All Thornton and his wife Lucie Blackburn wanted was freedom when they came to Detroit in 1831. The African-American couple came to what was then still Michigan territory to escape the inhumane, but legal institution of slavery in Kentucky. Little did the couple know, but their escape to Detroit was just a prelude to a bigger story; a story that would impact tens of thousands in the future.

Today, we learn why ready, able, diverse women are so often passed over for leadership roles. And, we hear why Lansing lobbyists just broke another spending record. We also look back in history, to when two runaway slaves crossed from Detroit to Canada, paving the way to freedom for thousands.

Today, you'll hear the final half of our conversation with John Hall, one of only five juvenile lifers to be re-sentenced and released in Michigan. He tells us what he plans to do with his second chance at freedom. And, we learn what 2016 taught us about removing lead pipes in Flint.

Today on Stateside , you'll hear the first part of our conversation with John Hall, one of only five juvenile lifers to be re-sentenced and released in Michigan. He tells us what freedom feels like after 50 years without it. And, we learn about a Great Lakes pirate who sailed his way into Michigan legend with booty of timber and venison.

Today we hear why, without EPA support, Lake Erie could become the "poster child of pollution" once again. And, we learn how singing, dancing and acting with young kids sets the stage for academic success.

Talking about race isn't always easy. But today, we hear how a table, an "equalizer," can help black people and white people begin the conversation. And, Artisans of Michigan is back with a trip to the printing press.

Michigan has the largest population in the world of starry stonewort, an invasive macroalgae that stifles native plants and fish. Today, we learn about the problems it creates in lake ecosystems. And, we get reviews of President Trump's speech to Congress from both sides of the aisle.

Attacks and threats to minority communities have been escalating. Today on Stateside , we'll hear from the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. Plus, we'll talk with Michigan's chief economist who is retiring today about whether term-limited politicians really understand state finances.

Michigan has a choice to make: Make small cuts to energy use, or build new power plants. We'll hear about that decision today. And, the superhero Cyborg got a promotion a few years ago when he joined Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman as part of the Justice League. We learn what Detroit has to do with his history. Finally, what do ginseng, ferns and orchids have in common? Listen to learn.

Today, we learn why conversations about bias should talk about skin color, not "race." And, we discuss what's left of Fordlândia, the transplanted Midwestern town in the Amazon.