and what should you look out for if you attend?

GUEST:

Sarah Rahal, reporter for The Detroit News

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Michigan born author Katie Williams' novel “My Murder” is the next Michigan Public Reads. The premise is a woman murdered by a serial killer and brought back to life as a clone tries to piece together the days and weeks leading up to her murder. 

GUEST:

Katie Williams, writer

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Move over, solar eclipse, there's another stunning and fleeting natural phenomenon in Michigan... Corpsy the Corpse Flower. We get an up-close whiff of a pungent corpse flower grown at home by a Michigander. The endangered species is exceedingly rare, and blooms for about 36 hours, once or twice a decade. 

GUEST:

Kevin Hauser, owner and nurturer of Corpsy the Corpse Flower

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James and Jennifer Crumbley were each sentenced to 10-15 years in prison for negligence that contributed to their teenage son killing four of his peers at Oxford High School. It's the first such conviction of parents of a school shooter. 

GUEST:

Briana Rice, criminal justice reporter, Michigan Public 

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The U.S. Census plans to add a new response option for race/ethnicity: Middle Eastern or North African. It's  something Arab and Muslim communities have sought for years to codify their community presence and hopefully, over the long-term, cement support for community services. 

GUEST:

Germine H. Awad, professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan

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The National Athletic Trainers Association recently came out with a bulletin on how to manage sports related concussions. On this episode, we’re talking about new concussion treatments, the impact of sports, and the mental health side effects.

GUEST:

Steven Broglio, director of the Michigan Concussion Center and professor at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology

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The Council on American-Islamic Relations' recentlypublished report documents a surge in discrimination against Muslims in the U.S.

GUEST:

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations 

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Robin Michigiizhigookwe Clark is the first Anishinaabe woman to serve on the Michigan’s Natural Resource Commission.

GUEST:

Robin Michigiizhigookwe Clark, Michigan National Resources Commission appointee and Natural Resources Division Director for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

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Writer A.H. Kim's newest book "Relative Strangers" loosely follows the story of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," telling the tale of two sisters in transition. Kim joins us for a conversation about writing for entertainment, looking in from the outside, and life after cancer.

GUEST:

A.H. Kim, writer

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The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid may sound and look cute, but it's a menace to our forests and wild spaces. This invasive species has been identified this year in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. And that's just more bad news signaling its spread.

GUEST:

Deborah McCullough, professor of entomology at Michigan State University

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April is poetry month! And in Michigan, there’s lots to celebrate. In honor of the pen, we’re bringing you a conversation we absolutely loved with two of our favorite writers — both who’ve collaborated with InsideOut Literary Arts, a poetry program for students in Detroit.

GUESTS:

Nandi Comer, Michigan Poet Laureate

Ross Gay, best-selling poet and essayist

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The Palisades power plant located in Van Buren township closed down in 2022, but there's a new effort to reopen it. Today, we’re talking about the Palisades power plant, the impact it’s had on the community there, and why some people are pushing for it to reopen.

GUESTS:

Dustin Dwyer, reporter for Michigan Public
Lindsey Smith, editor for Michigan Public

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The total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of North America on April 8th. Today, we’re geeking out about eclipses. We’ll talk about eclipse mythology, learn strategies for staking out your total eclipse viewing spot, and get some tips on how to keep your eyes safe.

GUEST:

Tyler Nordgren,astronomer and artist

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Getting real about Michigan's newest and least favorite resident-- ticks. The bad news is the mild winter means more tick activity. The good news is... okay well there's not a lot of good news. But it's important to understand this forest foe, who's in the state to stay.

GUEST:

Jean Tsao, professor, Michigan State University

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Yesterday the U-S Supreme Court heard oral arguments for a case that could limit access to mifepristone – the drug that’s used in 60% of abortions. Mifepristone is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Michigan’s Governor Whitmer is one of 22 lawmakers across the country who filed an amicus brief to keep it that way.

GUEST:

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan

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A coalition of Michigan adoptees and lawmakers are pushing for new state laws that would simplify the state’s adoption records system. 

GUESTS:

Valerie Lemieux, founder of Adoptee Advocates of Michigan 

Erica Curry Van Ee, president of Michigan Adoptee Collaborative

Gregory Luce, attorney, at Adoptee Rights Law Center and executive director at Adoptees United Inc.

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In Lansing, residents are taking the issue of reparations action into their own hands. The Justice League of Greater Lansing is a faith-based reparations group focused on repairing the racial wealth gap in the area. They’re partnering with largely white faith institutions to address reparations head on. 

GUESTS:

Willye Bryan, founder and vice president of The Justice League of Greater Lansing

Pastor Stanley Jenkins, First Presbyterian Church of Lansing 

Prince Solace, president of The Justice League of Greater Lansing

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Kitab Cafe, with locations in Hamtramck and Detroit, is bringing a blend of coffee and community spaces to Southeast Michiganders.

GUEST:

Ahmed Alwhysee, co-owner of Kitab Cafe

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EVs have opened up a new space for revenue in the global auto market. In the US, we don’t see a lot of cars from China, but Chinese automakers have made some big gains in the EV market in recently. That’s become a provocative topic as some political candidates take advantage of Michiganders’ feelings of insecurity about our historic manufacturing sector. Today, we’re coming at this story from two angles. First we’re zooming out and talking about the U.S. 's relationship with Chinese auto companies. Then we’re honing in on Green Charter Township where some have been pushing back on plans to build a plant for an EV battery company – a plant that's parent company is based in China.

GUESTS:

Kalea Hall, business and autos reporter for The Detroit News

Rose White, economic reporter for MLive

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Psychotherapist Tariq Elsaid developed a therapeutic technique that uses poetry to unlock memories and emotions. Today, we’re talking to him about his work and how he uses this approach to help young Muslims balance challenges around identity.

GUEST:

Tariq Elsaid, psychotherapist

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Michigan is the only state that still has a broad criminal ban on surrogacy, but that could change as soon as later today. On this episode we’re talking about what Michigan’s current surrogacy laws mean for families and about a new bill that hopes to change them.

GUEST:

Kate Wells, health reporter at Michigan Public

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Just before the 2020 presidential election, some big news hit Michigan: a plot to kidnap Governor Whitmer from a paramilitary group. Areport from the news website The Intercept looked into the FBI records of the case and tells an even more complicated story. The actions of a key informant in the case raises some big questions and points to flaws in about the FBI’s investigation.

GUESTS:

Trevor Aaronson, contributing writer for The Intercept

Eric L. VanDussen, videographer & freelance journalist

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The Oakland County trial of James Crumbley has concluded and the jury found him guilty of manslaughter. Today, we’re looking into what happened during the James Crumbly trial, and we’ll speak to an advocate on what charging parents means in a broader sense.

GUESTS:

Briana Rice, criminal justice reporter for Michigan Public

Tracy Samilton, energy and transportation reporter and producer for Michigan Public

Deborah LaBelle, attorney and advocate

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General Motors and other automakers are playing fast and loose with data gathered from newer-model, internet-connected vehicles. On this episode we look at how this data is collected, and how it’s funneled to insurance companies, sometimes in violation of privacy policies as customers understand them. 

GUEST:

Kashmir Hill, reporter for The New York Times

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The Latinx community in Grand Rapids has over 100 years of history. Delia Fernández-Jones’ new book, “Making the MexiRican City: Migration, Placemaking, and Activism in Grand Rapids, Michigan,” explores that history and community in depth.

GUEST:

Delia Fernández-Jones, author of "Making the MexiRican City: Migration, Placemaking, and Activism in Grand Rapids, Michigan;" professor of history at Michigan State University

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The first over-the-counter birth control pill will be available later this month. The pill, named Opill, comes from a company based in Grand Rapids and Ireland. At $20 a month, Opill is predicted to increase accessibility to birth control, particularly in teen populations.

GUEST:

Julie Maslowsky, associate professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Nursing

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Hilo mur, which translates to “bittersweet," is a bright, magenta-colored Sudanese drink enjoyed during Ramadan. Members of Michigan’s Sudanese community recently gathered at the Arab American National Museum to welcome in the Ramadan season with the preparation of this traditional beverage.

GUESTS:

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Many Palestinians in the U-S feel a deep connection to their ancestral land. That pull has become more poignant with Israel’s bombardment of Gaza that to date has killed more than 30-thousand people. Michigan Public’s Adam Yahya Rayes and Briana Rice talked to four Palestinians living in Michigan about how they’re thinking about their ethnic and national identities right now.

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A new free-standing birthing center is expected to open its doors in April of 2024. Led by midwives, Birth Detroit aims to provide a safe and culturally relevant “full care experience from period-to-period” for expecting families.

GUESTS:

Char'ly Snow,co-founder & chief clinical officer of Birth Detroit

Leseliey Welch,co-founder & CEO of Birth Detroit

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In her new book, “Attack From Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America,” Barb McQuade explores the United States’ long history with misinformation and how we can combat falsehoods in today’s political environment. Today, McQuade talks about First Amendment rights, histories of authoritarianism, and how to find truth in a sea of falsehoods.

GUEST:

Barbara McQuade, professor at Michigan Law, MSNBC legal analyst, and former U.S. attorney in Michigan

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The painful history of chattel slavery in the United States hasn’t left behind much of a paper trail – and what we have is vague and inhumane. The incompleteness itself of this documentation speaks volumes. Which is why Benjamin Hall’s family heirloom — a "manumission" or freedom paper – is such a big deal. Today, we’re talking about the legacy of Frank Demas, also known as Thomas Willis and the freedom paper that tells a larger history of chattel slavery in the U.S.

GUESTS:

Rachel Clark, education specialist at the Archives of Michigan

Benjamin Hall, descendant of Frank Demas, also known as Thomas Willis.

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Michigan is set to receive around $1.5 billion dollars over the next 18 years from a settlement with pharmaceutical companies that produce and distribute opioids. Half of the money coming to the state will be distributed to local governments. And now, with money rolling in, counties and municipalities are trying to figure out how to spend it.

GUEST:

Robin Erb, health reporter for Bridge Michigan 

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In Michigan's primary election, more than 13% of people who voted on the Democratic ballot cast an “uncommitted” vote, which was enough votes to be awarded a couple delegates at the Democratic National Convention.These voters want a permanent ceasefire to put an end to the five-month long U-S-backed Israeli bombardment and siege of Palestine. Today we’re going to hear again from the organizers behind this campaign to vote "uncommitted” and hear about what comes next?

GUESTS:

Abbas Alawieh, political strategist and spokesman for Listen to Michigan

Layla Elabed, campaign manager for Listen to Michigan 

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Early voting had been going on for a while, but Michigan had our in-person primary elections on Tuesday. To no surprise, the winners were Joe Biden and Donald Trump. However, there’s always a lot to think about as we get breakdowns of who voters supported, and where in Michigan they turned out. 

GUESTS:

Colin Jackson, reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network

Rick Pluta, senior capitol correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network

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“The Future,” a new speculative novel by the Montreal-based writer Catherine Leroux, reimagines what a Francophone Detroit would be like today if the French had never ceded the city to the British in 1760. The novel contends with histories of forced migration, poverty, and environmental degradation, and explores how a city adapts in the face of climate change.

GUEST:

Catherine Leroux, author of "The Future"

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What can AI tell us about public opinions on climate change? Researchers at the University of Michigan are experimenting with new technology to measure public attitudes by using social media posts on X (formerly Twitter.) And their findings may surprise you.

GUEST:

Joshua Newell, professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan 

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In February, the animal we turn to as a nation to tell us about the heralding of spring is the groundhog. But birders know that the real messenger of the changing seasons lives in the sky. Birds that leave our region for the winter will soon return. There's plenty to prepare for now. And more than a few birds to check out while we wait.

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Yesterday on the podcast we talked to two organizers from the “Vote Uncommitted” campaign among Arab American and other voters in Michigan. Today we’ll get analysis on that movement from Detroit Free Press editorial page editor Nancy Kaffer.

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Listen to Michigan is leveraging political power by casting "uncommitted" votes rather than voting for President Joe Biden in the 2024 Michigan primary.

GUESTS:

Layla Elabed, campaign manager for Listen to Michigan 

Abbas Alawieh, political strategist and spokesman for Listen to Michigan

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Michigan Senator Stephanie Chang and a group of collaborators came up with a plan to fund delinquent water bills and offer more affordable costs to low income households. Today, we’re looking at what this water-affordability plan would do, and we’ll dig into the years of water advocacy in places like Detroit that preceded it. 

GUESTS:

Stephanie Chang,  Michigan Senator representing the 3rd district

Gary Brown, director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

Jim Nash, Oakland County's Water Resources commissioner

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Isle Royale – Lake Superior’s island National Park – is a naturalist's playground. It’s home to an estimated 30 odd wolves and nearly 1000 moose – all protected from hunting. For decades now, a team of researchers have been surveying the wolf and moose populations, but this winter with record breaking warm weather, the census did not go as planned. 

GUEST:

Rolf Peterson, research professor in Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technological University

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Kristina Karamo was ousted by state committee members last month, but said that she’s not leaving her position as Michigan Republican Party chair. Then, last week the Republican National Committee announced that they are now recognizing former Congressman Pete Hoekstra as MI GOP chair. So what is going on in Michigan’s Republican Party? And how will this all effect the upcoming Republican Convention?

GUESTS:

Craig Mauger,reporter for the Detroit News

Stephen Henderson,host of WDET's Created Equal

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This year, the Kresge Foundation re-introduced us to a prolific metro Detroit artist who connected imaginative abstract motion and ideas with stories and images of Latino and Indigenous people.

Nora Chapa Mendoza is a self-taught painter who established her career in Detroit. She is the 2024 Kresge Eminent Artist, for her life of achievements on the canvas and in advocacy.

GUEST:

Nora Chapa Mendoza- painter, educator and activist

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We have some updates for you from Lansing. Gun reform laws that passed last session came into effect this week, Michigan State Representative Brenda Carter's been feeling the heat from auto no-fault reform activists, and Representative Josh Schriver was recently disciplined for a racist social media post.

GUESTS:

Tracy Samilton, reporter for Michigan Public

Rick Pluta, senior Capitol correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network

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Detroit chef Ameneh Marhaba has carved out a place for her own Afro-fusion style with a pop-up kitchen and catering business called Little Liberia. Now Marhaba is working on a big lift: she’s preparing to open a brick-and-mortar storefront for Little Liberia in Midtown, Detroit.

GUEST:

Ameneh Marhaba, owner of Little Liberia

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How has campus security changed one year after the Michigan State University shooting?Today we get into what we know so far about security upgrades and how the MSU community is responding to it.

GUEST:

Isabel Lohman,  education reporter at Bridge Michigan

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Confections with Convictions is a chocolate shop. But it does a whole lot more than sell sweet treats. This confectionary employs young people fresh out of entanglements with the legal system, and gives them a chance to build a career path.

GUEST:

Dale Anderson, founder of Confections with Convictions

Jennifer Faketty, owner of Confections with Convictions

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This week, the mother of the shooter in the Oxford High School mass shooting was convicted on four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Stateside spoke with Aubrey Greenfield, a survivor of the Oxford shooting and a gun violence prevention activist, about what this verdict means to her and members of her community. We also spoke with Nick Suplina, senior vice president for law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety, about how this verdict could impact American perspectives on gun violence prevention. 

GUESTS: 

Aubrey Greenfield, University of Michigan student; gun violence prevention activist

Nick Suplina, senior vice president for Law and Policy at Everytown for Gun Safety

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This week, an Oakland County jury convicted Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of the Oxford school shooter, on four charges of involuntary manslaughter. This case is extremely unique in the national landscape. Over the next couple days we’ll explain why.

GUEST:

Eve Brensike Primus,  Yale Kamisar Collegiate professor of law at the University of Michigan

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This winter we're seeing rate hikes for DTE Energy customers. So why are rates up and why might your energy bill get even higher? Plus, we also get into what people are doing in response to these rate changes.

GUEST:

Sarah Alvarez, director of Outlier Media

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The pace and patience of fiber arts is learned through mentorship. Williamsburg-based fiber artist Nancy McRay talks about how Northern Michigan provides the perfect backdrop for her practice - as an artist and teacher - at the loom.

GUEST:

Nancy McRay, fiber artist

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The National Parks Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program produced a new video series called “Questioning Conversations.” Through candid dialogue between academics and artists, the series examines the Underground Railroad’s history and its reverberating impact. 

GUEST:

Anna Lisa Cox,nonresident fellow with the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University,

Anthony Feimster Jr, musician

Joshua Harris, video artist

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For the first time ever, Michigan is going to have a primary vote on candidates for president about a month earlier than we usually do. Voters can also vote early and in person before election day. Today, we’re talking with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson about the primaries, and what voters in Michigan need to know this February.

GUEST:

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's Secretary of State 

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This week we learned that six staffers have been fired from the Wayne County juvenile jail for failing to ensure the safety of a 12-year-old child, who was sexually allegedly assaulted in March of 2023. But there are now new investigations into other incidents of alleged assault, unsanitary conditions, and other medical care violations.

GUEST:

Christine MacDonald, investigative editor for the Detroit Free Press

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Ann Arbor's dioxane problem from the Gelman Science contamination is in line to get federal help. The EPA announced that the Gelman contaminated site is a candidate for the National Priorities List, which means it’s eligible to become a Superfund site. 

GUESTS:

Brian Steglitz, public services area administrator for the City of Ann Arbor

Bill Shuster, professor and chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Wayne State University

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“Come and Get It” isNew York Times bestselling author Kiley Reid’s latest book set to the backdrop of dormitory life. But it’s not all dingy shower stalls and stained walls. “Come and Get It” tackles big questions around race and class on a college campus.

GUEST:

Kiley Reid, author and assistant professor at the University of Michigan

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Last week, Dearborn mayor Abdullah Hammoud and other leaders declined an invitation to meet with Biden’s re-election campaign officials. Today, we’re talking with mayor Hammoud about the Dearborn voting bloc; what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what he hopes for the future.

GUEST:

Abdullah Hammoud,  mayor of Dearborn, Michigan

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We speak with the man behind "Gridiron Heroes," the Detroit Lions' fight song played after every touchdown at home games.

GUEST:

Theo Spight,  "Gridiron Heroes” singer

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Yesterday evening, Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her 2024 State of the State address. In her speech, she detailed her plans to provide universal pre-K and two years of free community college to all Michiganders. Among other topics, she also discussed electric vehicle projects, efforts for more affordable housing, business incentive programs, and the state of the roads in Michigan.

GUESTS:

Zoe Clark, politics director for Michigan Public

Arjun Thakkar, politics and civics reporter for WKAR

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Periodicals, a new brick-and-mortar shop on the corner of Grand River and Warren in Detroit, deals in magazines. But this is not your grandmother’s tabloid rack. 

We visited owner and founder Aleiya Olu at the shop to talk about her vision for the new space, and about the power of print media. 

GUEST:

Aleiya Olu, partner Olu & Company; owner and founder of Periodicals

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Ann Arbor is one of the first public school boards to pass a resolution that calls for a bilateral ceasefire in Gaza. Today, we speak with one school board trustee about the resolution and why they voted "yes."

GUEST:

Rima Mohammad, trustee and president of the Ann Arbor School Board

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Unlike for adults facing prosecution in Michigan, there’s no centralized structure, training, or even budget when it comes to juvenile public defense. In some cases, children face charges with no attorney at all. Today, we’re talking about public legal defense in the juvenile justice system in Michigan and about House Bill 4630, which would provide funding for indigent defense for juveniles.

GUESTS:

Loren Khogali, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan

Nathan Triplett, director of public policy and government affairs for the State Bar Association, and board president

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A new book co-authored by a professor at Michigan State University suggests ways to bring Asian American history into the elementary school classroom, even if it’s not in the state curriculum. "Teaching Asian America in Elementary Classrooms" defies stereotypes about Asian people in the United States and focuses on the complexity of Asian American identity.

GUESTS:

Noreen Naseem Rodriguez, co-author of “Teaching Asian America in Elementary Classrooms”

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Temperatures dropped across the state this week. For housing insecure folks in Michigan, cold days are particularly dangerous. We look at the ongoing homelessness crisis and at how one Grand Rapids shelter is trying to keep people safe from the cold.

GUEST:

Adrienne Goodstal, president of Mel Trotter Ministries

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A recent report found that Hillsdale College officials have ties to the Michigan fake elector scheme – the plot in which 16 false electors attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Donald Trumps favor.

GUEST:

Danny Hakim, reporter for The New York Times

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Detroit police said that crime in the city dropped nearly 20% in 2023 compared to 2022. But crime stats can be more complicated than they look.  Today, we’re looking at what these numbers really tell us. Plus the two reporters who bring us this story tell us about what other stories they have eyes on this year.

GUESTS:

Adam Yahya Rayes, data reporter for Michigan Public

Briana Rice, criminal justice reporter for Michigan Public

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Mornings can be hard. But there are small practices you can make for better ones. Detroit-based podcast producer Zak Rosen has the scoop on some petite and practical changes to make your morning that much smoother.  

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It’s been three months since Israel's attack on Gaza. More than 23,000 Palestinian people have been killed. Today, we’re talking about media, representation and how what we see, read, and listen to affects our perception of the world.

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We are now Michigan Public! We’ve been known as Michigan Radio, for years, but here's the thing, we are way more than radio. We're on-demand, online, and in real life for our live events. New year, new name, and the same great storytelling.

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With the Michigan Wolverines' National Championship victory yesterday and the Detroit Lions' upcoming playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, it's a historic week for Michigan football.

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Stellantis announced that they’ll be sitting out two major events this year citing cost concerns – the Consumer Electronics Show and the Chicago Auto Show. This also came out: the Detroit Three will not be advertising during the 2024 Super Bowl. Today, a new year of cars and marketing, and what this could signal about the future.

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Lindsey Renee Sims is the host of the Rhythm & Soul Patrol show, airing on WPON 1460 AM, Monday through Thursday.  She plays a thoughtful mix of The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Marvin Gaye, and others, delivered with nuggets of historic context.  But everything she spins is before her time – Lindsey’s just 21 years old. The show’s gained a loyal following, not just in Metro Detroit, but all over the world.

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In the year since Kristina Karamo was elected chair of the Michigan Republican, critics say she hasn’t delivered financially. The party is in disarray, financially and ideologically. Now some members of the MIGOP want Karamo out. They're calling for a vote this Saturday to remove her as chair of the party.

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Michigan is one of just a few states that outlaw compensated surrogacy contracts, which has made surrogacy a nearly impossible option for many people in the state. But this might be changing. A new bill package aims to legalize surrogacy contracts and create parameters around parentage. 

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Michigan secured a close victory over Alabama in overtime at the Rose Bowl, sending them to the College Football Playoff National Championship next week in Houston. This win comes after a tumultuous season for Michigan, with head coach Jim Harbaugh being suspended twice and potential administrative penalties yet to come. 

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We get a taste of what musician Joe Hertler is listening to on his Michigan music playlist. And we look back at the legacy of Amp Fiddler, a Detroit legendary musician who died this week.

GUESTS:

Joe Hertler, Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers

Sam Beaubien, Will Sessions and WDET

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The Detroit food scene is abuzz, and this year did not disappoint. We’ve seen chefs in the area pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the city – from the proliferation of Yemeni coffee houses to the rise of Instagram-ready restaurants.

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Looking for some book recs to keep you entertained during this winter? Or maybe you're searching for a perfect last minute holiday gift? Either way, we have you covered.

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This year's unprecedented UAW strike against all three Detroit automakers certainly dominated this year’s headlines. But there’s some other notable industry news you may have missed in the shuffle. 

Two auto industry reporters join us to recap the aftermath of contract negotiations, where manufacturers and consumers stand with electric vehicles, and which automakers are dabbling in tech.

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A lot happened in Michigan politics this year. We saw Democrats in control of the state legislature and the governor's office for the first time in 40 years, abortion access laws passed, and auto no-fault reforms stuck in the waiting room – just to name a few of several big ticket items. We look at the year in politics, and what might be in store for 2024.

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Zooming out, the number of ER visits for respiratory illnesses has risen across the country. Today, a check up on viruses like the flu, RSV, and COVID, plus how you can keep healthier this season.

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