Episodes
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Florida continues its assault on LGBTQ rights with a new driver's license rule
Florida bolsters its reputation as an anti-LGBTQ state with a new rule — trans residents can no longer update their driver’s license with their correct gender identity. Plus, a New Hampshire town manager stepped down after being harassed in an ongoing controversy about an LGBTQ art display. And the Massachusetts State Senate passed a bill to repeal several archaic sodomy and anti-trans laws. Those stories and more on Under the Radar's LGBTQ News Roundtable. GUESTS Grace Sterling Stowell, executive director of the Boston Alliance of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Youth, or BAGLY E.J. Graff, journalist, author and managing editor of Good Authority, an independent site publishing insights on political science Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy for GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, or GLAD -
'In the Pines' author confronts family's ties to Mississippi lynching
Grace Elizabeth Hale grew up hearing that the real-life heroism of her grandfather mirrored the fictional courageous confrontation of Atticus Finch, the hero of "To Kill A Mockingbird." While she had been told her grandfather, a county sheriff in Mississippi had protected a Black man from a lynch mob, who then died in his custody the following day trying to escape — the facts showed a different story. "I knew the story that I had been told... but it just made it clear that none of it was true, that this was a big cover up," Hale told Under the Radar. During her research as a historian and scholar, Hale uncovered the shocking details of one lynching that exposed the truth of her family lore. In fact, Hale’s home state of Mississippi holds the record for the most lynchings in the country. “In the Pines: A Lynching, A Lie, A Reckoning” documents Hale's family history, and the bloody vigilante tradition embedded in the nation’s history. GUEST Grace Elizabeth Hale, professor of American Studies and History at the University of Virginia and author of "In the Pines: A Lynching, A Lie, A Reckoning" -
Why one organization is working to highlight New Hampshire's rich Black history
New Hampshire is not generally considered a beacon of Black culture, where the last census documented people of color to be just a fraction of the general population. But the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is working to prove how generations of Black Americans have informed both the Granite state’s — and the nation’s — history. Under the Radar explores the trials and triumphs of Harriet Wilson, Amos Fortune and Ona Judge, among other lesser known figures that are all foundational to New Hampshire’s past and present. GUESTS JerriAnne Boggis, executive director of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire Kabria Baumgartner, associate Professor of History and Africana Studies at Northeastern University Courtney Marshall, English teacher at Phillips Exeter Academy -
A new dictionary aims to boost the language and pride of Cabo Verdeans
From the Oxford English to the Merriam-Webster, English language dictionaries are well established in the U.S. But the effort to create dictionaries of indigenous languages is growing, including a new one capturing Cape Verdean Creole. A local publisher is documenting the common tongue of the West African nation — and of many Greater Boston immigrants — in an English to Cape Verdean dictionary to be published later this year. GUESTS Manuel Da Luz Goncalves, founder and owner of Mili Mila Inc. Abel Djassi Amado, associate professor of political science and international relations at Simmons University -
New reforms open up access to disaster funding in Massachusetts and beyond
Climate change has sparked a sharp rise in fires, floods and other natural calamities. Now, the Biden administration has directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to speed up victims' ability to get immediate monetary support through benefits including “displacement assistance.” In Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey has released the first round of funding for cities impacted by flooding last year. Plus, new research reveals plastic water bottles have up to 100 times more tiny plastic particles than previously estimated — a threat to the environment and health. And bitter cold unplugged electric vehicles across the country as batteries lost their charge. It’s Under the Radar's Environmental News Roundtable. GUESTS Dr. Gaurab Basu, director of education and policy at the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health Beth Daley, executive editor and general manager of The Conversation U.S. Cabell Eames, policy consultant for Vote Solar -
Scottish culture is piping up in Boston
Whether you measure it by its politics, pubs or people, Boston's Irish heritage is unavoidable — but Ireland's northeastern neighbor is beginning to step out of its shadow. From bagpipes to the savory meat pudding known as haggis, local Scottish groups are making a push for more recognition of their distinct culture and history throughout New England. Under the Radar discusses the inaugural "Not Your Usual Burns Night," which will honor Scotland's national poet with traditional poetry, song, dance and Scotch whisky — and how that event just a part of the effort to bring Boston’s Scottish culture alive. GUESTS Dr. Larry Bethune, vice president of Scots in New England Dr. Peter Abbott, British Consul General to New England -
As goes New Hampshire so goes the nation? New voters may change Granite State politics
As goes New Hampshire, so goes the nation? A Granite State mantra will likely be put to the test in this Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary. Former President Donald Trump trounced his competitors in last week’s Iowa caucus with the biggest margin of victory in the history of the state’s Republican caucuses. But has his momentum been slowed in the days leading up to the New Hampshire primary? Meanwhile, after the Granite State refused to accept second place to South Carolina in the Democratic National Committee’s primary cycle, President Joe Biden is not on the ballot. That isn’t stopping local Democrats from leading a write-in campaign for him. Plus, a new study shows New Hampshire’s primary could be impacted by an influx of new voters — potentially as many as 245,000 new voters. Under the Radar's New Hampshire Insiders are back! GUESTS Arnie Arnesen, former New Hampshire democratic legislator, nominee for governor and candidate for U.S. Congress, and host of WNHN’s The Attitude with Arnie Arnesen Paul Steinhauser, national politics reporter for Fox News and campaign columnist for The Concord Monitor -
Two Embrace Boston honorees reflect on their efforts for a more equitable city
Last year, a new memorial was unveiled in Boston Common to honor the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. Embrace Boston, the organization behind the memorial, also announced the names of civil rights leaders whose names were embedded in the Boston Common plaza where the sculpture sits. Now Embrace Boston is adding to the roster by recognizing the 2024 Embrace Honorees who have, in the organization’s words, worked to build “a more equitable Boston.” GUESTS L. Duane Jackson, former architect and member of the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Port Authority, managing member of Alinea Capital Partners, LLC and an Embrace Boston 2024 Honoree Deborah Jackson, former president of Cambridge College, CEO of the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts and Vice President of the Boston Foundation, and an Embrace Boston 2024 Honoree -
New documentary features African students at MIT and their journey far from home
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday that is also designated a National Day of Service. Reverend King spent his life in service leading the campaign for social justice during the civil rights movement — and a new documentary looks at a new generation following in his footsteps. "Brief Tender Light" follows four Black African students from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Nigeria, as they embark on their education at MIT. They pledge to return to their home countries after graduation and become agents of change, but their years abroad challenge them in unexpected ways. Under the Radar sits down with the director and a student featured in "Brief Tender Light" as the nation marks Martin Luther King Jr.'s 95th birthday. GUESTS Arthur Musah, director and producer of "Brief Tender Light" Philip Abel Adama, CTO and co-founder of Cleva Banking and a student featured in Brief Tender Light -
Two experts unpack Barbra Streisand's long-awaited memoir
Barbra Streisand's life and career has long been the stuff of legend and mystery — until now. The singer, actress, director and activist spent 10 years writing her new memoir, and at nearly 1,000 pages it fills in the behind-the-scenes details fans have long craved. From lifelong insecurities and singular triumphs, to devastating losses and her ongoing fight against the industry sexism which sought to limit how she used her artistic gifts, Under the Radar reviews "My Name is Barbra" with two experts on her talent and life. GUESTS Garrett Stewart, professor of literature and cinema at the University of Iowa, author of “Streisand: The Mirror of Difference” Matt Howe, founder of Barbra Archives, a Barbra Streisand fan website and author of “Barbra Streisand: The Music, the Albums, the Singles”
