Stateside

Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud speaks with Stateside's Zena Issa about how "Uncommitted" voters may give VP Kamala Harris a chance now that President Biden has dropped out of the race. But, he says, she'll have to earn their votes.

GUEST:

Abdullah Hammoud, mayor of Dearborn

Zena Issa, production assistant, Stateside

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On today’s podcast episode, we talk with a student and a professor at Concordia University Ann Arbor. The school will need to significantly reduce its operations and program offerings, including athletics, after the 2024-25 academic year. The cuts have staff and students anxious about what the future holds for the institution.

The Lutheran institution is facing a $9 million budget deficit. Enrollment has grown in recent years with a student body around 1,000, but it’s a benchmark many smaller colleges have found it hard to maintain operations.

Even so, back in February university administration announced a series of staff and program cuts. Then came a notice in June that all athletic programs would be cut next year. Just nine in-person and seven online programs will remain after June 2025.

You can find a statement from Concordia University here. 

GUESTS:

Dr. Scott Chappuis, associate professor Department of Communication

David Smalls, student Department of Justice & Public Policy, and Student Government Association President 

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President Joe Biden shocked the nation over the weekend by pulling out of the Democratic nomination process, and endorsing his VP, Kamala Harris. The question in Michigan is would Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who also endorsed Harris, be a viable No. 2 on a Harris ticket?

GUEST:

Debbie Dingell, congresswoman from MI-6

Stephen Henderson, host of Created Equal on WDET

Zoe Clark, co-host of It's Just Politics on Michigan Public

Rick Pluta, co-host of It's Just Politics on Michigan Public

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July 20, 2024 marks the beginning of dystopian classic novel "Parable of the Sower", written by Octavia Butler 30 years ago. 

GUEST:

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, PhD, is Chair of the Joint Program in English and Education at the University of Michigan’s Marsal Family School of Education

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Michigan-based horror author Josh Malerman has a new set of psychological scares in his paranormal thriller "Incidents Around The House". Malerman rose to prominence in the horror genre with his novel "Bird Box", which became a Netflix hit.

GUEST:

Josh Malerman, best-selling thriller novelist and author of "Incidents Around The House"

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A new podcast delves deep into the Republican Party upheaval of the mid-1970s to help shed light on our current political climate. And it all begins with a Michigander we know and love: then-President Gerald Ford. The podcast, made by Nuanced Tales in partnership with WFAE and distributed by NPR, is called "Landslide."We talked to host Ben Bradford about the roots of America's current culture war back through the political campaigns of Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford.

GUEST: 

Ben Bradford, creator and host of the podcast "Landslide"

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Today, a conversation with Johnny Rodriguez, President and CEO of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP), a social services center focused on the Latino community in West Michigan. And, a sneak peek at LAUP's 60th annual Fiesta celebration this week (July 15-21) in Holland, Michigan.

GUEST:

Johnny Rodriguez,President and CEO of Latin Americans United for Progress

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In the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump this weekend, many people are raising questions about the Secret Service's protocols at the Pennsylvania rally where the shooting occurred. Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade joined Statesideto discuss what she sees as shortcomings in the agency's security measures this weekend, and how those lapses are fueling online conspiracies about what happened.

GUEST: 

Barbara McQuade, former U.S. Attorney and law professor at University of Michigan

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A new children's book, "The Empty House", creates a fanciful world in which woodland critters take up residence in Michigan cottages during the winter.

GUEST:

Mary Scholl, author of "The Empty House" 

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When thinking about spells and witchcraft, a bar probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But in Hamtramck, Michigan, one stands out among the rest. It's the Black Salt Bar, where customers can order a spell kit with their cocktail.

"There are a lot of different cocktail books that exist that play with this idea, but there's never really been a brick and mortar bar" said owner Zoey Ashwood.

When a customer orders a spell kit with their drink, they might get some herbs, gemstones, or a candle and matches. All the spell kits also include a handmade altar and instructions for performing the ritual.

GUEST:

Zoey Ashwood, owner of The Black Salt Bar in Hamtramck, Michigan

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Grand Rapids voters will elect a new mayor this year. Two of the candidates are familiar political names. A third is a military veteran. The fourth describes themself as a neurotic Capricorn who spends their free time “pretending to be a robot and fearing Roko’s Basilisk.” This is a story about the fourth candidate.

GUESTS:

Dustin Dwyer, West Michigan reporter, Michigan Public

Hailey Lynch-Bastion, candidate for Mayor in Grand Rapids

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer's new book, "True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between," is a brief, but insightful look at the Michigan governor's life and how her experiences have shaped the way she governs. It also sets the stage for a bigger political presence nationally. The co-hosts of It’s Just Politics on Michigan Public, offered their insights on one of the most anticipated political books of the season, and what it tells us about Whitmer’s leadership style and national image.

GUESTS: 

Zoe Clark, political director at Michigan Public

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

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As vote-by-mail ballots start appearing for Michiganders, there’s an ongoing legal dispute about whose interests should carry representative weight when it comes to drawing legislative districts. Six state Senate districts stand at the center of that debate as they await court approval for their redrawn maps. 

GUESTS: 

Colin Jackson, reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network

Clara Hendrickson, politics reporter for the Detroit Free Press 

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When you think about amateur sports, sumo wrestling is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, the traditional Japanese sport has been growing in popularity across the United States, including right here in Michigan. Stateside's Yesenia Zamora-Cardoso headed to a gym in Grand Rapids where modern athletes are finding fun and challenge in the ancient sport. 

GUESTS ON THIS EPISODE:

Gabe Unick, head of the Grand Rapids Sumo Club

Kai Pruiett, member of the Grand Rapids Sumo Club

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How to tend to the crops in your yard when Michigan bakes with summer heatwaves.

GUEST:

Malik Yakini, founder of D-Town Farms and the Detroit People's Food Co-op

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The longstanding conventional wisdom is that what we call hillbilly music originated in Western Europe. But the truth, as many scholars and musicians have been preaching for years now, is that country music is intimately tied into the experience of African Americans. In fact, one of the most recognizable instruments in the country music genre is the banjo--which made its way to America from West Africa with enslaved people. On today's episode, University of Michigan professor Nadine Hubbs talked about Black Americans' (often erased) influence on country music as we know it today--and how Black artists like Beyoncé are reclaiming a space in the genre. 

GUEST: 
 
Nadine Hubbs, professor of music at the University of Michigan and author of "Rednecks, Queers, and Country Music"

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Solar Party Detroit started as a idea to power a e-bike with solar power from off the grid. Now, the company owns a fleetof several solar generators that have powered everything from DJ setups to movie screenings. We talk to the co-founders and owners of the company about their experience powering the city's summer celebrations with sunlight. 

GUESTS:

Ash Arder,co-founder and owner of Solar Party Detroit.

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President Biden's doddering performance at his first debate with Donald Trump this election cycle reportedly has many high up Democratic strategists nervous about the president's prospects. And it again raises the question of who could step in on short notice to run for president.... which brings Governor Gretchen Whitmer's name into the conversation. Is Michigan's governor interested?

GUESTS:

Jordyn Hermani, Capitol reporter for Bridge Michigan

Sam Shriber, political reporter for the Michigan Information & Research Service

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The Legislature pulled an all-nighter to pass a record breaking state budget. Here are the topline items they passed, and how they got it done.

GUEST:

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Michigander Courtney Andersen was recently named as the best social media influencer in Hour Detroit Magazine's Best of Detroit 2024 list. On her podcastSober Vibes,  Andersen shares her story as a woman who decided to leave her relationship with alcohol when she was 29 years old. The podcast, which she launched in 2020, focuses on alcoholism, family dynamics, and how Andersen has found healing and help along the way. 

GUEST:
Courtney Andersen, host,Sober Vibespodcast

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Within the past few months, two men have been killed in the Grand Rapids area by law enforcement officials in encounters that involved injuries from the officers’ vehicles. We talk to a community activist and the Grand Rapids chief of police about what these incidents have meant for community trust in the police—and what steps the department is taking to rebuild trust in law enforcement.

We reached out to the Kent County Sheriff's Office about Riley Doggett’s death, and they declined to comment. A spokesperson instead referred us to the Kent County prosecutor's decision not to pursue charges against the deputy involved.

GUESTS:

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The Surgeon General came out with a startling suggestion last week: social media should come with warnings, like packs of cigarettes and alcohol.

Jenny Radesky is a pediatrician and researcher. Her work guides parents on how to mitigate their child's media use.

Radesky says media habits start in infancy and can be hard to get rid of once they solidify. The more time kids spend on media, the less time they are playing, sleeping or developing skills.

GUEST:

Jenny Radesky,medical director of the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health and faculty at the University of Michigan

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A solo exhibit from artist Elizabeth Youngblood is on display now through August 3 at the University of Michigan's Stamps Gallery. It looks back at 40 years of the Detroit artist's work in art and graphic design. On this episode, we talked to Youngblood about her long career and the themes that she sees drawing a thread from past to present in her work. The exhibit, titled Syntax, is on view now through August 3.

GUEST: 

Elizabeth Youngblood, Detroit artist

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When you think about Afrofuturism, what pops into your head? Is it the sci-fi novels of writers Ocatvia Butler, Samuel Delany, or N.K. Jemisin? Or perhaps you’ve tuned in more recently to the representation of Afrofuturism on the big screen in movies like Black Panther. What about quilting? A new exhibit at Michigan State University showcases the Black artists using fabric and Afrofuturist themes to create unique works of art. On this episode, we'll hear from one of the curators about how these quilts envision a Black future while paying homage to its rich history. 

GUEST: 

Liv Furman, post-doctoral scholar in the Department of African American and African Studies at Michigan State University

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Medical professionals at Ascension hospitals are just recovering from the affects of a ransomware attack that targeted the health system on May 8. In addition to the challenge of relying on paper records, caregivers have long been grappling with Ascension's decision to arrange contracts with outside staffing companies.

"A lot of us have worked for multiple different staffing agencies over the years. And the problem is, a lot of us feel like we're being bought and sold like cattle," Michelle Wiener, an emergency medicine doctor at Ascension St. John, said.

See the story hereto read more about the staffing model at Ascension St. John, and to read statements from IEP, Ascension, and TeamHealth.

See the story here to read more about the harrowing affects of the May 8 cyberattack on Michigan hospitals.

GUEST:

Michelle Wiener, emergency medicine doctor at Ascension St. John, said.

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Members of the Rochester Hills community are still reeling today after a gunman opened fire at a splash pad in the Oakland County community on Saturday. Nine people were injured, including two young children. Police said the gunman is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot in a nearby home. 

The attack came less than three years after the deadly mass shooting at Oxford High School, also in Oakland County. 

Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald has a deep knowledge of the pain that gun violence causes. An outspoken advocate for gun violence prevention, she joined Stateside to share her perspective.

GUEST:

Karen McDonald, Oakland County Prosecutor

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Several small to mid-sized cruise lines hop around the Great Lakes, stopping in cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Marquette, and some going all the way round the Mitten to Windsor. Many of the ships make a stop in Muskegon. We dig into what these trips actually mean for the city’s residents and businesses. 

GUEST:

Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

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When the Reproductive Health Care Act passed last year, it contained a little-known provision that’s about to take effect. After this summer’s data drop, state officials will no longer keep track of abortion care procedures in Michigan. Bridge Michigan’s Robin Erb looked into how this limit became part of the bill. We talked to her about what she found, and review the arguments for and against tracking this data.

GUEST: 

Robin Erb, health reporter for Bridge Michigan 

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On this episode, we revisit our 2020 conversation with the couple behind one of our favorite Michigan-born bands: The War and Treaty. Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount Trotter joined us to talk about their musical collaboration and how they have found solace and healing in their work.

GUESTS: 

Michael Trotter Jr., singer-songwriter for The War and Treaty

Tanya Blount Trotter, singer-songwriter for The War and Treaty

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Jails are not known for being a friendly, welcoming, humanizing space. In fact, they can be just the opposite. And as someone’s period of incarceration comes to an end, there’s not much guidance around successfully re-entering society. Taylor Made Re-Entry partners with correctional facilities all across the country in an effort to change that.

GUEST:
Dee Dee Taylor, founder of Taylor Made Re-Entry

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Michigan Chef Hajime Sato just took home the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes Category. He’s the first sushi chef to earn the title. We met Chef Hajime Sato around this time last year, shortly after he was nominated for a James Beard in the Outstanding Chef category. Today, we revisit our conversation about sustainable seafood, and what it looks like to try new things in order to preserve tradition.

GUEST:

Hajime Sato, chef and owner of Sozai

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Every Michigander knows by birthright that sipping on an ice-cold Vernors will cure what ails you, be it nausea, a common cold, or... I don't know... a broken arm, probably. But what does the historical record show about where the line is between the common understanding of this soda pop, and actual medical science? The Detroit Free Press inhaled deeply on the fizz over this question, and we're here to get the bubbles to your brain.

GUEST:

Dave Boucher, reporter for Detroit Free Press, lifelong Vernors drinker

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Additional music from The Orchestra of the Americas. 

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On today's episode, the director of an ensemble that unites musicians from all over the Americas talked about the group's upcoming performance in Michigan, the sustaining reach of orchestral music, and connecting young musicians.

GUEST: 

Carlos Miguel Prieto, founding conductor of the Orchestra of the Americas

The Orchestra of the Americas will perform in Ann Arbor on June 11th, 2024 at Hill Auditorium with special guests Yo-Yo Ma and Kayhan Kalhor. You can find more information about the performance here.

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Additional music from The Orchestra of the Americas. 

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Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei, the hosts and co-creators of NPR's Throughline, joined Stateside to discuss what they've learned after five years of producing the program. The show dissects how moments in history shape the world we live in today. Throughlineairs on Michigan Public at 8:00 p.m. every Saturday.

GUESTS ON THIS EPISODE:

Rund Abdelfatah, journalist, host and co-creator of Throughline

Ramtin Arablouei, journalist, host and co-creator of Throughline

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Longtime Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow is preparing for her retirement taking place later this year. There are two vying for her spot in the Democratic Primary: Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and actor Hill Harper.

GUESTS:

Lauren Gibbons, politics reporter withBridge Michigan

Jordyn Hermani, politics reporter withBridge Michigan

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The third known case of H5N1 bird flu in a human this year was confirmed late last week in Michigan. Two of the three cases were found in Michigan. All of the infections were found in people who work directly with livestock. On this episode of the Stateside podcast, we get into what you need to know about H5N1 and how you can keep safer from infection.

GUESTS:

Adam Lauring, professor of internal medicine, microbiology and immunology, and ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Michigan

Kristen Jordan Shamus, health reporter with The Detroit Free Press

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The newly renovated Michigan Central Station is a sight to behold: towering columns, large sloped ceilings, and graffiti relics of a once abandoned building. But Central Station is more than its parts. Today we want to give you some history. On this episode we get into the story of why the station is such an iconic building and what it represents to Detroit.

GUEST:

Jamon Jordan,founder and operator of The Black Scroll Network, City of Detroit historian, and professor at the University of Michigan

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Detroit’s iconic Michigan Central Station is getting ready to re-open its doors after more than three decades of abandonment, and following extensive restoration by Ford. Throughout those years the building’s various owners and city leaders have argued about whether to save it or knock it down. Many will tell you - it's a miracle the building is still standing. Events are planned June 6-16. 

Click hereto see photos of the interior. 

GUESTS:

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"The Bird Connection" is a new documentary from Michigan Public that explores the connection between the health of bird populations and the condition of our natural world. Hosts Lester Graham and Rebecca Williams look at the variety of factors impacting both, on this special podcast episode takeover.

Hear the rest of "The Bird Connection" documentary here.

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Alma Cooper is Miss Michigan USA 2024. On this episode, a conversation with Miss Michigan USA  about her title, her passion in combating food insecurity, and moving forward to compete in Miss USA.

GUEST:

Alma Cooper, Miss Michigan USA 2024

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Hamtramck Disneyland is folk art installation that's been around for more than 30 years. On this episode we meet some of the artists rehabbing the property so that it can exist for 30 more.

GUESTS:

Sean Bieri, project manager and board member with Hatch

Renee Willoughby, artist-in-residence AT Hamtramck Disneyland

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Governments and auto manufacturers have big plans for switching the United States to electric vehicles. It's one of many efforts to reduce the impact of climate change. But there's a key ingredient in electrification that could put a crimp in that plan: copper.

GUEST ON THIS EPISDOE:

Adam Simon, professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan

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Michaela Ayers is a doer of many things. She’s an artist, facilitator, and historian. But she says that her life’s work is a particular project she’s been developing since 2019: Black Her Stories.

GUEST:

Michaela Ayers, founder of Nourish and creator of Black Her Stories

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Ascension hospital has been attacked by ransomware.  They’ve had to switch to paper charts, staff say it's a safety concern, and patients are experiencing delays in getting medical results. So how should institutions (and you) prepare for an attack?

GUESTS:

Hafiz Malik, Ph.D. Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, U-M Dearborn

Jim Bagian, directs the Center for Healthcare Engineering and Patient Safety (CHEPS) at the University of Michigan

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On Tuesday morning, police shut down the encampment on the University of Michigan campus. Protesters want the school to divest from companies tied to the Israeli military.

GUESTS:

Tracy Samilton, reporter at Michigan Public

Salma Hamamy, president of the University of Michigan chapter of Students Allied For Freedom and Equality

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In Michigan, we pride ourselves on our lakes – sandy bottomed and crystalline blue waters. But with such idyllic waters comes a risk: swimmer's itch. On this episode of the Statesidepodcast, we look into the biology behind swimmer's itch and get into what scientists are doing to mitigate it.

GUEST:

Curtis Blankespoor, professor at Jackson College and adjunct professor, University of Michigan Biological Station

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Mari Copeny is a leading activist out of the Flint Water Crisis, but she is more than "Little Miss Flint."

GUEST:

Imani Mixon,journalist and founder of Mixon Media

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The College for Creative Studies in Detroit has a fashion design program that’s cultivating some of Detroit’s most creative young minds. Earlier this month the program held their fourth annual fashion show. 

GUESTS:

Cierra Headings, fashion designer

David Rodriguez, fashion designer

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The Gordie Howe International bridge crossing the Detroit River is nearing completion and is expected to open in the fall of 2025. On this episode of the Statesidepodcast, we spoke with one of the officials behind the bridge about what it takes to pull of a project of this magnitude.

GUEST:

Grant Hilbers, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority chief capital officer

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Over the past few months, encampments and protests on college campuses have been a constant in the headlines. But how does news media shape our perception of these actions?

GUEST:

Danielle K. Brown,1855 Community & Urban Journalism Professorship and associate professor at Michigan State University

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A garden designed to bring awareness and combat environmental racism will launch with a major installment this month - a large work of art that will serve as a gateway to the park, but also monitor air quality.

GUEST:

Jordan Weber,Activist and Regenerative Land Sculptor 

Rukiya Colvin, Sidewalk Detroit Project Manager

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Ann Arbor Public Schools is facing a projected $25 million dollar deficit in the coming year. So, what happens now? On this episode, we ask the board of education's president about how one of the state's wealthiest school districts ended up here and about the plan for righting the ship.

GUEST: 

Torchio Feaster, AAPS Board of Education President

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Former President Donald Trump was in Michigan again campaigning for reelection. A few days later Vice President Kamala Harris was in Detroit promoting the strength and importance of the auto sector. And President Joe Biden will be here as well, making a campaign sweep through Detroit.

On this episode of the Stateside podcast, how Michigan is shaping up as a battleground state.

GUEST:

Zoe Clark, host of It’s Just Politics

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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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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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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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