On Hand

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.

GUEST:

• April Campbell, a long-time birder, retired MD and the founder of BIPOC Birders of Michigan

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