Under the Radar with Callie Crossley looks to alternative presses and community news for stories that are often overlooked by big media outlets. In our roundtable conversation, we aim to examine the small stories before they become the big headlines with contributors in Boston and New England. For more information, visit our website: wgbhnews.org/utr

Rhode Island taxpayers are feeling <a href="https://www.wpri.com/target-12/not-favorable-terms-132m-for-pawtucket-soccer-stadium-causes-sticker-shock/">sticker shock</a> as they may shell out over $130 million in debt payments for a soccer stadium in Pawtucket. One reporter noted it was similar to the amount the government of Pakistan is <a href="https://www.wpri.com/target-12/law-firms-pocket-3-5-million-from-pawtucket-soccer-stadium-deal/">charged to borrow money.</a>Plus, the bids are in for major offshore wind projects that could bring energy and jobs to Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where <a href="https://www.capeandislands.org/local-news/2024-03-27/three-offshore-wind-bids-in-massachusetts-plan-major-operations-in-new-bedford-salem">New Bedford and Salem</a> stand to gain big shares of the money pie.And a surprise resignation by New Hampshire Congresswoman Annie Kuster has stirred fierce competition for the seat — including a top <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/04/02/metro/biden-aide-kuster-seat-new-hampshire/">Biden aide</a> with local roots.It’s Under the Radar's Regional News Roundtable.

Rhode Island taxpayers are feeling sticker shock as they may shell out over $130 million in debt payments for a soccer stadium in Pawtucket. One reporter noted it was similar to the amount the government of Pakistan is charged to borrow money.
Plus, the bids are in for major offshore wind projects that could bring energy and jobs to Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where New Bedford and Salem stand to gain big shares of the money pie.
And a surprise resignation by New Hampshire Congresswoman Annie Kuster has stirred fierce competition for the seat — including a top Biden aide with local roots.
It’s Under the Radar's Regional News Roundtable.

Taxpayers will pay $132 million over 30 years to fund just $27 million of construction costs for a new Pawtucket minor league soccer stadium.

Rhode Island taxpayers gawk at the $132 million price tag of a new stadium

Mother expressions run the gamut of familiar advice.”If everybody jumps off the bridge, will you do it, too?” “I’m the mother; that’s why.” “We have food at home.”These and other motherly quips have lasting resonance — not always positive.“If you came to my mom and told her you were bored, you got assigned a cleaning task. Can't be bored washing the windows, you know?” Carissa Burk, author of “The Little Green Book of Mothers’ Wisdom” told Under the Radar.This Mother’s Day we reflect on the sayings, quotes and expressions that both nurture and challenge our relationship with mom. Rachel Marie Martin, author of “Mom Enough: Inspiring Letters for the Wonderfully Exhausting but Totally Normal Days of Motherhood,” says that ultimately, motherhood is about doing your best. She said you can find value even in your mistakes.“Learning from it [a mistake] and really learning to embrace the other women that get to walk this journey with you — and walking hand in hand without the judging, but with the loving and knowing that they too are really trying to do their best,” she said.GUESTSCarissa Burk, CEO of Creative Green Living Media Group, author of “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Green-Mothers-Wisdom-Books/dp/1510756027">The Little Green Book of Mothers' Wisdom”</a>Rachel Marie Martin, founder of findingjoy.net and author of “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/kindle-redemption/B0C6C6LPRL?ie=UTF8&amp;kinRedeemToken=GS9A92GW6UQC7UH&amp;kinRedeem=GIFT&amp;redeemAuth=true&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;path=%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2Fkindle-redemption%2FB0C6C6LPRL%3Fie%3DUTF8%26kinRedeemToken%3DGS9A92GW6UQC7UH%26kinRedeem%3DGIFT%26redeemAuth%3Dtrue&amp;action=sign-out&amp;useRedirectOnSuccess=1&amp;returnFromLogin=1">Mom Enough: Inspiring Letters for the Wonderfully Exhausting but Totally Normal Days of Motherhood”</a>

Mother expressions run the gamut of familiar advice.
”If everybody jumps off the bridge, will you do it, too?” 
“I’m the mother; that’s why.” 
“We have food at home.”
These and other motherly quips have lasting resonance — not always positive.
“If you came to my mom and told her you were bored, you got assigned a cleaning task. Can't be bored washing the windows, you know?” Carissa Burk, author of “The Little Green Book of Mothers’ Wisdom” told Under the Radar.
This Mother’s Day we reflect on the sayings, quotes and expressions that both nurture and challenge our relationship with mom. 
Rachel Marie Martin, author of “Mom Enough: Inspiring Letters for the Wonderfully Exhausting but Totally Normal Days of Motherhood,” says that ultimately, motherhood is about doing your best. She said you can find value even in your mistakes.
“Learning from it [a mistake] and really learning to embrace the other women that get to walk this journey with you — and walking hand in hand without the judging, but with the loving and knowing that they too are really trying to do their best,” she said.
GUESTS
Carissa Burk, CEO of Creative Green Living Media Group, author of “The Little Green Book of Mothers' Wisdom”
Rachel Marie Martin, founder of findingjoy.net and author of “Mom Enough: Inspiring Letters for the Wonderfully Exhausting but Totally Normal Days of Motherhood”

This Mother's Day, Under the Radar speaks with two authors who have curated dozens of mother quotes — and written extensively about — motherhood.

'I'm the mother, that's why': Reflecting on the quirkiness and wisdom of motherhood

On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court overturned legal segregation in America’s public schools in the landmark ruling, <a href="https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education">Brown v. Board of Education</a>. The decision dissolved the “separate but equal” doctrine, effectively ending legal segregation in American education.The ruling 70 years ago was a defining moment for the country’s racial progress — it also marked the beginning of what turned out to be a slow and arduous process of integrating Black students into majority white schools. In 1974, Boston drew national headlines for the <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/busing-battleground-city-boston-out-control/">violent response</a> to the busing of Black students. And it wasn’t until <a href="https://www.vox.com/2014/5/17/5725190/racial-segregregation-60-years-after-brown-v-board">1988</a>, more than 30 years after the Brown decision, before close to half of Black students were in desegregated schools. Since then the numbers have significantly decreased.On this 70th anniversary, Under the Radar considers the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education in Boston and nationwide.GUESTSTomiko Brown-Nagin, dean of the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, professor of Constitutional Law at Harvard Law School and professor of history at Harvard UniversityMichaele N. Turnage Young, senior counsel and co-manager of the Equal Protection Initiative at the Legal Defense FundAlisa R. Drayton, executive director of the Yawkey Club of Roxbury

On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court overturned legal segregation in America’s public schools in the landmark ruling, Brown v. Board of Education. The decision dissolved the “separate but equal” doctrine, effectively ending legal segregation in American education.
The ruling 70 years ago was a defining moment for the country’s racial progress — it also marked the beginning of what turned out to be a slow and arduous process of integrating Black students into majority white schools. 
In 1974, Boston drew national headlines for the violent response to the busing of Black students. And it wasn’t until 1988, more than 30 years after the Brown decision, before close to half of Black students were in desegregated schools. Since then the numbers have significantly decreased.
On this 70th anniversary, Under the Radar considers the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education in Boston and nationwide.
GUESTS
Tomiko Brown-Nagin, dean of the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, professor of Constitutional Law at Harvard Law School and professor of history at Harvard University
Michaele N. Turnage Young, senior counsel and co-manager of the Equal Protection Initiative at the Legal Defense Fund
Alisa R. Drayton, executive director of the Yawkey Club of Roxbury

The landmark Supreme Court decision ended the "separate but equal" doctrine in American schools in 1954. We analyze Brown v. Board of Education's legacy in Boston and nationwide.

70 years after Brown v. Board of Education, work remains to integrate schools

Author Suzanne Park's new rom-com, “One Last Word,” is a novel centered around a Korean tech entrepreneur — and what happens when her new app accidentally sends intimate messages to all the important people in her life.“Her goal is just to get from point A to point B. I've been conditioned to work hard and get good grades and work hard at work, and I'll get promoted, and my life will go in this trajectory that's predictable,” said Park. “And then when all of this falls apart and, crumbles around her, she sees that what she had thought in her life, as her life plan, isn't actually turning out the way she thought it was.”The fictional main character Sarah Chae is jobless, estranged from her best friend, and still carrying a torch for a high school buddy who has no idea how she feels. She puts her life on hold to create a new app about death — but then it all blows up.Park said her main character's story is not just figuring out her career and romantic life. “She also has to figure out, is her life outlook even aligned to where it should be? Because she had believed all these things before and now she's seeing that what she had believed is actually not necessarily true,” said Park.The new romantic comedy serves up a life-altering pivot for Sarah that leads to an even sweeter happy ending. “One Last Word” is Park's latest novel and the May selection for “Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club.” Listen to the full interview above.GUESTSuzanne Park, author of four romance novels, including her latest, ”One Last Word”

Author Suzanne Park's new rom-com, “One Last Word,” is a novel centered around a Korean tech entrepreneur — and what happens when her new app accidentally sends intimate messages to all the important people in her life.
“Her goal is just to get from point A to point B. I've been conditioned to work hard and get good grades and work hard at work, and I'll get promoted, and my life will go in this trajectory that's predictable,” said Park. “And then when all of this falls apart and, crumbles around her, she sees that what she had thought in her life, as her life plan, isn't actually turning out the way she thought it was.”
The fictional main character Sarah Chae is jobless, estranged from her best friend, and still carrying a torch for a high school buddy who has no idea how she feels. She puts her life on hold to create a new app about death — but then it all blows up.
Park said her main character's story is not just figuring out her career and romantic life. 
“She also has to figure out, is her life outlook even aligned to where it should be? Because she had believed all these things before and now she's seeing that what she had believed is actually not necessarily true,” said Park.
The new romantic comedy serves up a life-altering pivot for Sarah that leads to an even sweeter happy ending. 
“One Last Word” is Park's latest novel and the May selection for “Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club.” Listen to the full interview above.
GUEST
Suzanne Park, author of four romance novels, including her latest, ”One Last Word”

Author Suzanne Park's new rom-com is a novel centered around a Korean tech entrepreneur — and what happens when her new app accidentally sends intimate messages to all the important people in her life.

'One Last Word' finds the comedy in what happens when you tell someone how you really feel

Organizations across the Bay State are joining together to take on a bold mission — eliminating hunger in Massachusetts.More than one million people in the state try to make ends meet with <a href="https://www.masslegalservices.org/content/introduction">federal funds for food</a>; many of those include families with children.The new <a href="https://makehungerhistoryma.org/">Make Hunger History Coalition</a> includes leaders of food banks, legislators and other advocates for hungry residents whose stated goal is to make Massachusetts “the first state to end hunger, permanently.”GUESTSJennifer Lemmerman, chief policy officer for Project BreadAndrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

Organizations across the Bay State are joining together to take on a bold mission — eliminating hunger in Massachusetts.
More than one million people in the state try to make ends meet with federal funds for food; many of those include families with children.
The new Make Hunger History Coalition includes leaders of food banks, legislators and other advocates for hungry residents whose stated goal is to make Massachusetts “the first state to end hunger, permanently.”
GUESTS
Jennifer Lemmerman, chief policy officer for Project Bread
Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

The Make Hunger History Coalition is made up of anti-hunger advocates, organizations and policymakers, and their ultimate goal is to eliminate hunger in the Bay State.

A new group wants Mass. to be 'the first state to end hunger, permanently'

America loves hot sauce. A 2021 Instacart survey found <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/spicy-foods-era-beginning-restaurants-1837591">74% of consumers eat hot sauce with their food</a>, and when there was a shortage of the popular <a href="https://www.huyfong.com/">Huy Fong Foods'</a> sriracha hot sauce last year, one bottle would go for as much as <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/how-did-the-huy-fong-foods-sriracha-shortage-happen.html">$52</a> on Amazon. Right now, they go for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Huy-Fong-Sriracha-Chili-Bottle/dp/B000HQN22A/ref=asc_df_B000HQN22A/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=693686337257&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=2209688625901071089&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9002062&amp;hvtargid=pla-2259431403259&amp;mcid=0bd2fc177ee73c639d27624fe666d66e&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoa2xBhACEiwA1sb1BKMA4uifXrj7_3yAjbOFbNM1MhozVB5n4yuEYdHedoYtRlbSl7I44BoCWzYQAvD_BwE&amp;th=1">$9</a>. But given Greater Boston’s reputation for cuisine that is the opposite of spicy (clam chowda, anyone?) you might be surprised that Massachusetts has a long history with hot sauce — the first bottled cayenne sauces <a href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/hot-sauces-cooking-sauces-condiments">appeared here in 1807</a>.“There is a really, really long history of use of hot and spicy foods in the Americas,” Megan Elias, director of the food studies programs at Boston University, told Under the Radar. “The capsicum comes from the Americas. And it was, then exported out to Europe and to the rest of the world, really crucially. So it ends up in South Asia and ends up in Africa, getting kind of involved ... in the foods there. And then, eventually kind of comes back to the U.S.”The hot sauce market in the U.S. is <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/taste/2024/04/08/america-love-affair-with-fiery-flavors-continues-to-grow">projected to grow</a> from about $3 billion in 2023 to more than $5 billion by 2030, and there will be plenty of spicy food for local fans to sample at the upcoming, inaugural Rhythm N' Spice <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhythm-n-spice-hot-sauce-fest-tickets-812012149197">festival</a> in Cambridge on Saturday, May 4. It reflects the area's growing desire for spicy flavors, says Nicola Williams, producer of the festival. She plans to highlight the culinary diversity that exists in Greater Boston.“We have a spicy Jamaican vegetarian and beef patty challenge. We have a spicy pizza challenge with a local, Black-owned restaurant right here in Cambridge. We have, wings. And we're going to have three categories of flavors, from African sauces, to jerk, to hot sauce from all over the world,” she said. “And so we want to make sure that we infuse all of this spice throughout the event. We also have dance so you can shake it off after you've blown your mouth or palates.”GUESTSNicola Williams, producer of the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhythm-n-spice-hot-sauce-fest-tickets-812012149197">Rhythm N' Spice Hot Sauce Fest</a>, president of The Williams AgencyBrian Ruhlmann, founder and owner of <a href="https://www.craicsauce.com/">Craic Sauce</a> in Lowell, MassachusettsMegan Elias, director of the food studies programs at <a href="https://www.bu.edu/met/programs/gastronomy-food-studies/">Boston University</a>

America loves hot sauce. A 2021 Instacart survey found 74% of consumers eat hot sauce with their food, and when there was a shortage of the popular Huy Fong Foods' sriracha hot sauce last year, one bottle would go for as much as $52 on Amazon. Right now, they go for $9. 
But given Greater Boston’s reputation for cuisine that is the opposite of spicy (clam chowda, anyone?) you might be surprised that Massachusetts has a long history with hot sauce — the first bottled cayenne sauces appeared here in 1807.
“There is a really, really long history of use of hot and spicy foods in the Americas,” Megan Elias, director of the food studies programs at Boston University, told Under the Radar. “The capsicum comes from the Americas. And it was, then exported out to Europe and to the rest of the world, really crucially. So it ends up in South Asia and ends up in Africa, getting kind of involved ... in the foods there. And then, eventually kind of comes back to the U.S.”
The hot sauce market in the U.S. is projected to grow from about $3 billion in 2023 to more than $5 billion by 2030, and there will be plenty of spicy food for local fans to sample at the upcoming, inaugural Rhythm N' Spice festival in Cambridge on Saturday, May 4. It reflects the area's growing desire for spicy flavors, says Nicola Williams, producer of the festival. She plans to highlight the culinary diversity that exists in Greater Boston.
“We have a spicy Jamaican vegetarian and beef patty challenge. We have a spicy pizza challenge with a local, Black-owned restaurant right here in Cambridge. We have, wings. And we're going to have three categories of flavors, from African sauces, to jerk, to hot sauce from all over the world,” she said. “And so we want to make sure that we infuse all of this spice throughout the event. We also have dance so you can shake it off after you've blown your mouth or palates.”
GUESTS
Nicola Williams, producer of the Rhythm N' Spice Hot Sauce Fest, president of The Williams Agency
Brian Ruhlmann, founder and owner of Craic Sauce in Lowell, Massachusetts
Megan Elias, director of the food studies programs at Boston University

The Rhythm N' Spice Hot Sauce Fest debuts on Saturday, May 4 in Cambridge and will feature local hot sauce vendors and spicy food contests.

A drop of ghost pepper with your clam chowder? A new Cambridge hot sauce festival will bring the heat 

Each year more than <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507826/">one million American</a> women begin menopause — an experience many don’t understand and few talk about. Often referred to as “the change,” the most common symptoms include — hot flashes, brain fog and fatigue.“I had insomnia for years,” Dr. Tina Opie, a management professor at Babson College, told Under the Radar. “I was sweating profusely. I would be at work and forget my train of thought.” What’s more, many are still in the dark about how to navigate this natural transition in life, even with new information and medication available. For some people like Marian Themeles, a breast cancer survivor who has experienced hot flashes, the standard hormone replacement therapy treatment is not viable, despite her severe symptoms. She says it feels like, “suffocation from the inside. You get incredibly hot, and you feel like you can't breathe, and that lasts several minutes.”However, there is a newly approved drug, Fezolinetant, designed to treat hot flashes for patients who cannot take the standard hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Jan Shifren, a reproductive endocrinologist and obstetrician/gynecologist said, for the first time, “we are really targeting a place in the brain where hot flashes occur and in very well controlled trials, it reduces the severity and frequency of hot flashes.”This conversation and more this week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley. GUESTS Dr. Jan Shifren, a reproductive endocrinologist and obstetrician/gynecologist and director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Midlife Women's Health CenterMarian Themeles, a patient of Massachusetts General Hospital who uses the prescription menopause medicine, Veozah (Fezolinetant)Dr. Tina Opie, an associate professor in management at Babson College

Each year more than one million American women begin menopause — an experience many don’t understand and few talk about. Often referred to as “the change,” the most common symptoms include — hot flashes, brain fog and fatigue.
“I had insomnia for years,” Dr. Tina Opie, a management professor at Babson College, told Under the Radar. “I was sweating profusely. I would be at work and forget my train of thought.” 
What’s more, many are still in the dark about how to navigate this natural transition in life, even with new information and medication available. 
For some people like Marian Themeles, a breast cancer survivor who has experienced hot flashes, the standard hormone replacement therapy treatment is not viable, despite her severe symptoms. 
She says it feels like, “suffocation from the inside. You get incredibly hot, and you feel like you can't breathe, and that lasts several minutes.”
However, there is a newly approved drug, Fezolinetant, designed to treat hot flashes for patients who cannot take the standard hormone replacement therapy. 
Dr. Jan Shifren, a reproductive endocrinologist and obstetrician/gynecologist said, for the first time, “we are really targeting a place in the brain where hot flashes occur and in very well controlled trials, it reduces the severity and frequency of hot flashes.”
This conversation and more this week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley. 
GUESTS 
Dr. Jan Shifren, a reproductive endocrinologist and obstetrician/gynecologist and director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Midlife Women's Health Center
Marian Themeles, a patient of Massachusetts General Hospital who uses the prescription menopause medicine, Veozah (Fezolinetant)
Dr. Tina Opie, an associate professor in management at Babson College

Local women sit down with Under the Radar to share the ups-and-downs of navigating menopause and the impacts of a new prescription drug to treat hot flashes. 

Over 1 million Americans start menopause every year. Why don’t we talk about it?

From Oscar-winning movies like “Parasite” and the Oscar-nominated “Past Lives,” to the innovative modern fashion and the thumping beats of K-pop groups like BLACKPINK and BTS, South Korean culture has risen to global prominence. It’s known as the Korean Wave, or Hallyu.The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is highlighting Korean culture with “Hallyu! The Korean Wave” a new 250-piece exhibit which includes ancient art, current music and pop culture trends. The exhibit's curator, Christina Yu Yu, hopes that this exhibit can reach audiences of all ages. “For the younger generation, they can learn more about history... maybe for the parents and grandparents' generation, this exhibition can also help them to learn about this contemporary cultural phenomena,” Yu Yu said on Under the Radar.The exhibit also highlights the influence of fan culture for K-pop through the display of different K-pop groups' light sticks and online activism in the K-pop community. “The fandom has been the vehicle for this new phenomenon and I think it will be the crucial factor to [keep Hallyu] sustainable,” said professor Irhe Sohn, a Korean culture expert.This week Under the Radar discusses the significance of Hallyu, the links between the exhibit's pop culture and ancient pieces, and the fandom culture that continues to popularize South Korean media. GUESTSChristina Yu Yu, chair of Art of Asia at the Museum of Fine Arts, BostonIrhe Sohn, assistant professor of Korean Language and Literature at Smith College

From Oscar-winning movies like “Parasite” and the Oscar-nominated “Past Lives,” to the innovative modern fashion and the thumping beats of K-pop groups like BLACKPINK and BTS, South Korean culture has risen to global prominence. It’s known as the Korean Wave, or Hallyu.
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is highlighting Korean culture with “Hallyu! The Korean Wave” a new 250-piece exhibit which includes ancient art, current music and pop culture trends. 
The exhibit's curator, Christina Yu Yu, hopes that this exhibit can reach audiences of all ages. 
“For the younger generation, they can learn more about history... maybe for the parents and grandparents' generation, this exhibition can also help them to learn about this contemporary cultural phenomena,” Yu Yu said on Under the Radar.
The exhibit also highlights the influence of fan culture for K-pop through the display of different K-pop groups' light sticks and online activism in the K-pop community. 
“The fandom has been the vehicle for this new phenomenon and I think it will be the crucial factor to [keep Hallyu] sustainable,” said professor Irhe Sohn, a Korean culture expert.
This week Under the Radar discusses the significance of Hallyu, the links between the exhibit's pop culture and ancient pieces, and the fandom culture that continues to popularize South Korean media. 
GUESTS
Christina Yu Yu, chair of Art of Asia at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Irhe Sohn, assistant professor of Korean Language and Literature at Smith College

The new "Hallyu! The Korean Wave" exhibit at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts opened last month. It highlights South Korean global influence through vivid pop culture and historical pieces.

From ancient art to K-Pop, 'Hallyu! The Korean Wave' celebrates South Korea's global influence

This year 21 anti-transgender laws have passed nationwide with <a href="https://translegislation.com/">hundreds more</a> under consideration. But Maine’s legislature has gone against the trend, instead approving a new “<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-abortion-transgender-shield-law-9e1d7ca3d80089ff200ada9304813598">shield law</a>” protecting health care workers who provide gender-affirming care. It is headed to the desk of Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.It is incredibly important “to protect states where care is legal because providers are worried,” said Polly Crozier, director of family advocacy for GLBTQ Legal Advocates &amp; Defenders. “There's really a lot of disinformation and misinformation out there. And we want to make sure that in states where care is legal, that providers are able to provide best practice medical care.”Plus, Massachusetts U.S Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Elizabeth Warren successfully fought for $850,000 in federal funds for an LGBTQ+ Senior Housing Development known as The Pryde. This is a big win, says Janson Wu, senior director of state advocacy and government relations at The Trevor Project, but the battle for funding like this shouldn't be so difficult.“$850,000 is a big deal for this project. But when you think about it in the context of an appropriation bill, it's a fraction of a fraction of a percent,” Wu said. “And so the other story here is that it shows the extent that extreme conservatives in Congress have used the budgeting process as a way to attack the LGBTQ community. And that's a disturbing trend to have.”And while the South End once held the crown, many now claim Dorchester to be Boston’s star “gayborhood.” But trends come and go, says Grace Sterling Stowell, executive director of the Boston Alliance of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Youth.“I'm so old that I could tell you that back in the day, the Fenway was considered the gay neighborhood and Somerville was the lesbian neighborhood. And so, all of it, JP, Dorchester, South End were all up and coming since then,” said Sterling Stowell. “But I think it's important to acknowledge that, certainly historically, before the days of legal protections, and at least a relative greater level of public acceptance, the LGBTQ folks were not economically a group that could afford higher rents. And so historically, we were living in areas where rents were lower.”It's all on Under the Radar's LGBTQ News Roundtable.GUESTSGrace Sterling Stowell, executive director of the Boston Alliance of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Youth, or BAGLYJanson Wu, senior director of state advocacy and government relations at The Trevor ProjectPolly Crozier, director of family advocacy for GLBTQ Legal Advocates &amp; Defenders, or GLAD

This year 21 anti-transgender laws have passed nationwide with hundreds more under consideration. But Maine’s legislature has gone against the trend, instead approving a new “shield law” protecting health care workers who provide gender-affirming care. It is headed to the desk of Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.
It is incredibly important “to protect states where care is legal because providers are worried,” said Polly Crozier, director of family advocacy for GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. “There's really a lot of disinformation and misinformation out there. And we want to make sure that in states where care is legal, that providers are able to provide best practice medical care.”
Plus, Massachusetts U.S Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Elizabeth Warren successfully fought for $850,000 in federal funds for an LGBTQ+ Senior Housing Development known as The Pryde. 
This is a big win, says Janson Wu, senior director of state advocacy and government relations at The Trevor Project, but the battle for funding like this shouldn't be so difficult.
“$850,000 is a big deal for this project. But when you think about it in the context of an appropriation bill, it's a fraction of a fraction of a percent,” Wu said. “And so the other story here is that it shows the extent that extreme conservatives in Congress have used the budgeting process as a way to attack the LGBTQ community. And that's a disturbing trend to have.”
And while the South End once held the crown, many now claim Dorchester to be Boston’s star “gayborhood.” But trends come and go, says Grace Sterling Stowell, executive director of the Boston Alliance of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Youth.
“I'm so old that I could tell you that back in the day, the Fenway was considered the gay neighborhood and Somerville was the lesbian neighborhood. And so, all of it, JP, Dorchester, South End were all up and coming since then,” said Sterling Stowell. “But I think it's important to acknowledge that, certainly historically, before the days of legal protections, and at least a relative greater level of public acceptance, the LGBTQ folks were not economically a group that could afford higher rents. And so historically, we were living in areas where rents were lower.”
It's all 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
Janson Wu, senior director of state advocacy and government relations at The Trevor Project
Polly Crozier, director of family advocacy for GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, or GLAD

The legislation would protect medical providers from out-of-state investigations when handling gender-affirming care or abortions.

Maine legislature rallies for gender-affirming care with a new bill

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion rights were pushed into a blazing spotlight. The intense fallout from the 2022 decision resulted in new state-sponsored legal limits to abortion access as well as the successful blocking of would-be abortion bans in states like Kansas. Despite the highly charged ongoing national debate about abortion, national surveys show Americans’ attitudes remain about the same. A new poll of Bay State residents by GBH and Commonwealth Beacon conducted by the MassINC Polling Group echoes the national polling. MaryRose Mazzola from the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts told Under the Radar she has seen an influx of out-of-state patients since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. She said new abortion bans, “force people to travel or they force people to seek other options and figure this out on their own.”Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will soon rule on how Americans can access mifepristone — a major abortion medication and method used by <a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/medication-abortion-accounted-63-all-us-abortions-2023-increase-53-2020">nearly two-thirds</a> of all who seek abortions. Arizona’s highest court ruled earlier this week that an 1864 law banning abortion is now enforceable.Amelia Bonow from Shout Your Abortion argues that the prevalence of abortion is more than what it seems from public opinion polls. “We all know a lot of people who have had abortions,” said Bonow on Under the Radar. “One in three women has at least one abortion in their lifetime and that is a consistent statistic across demographics race, class.”The stigma around abortion is what fuels the national debate says Erin O'Brien, a political science professor from UMass Boston.“The more that Massachusetts and other states can do to talk about how normative of an experience abortion is, that's better for politics and reproductive health for all women, regardless of whether they choose to have an abortion,” said O'Brien.GUESTSErin O’Brien, associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Boston. MaryRose Mazzola, chief external affairs officer for Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Amelia Bonow, executive director of Shout Your Abortion, an abortion rights advocacy organization.

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion rights were pushed into a blazing spotlight. The intense fallout from the 2022 decision resulted in new state-sponsored legal limits to abortion access as well as the successful blocking of would-be abortion bans in states like Kansas. 
Despite the highly charged ongoing national debate about abortion, national surveys show Americans’ attitudes remain about the same. A new poll of Bay State residents by GBH and Commonwealth Beacon conducted by the MassINC Polling Group echoes the national polling. 
MaryRose Mazzola from the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts told Under the Radar she has seen an influx of out-of-state patients since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. She said new abortion bans, “force people to travel or they force people to seek other options and figure this out on their own.”
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will soon rule on how Americans can access mifepristone — a major abortion medication and method used by nearly two-thirds of all who seek abortions. Arizona’s highest court ruled earlier this week that an 1864 law banning abortion is now enforceable.
Amelia Bonow from Shout Your Abortion argues that the prevalence of abortion is more than what it seems from public opinion polls. 
“We all know a lot of people who have had abortions,” said Bonow on Under the Radar. “One in three women has at least one abortion in their lifetime and that is a consistent statistic across demographics race, class.”
The stigma around abortion is what fuels the national debate says Erin O'Brien, a political science professor from UMass Boston.
“The more that Massachusetts and other states can do to talk about how normative of an experience abortion is, that's better for politics and reproductive health for all women, regardless of whether they choose to have an abortion,” said O'Brien.
GUESTS
Erin O’Brien, associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Boston. 
MaryRose Mazzola, chief external affairs officer for Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. 
Amelia Bonow, executive director of Shout Your Abortion, an abortion rights advocacy organization.

Under the Radar discusses the results of a local public opinion poll on abortion and the highly contested Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.  

Bay Staters' attitudes on abortion reflect nationwide consensus

"Relinquished" is an industry term used to describe the process where parents give up their children for adoption. The term is also the title of author Gretchen Sisson's new book, “Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and The Privilege of American Motherhood” which profiles the stories of birth mothers and breaks down the myths and misunderstandings about the American adoption process.For many birth mothers, the stigma prevents them from forming healthy relationships with their child and the child's adoptive family said Sisson in an interview on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley. “When you only have these two types of stories to tell, the one where the [birth] mother doesn’t care, or the one where her desire to be part of her child's life is a problem, then you're not making space for openness in adoption that is well supported, well understood, and ultimately child-centered.”Listen to the full conversation above.GUESTGretchen Sisson, qualitative sociologist in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco and author of "Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and The Privilege of American Motherhood"

"Relinquished" is an industry term used to describe the process where parents give up their children for adoption. 
The term is also the title of author Gretchen Sisson's new book, “Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and The Privilege of American Motherhood” which profiles the stories of birth mothers and breaks down the myths and misunderstandings about the American adoption process.
For many birth mothers, the stigma prevents them from forming healthy relationships with their child and the child's adoptive family said Sisson in an interview on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley. 
“When you only have these two types of stories to tell, the one where the [birth] mother doesn’t care, or the one where her desire to be part of her child's life is a problem, then you're not making space for openness in adoption that is well supported, well understood, and ultimately child-centered.”
Listen to the full conversation above.
GUEST
Gretchen Sisson, qualitative sociologist in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco and author of "Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and The Privilege of American Motherhood"

The author of "Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and The Privilege of American Motherhood" sits down with Under the Radar to break down the reality of America's adoption system.

'Relinquished' aims to challenge our understanding of adoption in America

Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder and the Jonas Brothers have joined more than 200 U.S. musicians in an <a href="https://artistrightsnow.medium.com/200-artists-urge-tech-platforms-stop-devaluing-music-559fb109bbac">open letter</a> demanding protections against artificial intelligence. The group argues the new tech could undermine or replace human artists.Plus, Beyonce’s record-breaking album, “Cowboy Carter” is pushing boundaries in country music highlighting the genre’s Black artists and Black history.And comedian Kevin Hart’s peers tap him for the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.Under the Radar talks those stories and more for our Pop Culture News Roundtable.GUESTSMichael Jeffries, dean of academic affairs and professor of American studies at Wellesley CollegeKaren Huang, lecturer on history &amp; literature at Harvard University

Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder and the Jonas Brothers have joined more than 200 U.S. musicians in an open letter demanding protections against artificial intelligence. The group argues the new tech could undermine or replace human artists.
Plus, Beyonce’s record-breaking album, “Cowboy Carter” is pushing boundaries in country music highlighting the genre’s Black artists and Black history.
And comedian Kevin Hart’s peers tap him for the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Under the Radar talks those stories and more for our Pop Culture News Roundtable.
GUESTS
Michael Jeffries, dean of academic affairs and professor of American studies at Wellesley College
Karen Huang, lecturer on history & literature at Harvard University

More than 200 high-profile musicians have signed an open letter to AI developers and tech companies telling them to stop the "predatory use of AI to steal professional artists' voices and likenesses, violate creators' rights, and destroy the music ecosystem."

From Billie Eilish to Stevie Wonder, musicians demand creative protections against AI

March Madness wraps up this week as top college basketball players compete for the coveted <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/bracketiq/2023-03-15/what-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-explained" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NCAA championship</a>. Some of the most talented collegiate players will go on to join the pros in the NBA — and while it's likely they want to play like superstars LeBron James, Jason Tatum and Stephen Curry, to name a few, more and more it appears they also want to dress like them. 

"There was a lot of resistance at first," Mitchell S. Jackson, author of "Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion" told Under the Radar. "And we're really talking about the youngsters that come in the league at that time, which is Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul. Those are the guys that started to embrace the new standards, or mandates, of the NBA Fashion."

Under the Radar speaks with Jackson to learn how fashion icons have emerged from an unlikely setting — the NBA.

GUEST

Mitchell S. Jackson, Distinguished Professor in the Department of English at Arizona State University and author of "<a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mitchell-s-jackson/fly/9781648290923/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion."</a>

March Madness wraps up this week as top college basketball players compete for the coveted NCAA championship. Some of the most talented collegiate players will go on to join the pros in the NBA — and while it's likely they want to play like superstars LeBron James, Jason Tatum and Stephen Curry, to name a few, more and more it appears they also want to dress like them. 
"There was a lot of resistance at first," Mitchell S. Jackson, author of "Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion" told Under the Radar. "And we're really talking about the youngsters that come in the league at that time, which is Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul. Those are the guys that started to embrace the new standards, or mandates, of the NBA Fashion."
Under the Radar speaks with Jackson to learn how fashion icons have emerged from an unlikely setting — the NBA.
GUEST
Mitchell S. Jackson, Distinguished Professor in the Department of English at Arizona State University and author of "Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion."

"Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion" highlights the colorful culture and history of high fashion in men's professional basketball.

From fadeaways to the runway, 'Fly' documents the world of NBA fashion

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the national hunger crisis across the country. In Massachusetts, the number of households struggling with <a href="https://projectbread.org/hunger-by-the-numbers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">food insecurity </a>more than doubled, from about 8% pre-COVID to a record high of 19% during the pandemic.

Emergency food access programs, food pantries and even targeted pandemic food subsidies did not eliminate the hunger emergency. That inspired some communities across the state to install community refrigerators, filled with food shared by neighbors and local businesses. 

Maria Ravelli, of <a href="https://www.woofridge.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woo Fridge</a> and organizer behind the first-ever Worcester community fridge, shares that she is, "fueled by equal parts love and rage" to continue creating neighborly food-sharing spaces.

Since the pandemic, these fridges have continued to serve the high demand of the community. 

"We do multiple checks a day to make sure that the fridge is clean, that it's as stocked as it can be," Megan Ramette, an organizer of the Allston-Brighton fridge, said. "Things that we see that are stocked in the morning often don't last through the afternoon, and they certainly don't last through the evening." 

GUESTS

Megan Ramette, organizer for the Allston-Brighton community fridges. 

Maria Ravelli, organizer of Woo Fridge, from Worcester, Mass.

Here are some community fridges in Greater Boston to check out:

<ul>
<li><a href="http://instagram.com/allstonbrightonfridges/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All/Bright Community Fridge</a></li>
</ul>

Brighton Congregational: 404 Washington St., Brighton

<ul>
<li><a href="http://instagram.com/roslindalecommunityfridge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roslindale Community Fridge</a></li>
</ul>

1 Firth Road, Boston

<ul>
<li><a href="http://instagram.com/bostoncommunityfridge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jamaica Plain Community Fridge</a></li>
</ul>

672 Centre St., Jamaica Plain

<ul>
<li><a href="http://instagram.com/somervillecommunityfridge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Somerville Community Fridge (Winter Hill and Union Square)</a></li>
</ul>

35 Prospect St. and 36 Sewall St., (Somerville), 33 St Clement Rd (Medford)

<ul>
<li><a href="http://instagram.com/cambridgefridge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fridge in the Square – Harvard Square</a></li>
</ul>

45 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge

<ul>
<li><a href="http://instagram.com/brooklinecommunityfridge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brookline Community Fridge</a></li>
</ul>

7 Station St., Brookline

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lynncommunityfridge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lynn Community Fridge</a></li>
</ul>

16 City Hall Square, Lynn

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.woofridge.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worcester Community Fridges</a></li>
</ul>

16 Brooks St., 44 Portland St., 42 South St., 695 SouthBridge St., 2 Kansas St., Worcester

Want us to add another community fridge to this list? Email: thu<a href="mailto:le@wgbh.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">le@wgbh.org</a> or jesse<a href="mailto:steinmetz@wgbh.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">steinmetz@wgbh.org</a>.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the national hunger crisis across the country. In Massachusetts, the number of households struggling with food insecurity more than doubled, from about 8% pre-COVID to a record high of 19% during the pandemic.
Emergency food access programs, food pantries and even targeted pandemic food subsidies did not eliminate the hunger emergency. That inspired some communities across the state to install community refrigerators, filled with food shared by neighbors and local businesses. 
Maria Ravelli, of Woo Fridge and organizer behind the first-ever Worcester community fridge, shares that she is, "fueled by equal parts love and rage" to continue creating neighborly food-sharing spaces.
Since the pandemic, these fridges have continued to serve the high demand of the community. 
"We do multiple checks a day to make sure that the fridge is clean, that it's as stocked as it can be," Megan Ramette, an organizer of the Allston-Brighton fridge, said.  "Things that we see that are stocked in the morning often don't last through the afternoon, and they certainly don't last through the evening." 
GUESTS
Megan Ramette, organizer for the Allston-Brighton community fridges. 
Maria Ravelli, organizer of Woo Fridge, from Worcester, Mass.
Here are some community fridges in Greater Boston to check out:
All/Bright Community Fridge
Brighton Congregational: 404 Washington St., Brighton
Roslindale Community Fridge
1 Firth Road, Boston
Jamaica Plain Community Fridge
672 Centre St., Jamaica Plain
Somerville Community Fridge (Winter Hill and Union Square)
35 Prospect St. and 36 Sewall St., (Somerville), 33 St Clement Rd (Medford)
Fridge in the Square – Harvard Square
45 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge
Brookline Community Fridge
7 Station St., Brookline
Lynn Community Fridge
16 City Hall Square, Lynn
Worcester Community Fridges
16 Brooks St., 44 Portland St., 42 South St., 695 SouthBridge St., 2 Kansas St., Worcester
Want us to add another community fridge to this list? Email: thule@wgbh.org or jessesteinmetz@wgbh.org.

Under the Radar sits down with two community fridge organizers to discuss the importance, impact and struggles of organizing community fridges.

How community fridges continue to fight food insecurity across the commonwealth

From immigration to reproductive rights, issues that ignited the country in the last presidential election will be re-litigated in the rematch between President Biden and former President Trump. As the contest heats up, former President Trump’s speeches are reaching new levels of violent rhetoric — at a recent rally he predicted a "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/16/us/politics/trump-speech-ohio.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blood bath</a>" should he lose.

And Gov. Maura Healey opposes a potential ballot question that would eliminate the MCAS test as a requirement for high school graduation, an opposition that puts her at odds with the Massachusetts Teachers Union backing the question.

Plus, what are the takeaways from Super Tuesday and recent primary elections that may indicate trouble or triumph for both parties heading to November?

That and more during Under the Radar with Callie Crossley's full hour with members of the <a href="https://www.masspoliticsprofs.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mass Politics Profs</a>.

GUESTS

Erin O’Brien, associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Boston

Jerold Duquette, professor of political science and director of the Public Policy and Management Program at Central Connecticut State University

Maurice Cunningham, former associate professor of political science at UMass Boston

From immigration to reproductive rights, issues that ignited the country in the last presidential election will be re-litigated in the rematch between President Biden and former President Trump. As the contest heats up, former President Trump’s speeches are reaching new levels of violent rhetoric — at a recent rally he predicted a "blood bath" should he lose.
And Gov. Maura Healey opposes a potential ballot question that would eliminate the MCAS test as a requirement for high school graduation, an opposition that puts her at odds with the Massachusetts Teachers Union backing the question.
Plus, what are the takeaways from Super Tuesday and recent primary elections that may indicate trouble or triumph for both parties heading to November?
That and more during Under the Radar with Callie Crossley's full hour with members of the Mass Politics Profs.
GUESTS
Erin O’Brien, associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Boston
Jerold Duquette, professor of political science and director of the Public Policy and Management Program at Central Connecticut State University
Maurice Cunningham, former associate professor of political science at UMass Boston

Under the Radar is joined by the Mass Politics Profs to discuss Gov. Healey's opposition to banning the MCAS as a graduation requirement, Super Tuesday's results and the dangerous campaign rhetoric of former President Trump.

Trump continues to signal he won't accept a loss in November

How did Ella Fitzgerald become the legend she was? 

That’s the question author Judith Tick asks and answers in her new biography on the famed vocalist, “Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song," our March selection for Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club.

Jazz and history buffs know about the young Ella Fitzgerald’s first nervous performance at Harlem’s famed <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/t-magazine/harlem-apollo-theater-ella-fitzgerald.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apollo Theater</a>. The new book marks that pivotal moment in the life of the would-be dancer and many new details in the first full-scaled biography since the singer’s death nearly thirty years ago. 

Tick describes Fitzgerald's legacy as a duality: "She could sing all kinds of songs... she could go on all kinds of television programs and uplift people around her. And yet, at the same time, her humility and her ordinariness shows us the full dimensions of a great personality."

From turning a nursery rhyme into a classic jazz tune to perfecting improvisational singing known as scatting, Ella Fitzgerald’s talent led her to become one of America’s cultural icons. 

GUEST

Judith Tick, Professor emeritus of music history at Boston’s Northeastern University. She is the author of “Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song.”

How did Ella Fitzgerald become the legend she was? 
That’s the question author Judith Tick asks and answers in her new biography on the famed vocalist, “Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song," our March selection for Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club.
Jazz and history buffs know about the young Ella Fitzgerald’s first nervous performance at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater. The new book marks that pivotal moment in the life of the would-be dancer and many new details in the first full-scaled biography since the singer’s death nearly thirty years ago. 
Tick describes Fitzgerald's legacy as a duality: "She could sing all kinds of songs... she could go on all kinds of television programs and uplift people around her. And yet, at the same time, her humility and her ordinariness shows us the full dimensions of a great personality."
From turning a nursery rhyme into a classic jazz tune to perfecting improvisational singing known as scatting, Ella Fitzgerald’s talent led her to become one of America’s cultural icons. 
GUEST
Judith Tick, Professor emeritus of music history at Boston’s Northeastern University. She is the author of “Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song.”

Under the Radar sits down with the author of “Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song," a new biography detailing the life of jazz legend, Ella Fitzgerald.

The 'Queen of Jazz,' Ella Fitzgerald's legacy is celebrated in new book

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have officially clinched the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/12/us/politics/trump-republican-nomination.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">required delegates</a> for their Democratic and Republican presidential nominations. With the unofficial general campaign underway, both parties are eager to win the Latino vote. Now, a Republican strategy to shore up Latino support is becoming clear as they are aligning with Latin American politicians — far-right populist President of Argentina, Javier Milei, was a featured speaker at the recent Conservative Political Action Committee, as well as President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, who told the crowd to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68377406" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"put up a fight"</a> against the "global elites" to win back the U.S.

Plus, accusations of racism are flaring up as temporary shelters are being set up across the state to house <a href="https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2024-02-02/why-did-the-healey-administration-turn-a-roxbury-complex-into-migrant-housing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">migrant families</a>. 

And Big Papi threw <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/dominican-series-2024-ceremonial-details" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a first pitch</a> at the Red Sox's recent exhibition game in the Dominican Republic — showcasing Dominican players’ dominance in American baseball. 

We break down those stories and more on our Latinx News Roundtable this week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley.

GUESTS

Julio Ricardo Varela, MSNBC columnist and founder of Latino Rebels

Marcela García, opinion columnist and associate editor at the Boston Globe

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have officially clinched the required delegates for their Democratic and Republican presidential nominations. With the unofficial general campaign underway, both parties are eager to win the Latino vote. Now, a Republican strategy to shore up Latino support is becoming clear as they are aligning with Latin American politicians — far-right populist President of Argentina, Javier Milei, was a featured speaker at the recent Conservative Political Action Committee, as well as President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, who told the crowd to "put up a fight" against the "global elites" to win back the U.S.
Plus, accusations of racism are flaring up as temporary shelters are being set up across the state to house migrant families. 
And Big Papi threw a first pitch at the Red Sox's recent exhibition game in the Dominican Republic — showcasing Dominican players’ dominance in American baseball. 
We break down those stories and more on our Latinx News Roundtable this week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley.
GUESTS
Julio Ricardo Varela, MSNBC columnist and founder of Latino Rebels
Marcela García, opinion columnist and associate editor at the Boston Globe

Our Latinx News Roundtable breaks down why U.S. conservatives believe a connection with right-wing leaders in Latin America may garner the Latino vote at home.

Why some Republicans are aligning with Latin American populists

Greater Boston is home to one of the largest populations of Puerto Ricans. It's a local community that expanded by the thousands after World War II, when about six million islanders from the US territory made their way to the mainland looking for better economic opportunities.

They enriched the nation’s cultural melting pot with aspects of indigenous customs and traditions. Today, with an even greater appreciation for authentic representation and a ready audience to celebrate it, organizers have created BoriCorridor, an inaugural arts-led tour of the Northeast to celebrate Boricuan, or Puerto Rican, diaspora heritage. Under the Radar gets a preview before it arrives in Boston later this month. 

GUESTS

Elsa Mosquera, Co-Founder and Principal at the Agora Cultural Architects And Creator of BoriCorridor. 

Melissa Rodriguez, a stand-up comedian of Teatro Breve, the Puerto Rican variety show performing on the first weekend of the BoriCorridor tour.

Greater Boston is home to one of the largest populations of Puerto Ricans. It's a local community that expanded by the thousands after World War II, when about six million islanders from the US territory made their way to the mainland looking for better economic opportunities.
They enriched the nation’s cultural melting pot with aspects of indigenous customs and traditions. Today, with an even greater appreciation for authentic representation and a ready audience to celebrate it, organizers have created BoriCorridor, an inaugural arts-led tour of the Northeast to celebrate Boricuan, or Puerto Rican, diaspora heritage. Under the Radar gets a preview before it arrives in Boston later this month. 
GUESTS
Elsa Mosquera, Co-Founder and Principal at the Agora Cultural Architects And Creator of BoriCorridor. 
Melissa Rodriguez, a stand-up comedian of Teatro Breve, the Puerto Rican variety show performing on the first weekend of the BoriCorridor tour.

The BoriCorridor inaugural tour is bringing Puerto Rican arts, music, and entertainment to Boston and other Northeastern cities.

The island spirit of Puerto Rico is coming to Boston in an inaugural cultural tour

From the 1500s through the Civil War, more than 10 million Black men, women and children were enslaved in America.

Slavery deemed them property. They were listed on bills of sale; their family members were sold away and their names were changed. After emancipation and the Civil War, the formerly enslaved found many of the familial threads of connection buried or lost. It’s why their African-American descendants have difficulty tracing their lineage.

Now, a local organization is leading a national collaborative project to identify each of the 10 million people, stories, and names of those who were enslaved in pre- and post-colonial America. 

Danyelle White, who has been restoring her personal Black lineage for 6 years, highlights the need for this project: "I'm almost doing this for the sake of justice...I am very interested in uncovering stories and creating a full picture, not just for myself, but [for] the rest of my family, and for everyone else. We all deserve to understand where we come from." 

Dr. Kendra Taira Field, chief historian of 10 Million Names, says that this is just the beginning of many years of hard work that must go into heritage recovery and restoration: "We're at a really powerful and beautiful moment of great potential and possibility... As we bring together the tools of historians, genealogists, and descendants, I think we have a great, great future ahead."

"It's pretty hard to tell the history of slavery without talking about the white folks and their involvement," said Richard Cellini, founding director of 10 Million Names. He emphasizes that this work is necessary for all of America, regardless of whether you are Black or not: "This is not Black history and it's not white history. This is American history."

GUESTS

Dr. Kendra Taira Field, chief historian of 10 Million Names, associate professor of history and director of the center for the study of race and democracy at Tufts University

Richard Cellini, founding director of 10 Million Names, director of the Harvard Slavery Remembrance Program and founder of the Georgetown Memory Project

Danyelle White, vice president of strategic initiatives &amp; community engagement at the Salt Lake Tribune, she has been tracing her Black family heritage for 6 years

From the 1500s through the Civil War, more than 10 million Black men, women and children were enslaved in America.
Slavery deemed them property. They were listed on bills of sale; their family members were sold away and their names were changed. After emancipation and the Civil War, the formerly enslaved found many of the familial threads of connection buried or lost. It’s why their African-American descendants have difficulty tracing their lineage.
Now, a local organization is leading a national collaborative project to identify each of the 10 million people, stories, and names of those who were enslaved in pre- and post-colonial America. 
Danyelle White, who has been restoring her personal Black lineage for 6 years, highlights the need for this project: "I'm almost doing this for the sake of justice...I am very interested in uncovering stories and creating a full picture, not just for myself, but [for] the rest of my family, and for everyone else. We all deserve to understand where we come from." 
Dr. Kendra Taira Field, chief historian of 10 Million Names, says that this is just the beginning of many years of hard work that must go into heritage recovery and restoration: "We're at a really powerful and beautiful moment of great potential and possibility... As we bring together the tools of historians, genealogists, and descendants, I think we have a great, great future ahead."
"It's pretty hard to tell the history of slavery without talking about the white folks and their involvement," said Richard Cellini, founding director of 10 Million Names. He emphasizes that this work is necessary for all of America, regardless of whether you are Black or not:  "This is not Black history and it's not white history. This is American history."
GUESTS
Dr. Kendra Taira Field, chief historian of 10 Million Names, associate professor of history and director of the center for the study of race and democracy at Tufts University
Richard Cellini, founding director of 10 Million Names, director of the Harvard Slavery Remembrance Program and founder of the Georgetown Memory Project
Danyelle White, vice president of strategic initiatives & community engagement at the Salt Lake Tribune, she has been tracing her Black family heritage for 6 years

10 Million Names aims to recover and restore the history of those enslaved from America's past. 

A local organization is tracing the lineage of enslaved Americans to their present-day ancestors

In 1993, "The Joy Luck Club" was a surprise hit. The poignant story featuring an all-Asian cast broke barriers at the box office.

Would "The Joy Luck Club" inspire more stories drawn from the Asian American experience? No, as it turned out — it took 25 years before 2018’s “Crazy Rich Asians,” another film featuring an all-Asian cast, became a breakout global hit.

Last year, Asian representation got its biggest boost since “Crazy Rich Asians” when the movie “Everything Everywhere All At Once” reaped top box office receipts as well as near-universal acclaim from critics and fans. 

This year, Asian representation in TV and movies presents us with "the biggest menu yet," says Elena Creef, professor of women’s and gender studies at Wellesley College. "I am so thrilled to see the most diversity across genres of storytelling for Asian-American stories — I think ever."

Jenny Korn, research affiliate at Harvard University, celebrates the focus on the intersectional identities of Asians in this year's catalog, including the film "Joy Ride."

"I will say this movie has the greatest amount of queer visibility for Asians," she said, adding that "of all the movies that we're discussing today, [it] does the most explicit job of declaring authenticity for Asians and intra-Asian across ethnicities."

In this special hourlong discussion, Under the Radar looks at a broad sample of new Asian-American representation in movies and shows like "Past Lives," "BEEF," "The Brothers Sun" and more. 

GUESTS

Jenny Korn, Research Affiliate and Founder and Coordinator of the Race, Tech and Media Working Group at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University.

Elena Creef, Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at Wellesley College. specializing in Asian American visual history in photography, film and popular culture.

In 1993, "The Joy Luck Club" was a surprise hit. The poignant story featuring an all-Asian cast broke barriers at the box office.
Would "The Joy Luck Club" inspire more stories drawn from the Asian American experience? No, as it turned out — it took 25 years before 2018’s “Crazy Rich Asians,” another film featuring an all-Asian cast, became a breakout global hit.
Last year, Asian representation got its biggest boost since “Crazy Rich Asians” when the movie “Everything Everywhere All At Once” reaped top box office receipts as well as near-universal acclaim from critics and fans. 
This year, Asian representation in TV and movies presents us with "the biggest menu yet," says Elena Creef, professor of women’s and gender studies at Wellesley College. "I am so thrilled to see the most diversity across genres of storytelling for Asian-American stories — I think ever."
Jenny Korn, research affiliate at Harvard University, celebrates the focus on the intersectional identities of Asians in this year's catalog, including the film "Joy Ride."
"I will say this movie has the greatest amount of queer visibility for Asians," she said, adding that "of all the movies that we're discussing today, [it] does the most explicit job of declaring authenticity for Asians and intra-Asian across ethnicities."
In this special hourlong discussion, Under the Radar looks at a broad sample of new Asian-American representation in movies and shows like "Past Lives," "BEEF," "The Brothers Sun" and more. 
GUESTS
Jenny Korn, Research Affiliate and Founder and Coordinator of the Race, Tech and Media Working Group at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University.
Elena Creef, Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at Wellesley College. specializing in Asian American visual history in photography, film and popular culture.

Under the Radar breaks down new Asian American-centered representation in TV and movies in this special hour-long discussion. 

A year of 'wins' for Asian American representation in movies and TV

In the 1950s, most single, white middle-class women were expected to marry and raise a family — much like their mothers before them.

But becoming a flight attendant, or a "stewardess" as they were referred to then, offered another kind of life for young women — a life of adventure.

From GBH’s "American Experience" program, the new documentary "Fly with Me" showcases the firsthand accounts of the pioneering women, who historians argue, transformed the workplace — both in the air and on the ground.

Co-director Sarah Colt describes the stewardesses featured in the film as women filled with "wanderlust," who were "interesting and engaged with pushing boundaries.

These young women were drawn to an independent life of travel and glamor. But the airlines also imposed women-only job restrictions like weigh-ins, and deliberately excluded Black women.

Under the Radar host Callie Crossley spoke with Sarah Colt, co-director of the film and Julia Cooke, author and historian, about the film and the role flight attendants played in the movement for gender equity in the workplace.

GUESTS

Sarah Colt, writer and co-director of "<a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/fly-with-me/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fly With Me</a>," an "American Experience" documentary and GBH production

Julia Cooke, author and historian featured in "Fly With Me"

In the 1950s, most single, white middle-class women were expected to marry and raise a family — much like their mothers before them.
But becoming a flight attendant, or a "stewardess" as they were referred to then, offered another kind of life for young women — a life of adventure.
From GBH’s "American Experience" program, the new documentary "Fly with Me" showcases the firsthand accounts of the pioneering women, who historians argue, transformed the workplace — both in the air and on the ground.
Co-director Sarah Colt describes the stewardesses featured in the film as women filled with "wanderlust," who were "interesting and engaged with pushing boundaries.
These young women were drawn to an independent life of travel and glamor. But the airlines also imposed women-only job restrictions like weigh-ins, and deliberately excluded Black women.
Under the Radar host Callie Crossley spoke with Sarah Colt, co-director of the film and Julia Cooke, author and historian, about the film and the role flight attendants played in the movement for gender equity in the workplace.
GUESTS
Sarah Colt, writer and co-director of "Fly With Me," an "American Experience" documentary and GBH production
Julia Cooke, author and historian featured in "Fly With Me"

"Fly With Me" features the stories of stewardesses who fought back against the sexist and racist restrictions of the 1950s airline industry.

New documentary shows how flight attendants fought to transform workplace, break gender barriers

Forty acres and a mule. That’s <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/04/15/40-acres-mule-slavery-reparations/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">what was promised</a> to thousands of the formerly enslaved in a post-Civil War nation. Since then, America has grappled with the idea of reparations for Black Americans.

But in recent years, some cities, towns, and states have begun to consider — and move forward — with reparations as atonement for America’s cruel history of slavery.

A new 7-part podcast from GBH News called "What Is Owed?" explores what reparations might look like in Boston, one of the oldest cities in America, and if there is an achievable plan for the rest of the country.

GUESTS

Saraya Wintersmith, politics reporter for GBH News and host of "<a href="https://www.wgbh.org/podcasts/what-is-owed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What Is Owed?"</a>

Jerome Campbell, senior producer for "What Is Owed?"

Dr. William Darity, professor of Public Policy, African and African American Studies, and Economics and the director of the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University

Forty acres and a mule. That’s what was promised to thousands of the formerly enslaved in a post-Civil War nation. Since then, America has grappled with the idea of reparations for Black Americans.
But in recent years, some cities, towns, and states have begun to consider — and move forward — with reparations as atonement for America’s cruel history of slavery.
A new 7-part podcast from GBH News called "What Is Owed?" explores what reparations might look like in Boston, one of the oldest cities in America, and if there is an achievable plan for the rest of the country.
GUESTS
Saraya Wintersmith, politics reporter for GBH News and host of "What Is Owed?"
Jerome Campbell, senior producer for "What Is Owed?"
Dr. William Darity, professor of Public Policy, African and African American Studies, and Economics and the director of the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University

A new podcast from GBH News, "What Is Owed?" explores what reparations would look like in one of America's oldest cities.

America has grappled with reparations for centuries. Will it happen in Boston?

Editor's note: This episode originally broadcast November 24, 2023.

When the MacArthur Foundation named its class of 2023 “genius grant" fellows last month, the recipients joined an exclusive group of previous fellows who have demonstrated outstanding talent and leadership in their fields. 

Interdisciplinary scholar and writer Imani Perry is one of this year's MacArthur fellows.

“I describe my work in part as haunting the past,” Perry said. “I'm trying to train my attention on those who were disregarded in the past as a way of shaping our ethics for the present and the future. So it's sort of like trying to catch a hold of freedom, dreams that have existed over the course of generations, train my gaze and shine a light on them.”

Perry, who is also a Boston University professor, studies the history and the cultural expressions forged by Black Americans in the face of injustice. There are 20 MacArthur fellows across the country, and Perry is one of four based in the Boston area. We talked with professor Perry for Under the Radar's series, “The Genius Next Door.”

Editor's note: This episode originally broadcast November 24, 2023.
When the MacArthur Foundation named its class of 2023 “genius grant" fellows last month, the recipients joined an exclusive group of previous fellows who have demonstrated outstanding talent and leadership in their fields. 
Interdisciplinary scholar and writer Imani Perry is one of this year's MacArthur fellows.
“I describe my work in part as haunting the past,” Perry said. “I'm trying to train my attention on those who were disregarded in the past as a way of shaping our ethics for the present and the future. So it's sort of like trying to catch a hold of freedom, dreams that have existed over the course of generations, train my gaze and shine a light on them.”
Perry, who is also a Boston University professor, studies the history and the cultural expressions forged by Black Americans in the face of injustice. There are 20 MacArthur fellows across the country, and Perry is one of four based in the Boston area. We talked with professor Perry for Under the Radar's series, “The Genius Next Door.”

Last year, interdisciplinary scholar and writer Imani Perry was named one of the MacArthur "genius" grant fellows for 2023. She's one of four local awardees, part of Under the Radar's series, "The Genius Next Door."

The Genius Next Door: Harvard's Imani Perry on the history and culture forged by Black Americans

Editor's note: This episode originally broadcast on November 24, 2023.

In 1973, Americans triumphed in a fashion smackdown that earned the country respect and admiration among critics worldwide.

On that day 50 years ago, American and French designers went head-to-head in a creative competition dubbed the “<a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a43529068/battle-of-versailles-50-anniversary-history-alva-chinn/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Battle of Versailles</a>." The fashion show was held at the historic Palace of Versailles, the former residence of King Louis XIV.

The Americans won with cutting-edge ready-to-wear and stunning <a href="https://www.instyle.com/fashion/battle-versailles-interviews-pat-cleveland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black models</a>. A half-century later, the legacy of the once-obscure event continues to shape global fashion.

GUESTS

Robin Givhan, senior critic-at-large for the Washington Post and author of “The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled into the Spotlight and Made History”

Alva Chinn, actress and model from the 1973 "Battle of Versailles"

Jay Calderin, founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week and co-director of education at the School of Fashion Design in Boston

Editor's note: This episode originally broadcast on November 24, 2023.
In 1973, Americans triumphed in a fashion smackdown that earned the country respect and admiration among critics worldwide.
On that day 50 years ago, American and French designers went head-to-head in a creative competition dubbed the “Battle of Versailles." The fashion show was held at the historic Palace of Versailles, the former residence of King Louis XIV.
The Americans won with cutting-edge ready-to-wear and stunning Black models. A half-century later, the legacy of the once-obscure event continues to shape global fashion.
GUESTS
Robin Givhan, senior critic-at-large for the Washington Post and author of “The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled into the Spotlight and Made History”
Alva Chinn, actress and model from the 1973 "Battle of Versailles"
Jay Calderin, founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week and co-director of education at the School of Fashion Design in Boston

On November 28, 1973 a fashion show rocked the Palace of Versailles and forever changed our understanding of style.

Why the 'Battle of Versailles' still resonates 50 years later 

Almost thirty years ago, President Bill Clinton formally declared the <a href="https://clintonwhitehouse4.archives.gov/WH/New/APAHM/pir.html#:%7E:text=The%20President's%20Initiative%20on%20Race%20is%20an%20effort%20to%20move,and%20fairness%20for%20all%20Americans." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“President's Initiative on Race”</a> with the goal of jumpstarting a national discussion about race. Arguably, there ended up being more conversation about the initiative than the actual discussions he’d hoped it would inspire.

In 2016, former Boston mayor Marty Walsh ushered in a similar <a href="https://www.martywalsh.org/priority/racial-justice/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">citywide race conversation</a>.

Last month, GBH announced a multifaceted program to spark a new public conversation about the nation’s race history. GBH President and CEO Susan Goldberg joins Under the Radar to discuss the importance of the new “Reckoning and Repair” initiative.

GUEST

Susan Goldberg, president and CEO of GBH

Almost thirty years ago, President Bill Clinton formally declared the “President's Initiative on Race” with the goal of jumpstarting a national discussion about race. Arguably, there ended up being more conversation about the initiative than the actual discussions he’d hoped it would inspire.
In 2016, former Boston mayor Marty Walsh ushered in a similar citywide race conversation.
Last month, GBH announced a multifaceted program to spark a new public conversation about the nation’s race history. GBH President and CEO Susan Goldberg joins Under the Radar to discuss the importance of the new “Reckoning and Repair” initiative.
GUEST
Susan Goldberg, president and CEO of GBH

GBH President and CEO Susan Goldberg joins Under the Radar to discuss why the multi-year initiative is an imperative discussion for this moment.

GBH President and CEO Susan Goldberg on the importance of 'Reckoning and Repair' initiative

The blood-soaked heritage of America’s enslavement of an estimated <a href="https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/teacher-resources/historical-context-facts-about-slave-trade-and-slavery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10 million Africans</a> is a fact. Yet some Americans refuse to recognize or openly discuss the communal inherited pain, shame and anger linked to that history.

But conversations about this fraught history are happening, according to author and journalist Michele Norris' latest book, “Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity.” 

Norris describes the real-life anecdotes from Americans in her book as "like you're just walking through America and hearing people speaking out loud about the things that they only usually only talk about in private." 

GUEST

Michele Norris, author, journalist for The Washington Post, host and executive producer of the podcast, "Your Mama's Kitchen," and former co-host of NPR's "All Things Considered"

The blood-soaked heritage of America’s enslavement of an estimated 10 million Africans is a fact. Yet some Americans refuse to recognize or openly discuss the communal inherited pain, shame and anger linked to that history.
But conversations about this fraught history are happening, according to author and journalist Michele Norris' latest book, “Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity.” 
Norris describes the real-life anecdotes from Americans in her book as "like you're just walking through America and hearing people speaking out loud about the things that they only usually only talk about in private." 
GUEST
Michele Norris, author, journalist for The Washington Post, host and executive producer of the podcast, "Your Mama's Kitchen," and former co-host of NPR's "All Things Considered"

Michele Norris's latest book, "Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity," explores how Americans are engaging in frank and covert dialogues about race.

'Our Hidden Conversations' reveals the poignant discussions that Americans are having about race

Florida <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/desantis-signs-bills-affecting-lgbtq-community/story?id=99393976" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bolsters its reputation</a> as an anti-LGBTQ state with a new rule — trans residents can <a href="https://19thnews.org/2024/01/florida-trans-drivers-license-update/?utm_source=The+19th&amp;utm_campaign=935957f89d-19th-newsletters-daily-0131&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a35c3279be-935957f89d-367252964" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">no longer update their driver’s license with their correct gender identity</a>.

Plus, a New Hampshire town manager <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/new-hampshire-town-manager-resigns-homophobic-harassment-rcna136858" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stepped down</a> after being harassed in an ongoing controversy about an LGBTQ art display.

And the Massachusetts State Senate <a href="http://www.baywindows.com/story.php?ch=news&amp;sc=massachusetts&amp;id=331081" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">passed a bill</a> 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 &amp; Defenders, or GLAD

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

Trans residents can no longer update their driver’s license with their correct gender identity in Florida, one of many lapses in protections for the LGBTQ community in the state — Under the Radar breaks down that story and more on our LGBTQ News Roundtable.

Florida continues its assault on LGBTQ rights with a new driver's license rule

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 "<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056592/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To Kill A Mockingbird."</a>

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 <a href="https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/history-lynching-america" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">holds the record</a> 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"

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"

Grace Elizabeth Hale's latest book is an examination of America's troubled racist history and how it ties to her own family.

 'In the Pines' author confronts family's ties to Mississippi lynching

New Hampshire is not generally considered a beacon of Black culture, where the last census documented people of color to be <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/NH/PST045223" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">just a fraction</a> of the general population.

But the <a href="https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire</a> 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

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

The Granite state is not usually considered a mecca of Black culture — but the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is working to preserve all the ways the state has been shaped by Black figures.

Why one organization is working to highlight New Hampshire's rich Black history

From the Oxford English to the Merriam-Webster, English language dictionaries are well established in the U.S. 

But the effort to create <a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/02/15/new-app-will-help-preserve-and-teach-dakota-language-one-word-at-a-time" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dictionaries of indigenous languages</a> 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

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

A Roxbury author plans to publish an English to Cape Verdean Creole dictionary this summer. 

A new dictionary aims to boost the language and pride of Cabo Verdeans

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 “<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2024-01-19/us-launches-disaster-relief-reforms-as-climate-driven-events-rise" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">displacement assistance</a>.” In Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey has released the <a href="https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-releases-first-round-of-disaster-relief-funds-to-municipalities" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">first round of funding</a> for cities impacted by flooding last year. 

Plus, <a href="https://grist.org/science/bottled-water-nanoplastics-microplastics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new research</a> 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

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

Under the Radar's Environmental News Roundtable unpacks recent announcements about disaster management relief, new research on microplastics and why electric vehicles are struggling in cold weather.

New reforms open up access to disaster funding in Massachusetts and beyond

Whether you measure it by its politics, pubs or people, <a href="https://www.irishstar.com/culture/nostalgia/fitzgerald-kennedy-how-irish-dominated-29948859" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boston's Irish heritage</a> 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 <a href="https://www.crystalballroomboston.com/events/not-your-usual-burns-night/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Not Your Usual Burns Night,"</a> 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

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

From kilts to bagpipes, local groups are promoting Scottish culture to stand out from Boston's long Irish heritage.

Scottish culture is piping up in Boston

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 href="https://carsey.unh.edu/publication/large-pool-new-voters-could-add-volatility-to-new-hampshire-primary" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a new study</a> 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

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

A UNH study found there are a potential 245,000 new voters because of newcomers moving to New Hampshire, young people reaching voting age and longtime residents having left the state or died.

As goes New Hampshire so goes the nation? New voters may change Granite State politics

Last year, <a href="https://www.boston.gov/news/embrace-unveiled-boston" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a new memorial</a> 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

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

Duane and Deborah Jackson are one of a handful of couples distinguished as 2024 Embrace Boston honorees.

Two Embrace Boston honorees reflect on their efforts for a more equitable city

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday that is also designated a <a href="https://americorps.gov/serve/volunteer/mlk-day" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Day of Service</a>. 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 "<a href="https://www.pbs.org/pov/films/brieftenderlight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brief Tender Light</a>"

Philip Abel Adama, CTO and co-founder of Cleva Banking and a student featured in Brief Tender Light

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

Under the Radar sits down with the director and a student featured in "Brief Tender Light," a new film about four African students navigating their studies at the world's premier engineering school.

New documentary features African students at MIT and their journey far from home

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 "<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/318615/my-name-is-barbra-by-barbra-streisand/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Name is Barbra</a>" 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 <a href="https://www.barbra-archives.info/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barbra Archives</a>, a Barbra Streisand fan website and author of “Barbra Streisand: The Music, the Albums, the Singles”

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”

Barbra Streisand spent a decade writing 'My Name is Barbra,' and fans and critics alike have heaped praise onto the 1,000 page book.

Two experts unpack Barbra Streisand's long-awaited memoir

Local shoppers at the California-based grocery store chain Trader Joe's and Massachusetts’ own Market Basket know there is no self-checkout in either store.

Even as self-service checkouts gained floor space in other American grocery and retail stores, those two bet that their customers preferred the efficiency of trained human staff. And recently, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-pulling-self-checkout-lanes-from-some-stores-2023-9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">some large retailers</a> — Walmart, Costco and Dollar General — have announced they are rethinking self-checkout by adding more staff, or in some cases, removing the machines altogether. 

Advocates say self-checkout is convenient and reduces employee costs, while critics argue the system has failed to deliver on those promises as many businesses have been hit with merchandise losses from customer errors and shoplifting.

Under the Radar looks to the future of self-checkout to find out if the practice has gone stale. 

GUESTS

Rita McGrath, academic director of executive education at Columbia Business School

Phil Lempert, founder and CEO of Supermarket Guru, a food and health news hub

Local shoppers at the California-based grocery store chain Trader Joe's and Massachusetts’ own Market Basket know there is no self-checkout in either store.
Even as self-service checkouts gained floor space in other American grocery and retail stores, those two bet that their customers preferred the efficiency of trained human staff. And recently, some large retailers — Walmart, Costco and Dollar General — have announced they are rethinking self-checkout by adding more staff, or in some cases, removing the machines altogether. 
Advocates say self-checkout is convenient and reduces employee costs, while critics argue the system has failed to deliver on those promises as many businesses have been hit with merchandise losses from customer errors and shoplifting.
Under the Radar looks to the future of self-checkout to find out if the practice has gone stale. 
GUESTS
Rita McGrath, academic director of executive education at Columbia Business School
Phil Lempert, founder and CEO of Supermarket Guru, a food and health news hub

Critics argue it is finally time to check out of self-checkout.

Why some grocery stores are rejecting self-checkout and replacing them with humans

For many Americans, there can be only one Christmas song to rule them all: Mariah Carey's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"All I Want For Christmas Is You."</a> In addition to 772 million views on that single YouTube video alone, it has hit <a href="https://apnews.com/article/christmas-mariah-carey-queen-song-346d94b58c268edb5a7fcb3c912e982c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart</a> the past four years in a row and is believed to have raked in nearly $100 million in earnings thus far.

But for the rest of us, there is a world of underground, often bizarre holiday music, and Under the Radar's holiday music correspondent has spent decades dredging them up from record stores and and forgotten corners of the internet. 

This season, for his 34th year of holiday melodies, Mike Wilkins honors his mixtape history with this year’s seasonal compilation, “Mr. Mike's Merry Mix," a Yuletopia recording.

GUEST

Mike Wilkins, radio engineer for PRX and GBH’s <a href="https://theworld.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The World</a>

Stream or download his full playlist on SoundCloud: 

<a href="https://soundcloud.com/seenthat/mikemas2023" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/seenthat/mikemas2023</a>

For many Americans, there can be only one Christmas song to rule them all: Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You." In addition to 772 million views on that single YouTube video alone, it has hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart the past four years in a row and is believed to have raked in nearly $100 million in earnings thus far.
But for the rest of us, there is a world of underground, often bizarre holiday music, and Under the Radar's holiday music correspondent has spent decades dredging them up from record stores and and forgotten corners of the internet. 
This season, for his 34th year of holiday melodies, Mike Wilkins honors his mixtape history with this year’s seasonal compilation, “Mr. Mike's Merry Mix," a Yuletopia recording.
GUEST
Mike Wilkins, radio engineer for PRX and GBH’s The World
Stream or download his full playlist on SoundCloud: 
https://soundcloud.com/seenthat/mikemas2023

Under the Radar presents Mike Wilkins' 34th annual mix of quirky holiday songs. Spoiler: Mariah Carey did not make the cut.

Mr. Mike's Merry Mix 2023: Our annual review of peculiar holiday music

This year, the newest versions of a favorite American Christmas tradition are, well, untraditional. Advent Calendars now offer much more than chocolates — <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2023/10/09/stouffers-advent-comfort-calendar-frozen-meal/71120443007/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">frozen food</a> and <a href="https://www.makerwine.com/products/canned-wine-advent-calendar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">canned wine</a> anyone? 

Plus, a lesser-known <a href="https://worldoffinewine.com/homepage-featured-articles/cremant-de-bourgogne-burgundys-bubbles-are-rising" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">French bubbly</a> our wine expert says is perfect for toasting in the New Year.

And chic new restaurants <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/05/30/lifestyle/i-am-always-hunt-peking-duck-i-am-not-alone/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jiang Nan</a> and <a href="https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/2023/08/16/zhi-wei-cafe-boston/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zhi Wei Cafe</a> are making a splash in Boston’s Chinese food scene.

It’s Under the Radar's Food and Wine Roundtable: Holiday Edition.

GUESTS

Jonathon Alsop, founder and executive director of Boston Wine School, author of "The Wine Lover's Devotional"

Amy Traverso, senior food editor at Yankee Magazine, co-host of the GBH series, "Weekends with Yankee," author of "The Apple Lover's Cookbook"

This year, the newest versions of a favorite American Christmas tradition are, well, untraditional. Advent Calendars now offer much more than chocolates — frozen food and canned wine anyone? 
Plus, a lesser-known French bubbly our wine expert says is perfect for toasting in the New Year.
And chic new restaurants Jiang Nan and Zhi Wei Cafe are making a splash in Boston’s Chinese food scene.
It’s Under the Radar's Food and Wine Roundtable: Holiday Edition.
GUESTS
Jonathon Alsop, founder and executive director of Boston Wine School, author of "The Wine Lover's Devotional"
Amy Traverso, senior food editor at Yankee Magazine, co-host of the GBH series, "Weekends with Yankee," author of "The Apple Lover's Cookbook"

Under the Radar's Food and Wine Roundtable: Holiday Edition, takes a look at new spins on favorite American traditions.

Frozen food advent calendars and a new French bubbly are popping off this holiday season 

In the 1760s, Massachusetts colonists began pushing back against the ever-tightening grip of British rule. The boiling tension erupted in violent episodes, few more shocking than the Boston Massacre in 1770 when five colonists were killed by British militia. Three years later, protestors publicly rejected the taxes on tea by dumping crates of tea from the British East India Company in the Boston harbor. This event would later become known as the Boston Tea Party.

"The Boston Tea Party doesn't just come out of nowhere, there's weeks of tension as the ships arrive and even before the ships arrive," said Benjamin Carp, Brooklyn College history professor. "The goal is really to send the tea back to London, and this was technically illegal ... And so if someone would just agree to ship it back, then maybe we can not have to have some kind of dramatic protest. But because people keep telling them no, this is what leads to the Tea Party ultimately."

On December 16, Boston will observe the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, a momentous event leading up to the American Revolution.

"If you lived in Boston at that time, you were reading the letters, you were reading the pamphlets, the newspapers, people were gathered watching the event happen," said Anjelica Oswald, an American Ancestors researcher working on the Boston Tea Party Descendants Program. "If your family member was here in Boston, it's very likely that they had something they witnessed, something they read, something that brought their spirit into it, and maybe that's why they were mustered in for the revolution later."

Leading up to the Boston Tea Party's anniversary, museums, schools and historical organizations across the state have come together to celebrate the significance of this historically pivotal event.

"We have an amazing opportunity as a city, as a commonwealth and as a nation to mark this 250th anniversary of this iconic moment in American history," said Evan O' Brien, creative manager at the Boston Tea Party Ships &amp; Museum. "And I think we have a great opportunity to make sure that we're telling the story in a way that is as accessible to everyone from around the world." 

GUESTS

Benjamin Carp, Brooklyn College history professor and author of “Defiance of the Patriots: The Boston Tea Party and the Making of America”

Evan O’Brien, creative manager at the Boston Tea Party Ships &amp; Museum

Anjelica Oswald, researcher at American Ancestors helping with the Boston Tea Party Descendants Program

In the 1760s, Massachusetts colonists began pushing back against the ever-tightening grip of British rule. The boiling tension erupted in violent episodes, few more shocking than the Boston Massacre in 1770 when five colonists were killed by British militia. Three years later, protestors publicly rejected the taxes on tea by dumping crates of tea from the British East India Company in the Boston harbor. This event would later become known as the Boston Tea Party.
"The Boston Tea Party doesn't just come out of nowhere, there's weeks of tension as the ships arrive and even before the ships arrive," said Benjamin Carp, Brooklyn College history professor. "The goal is really to send the tea back to London, and this was technically illegal ... And so if someone would just agree to ship it back, then maybe we can not have to have some kind of dramatic protest. But because people keep telling them no, this is what leads to the Tea Party ultimately."
On December 16, Boston will observe the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, a momentous event leading up to the American Revolution.
"If you lived in Boston at that time, you were reading the letters, you were reading the pamphlets, the newspapers, people were gathered watching the event happen," said Anjelica Oswald, an American Ancestors researcher working on the Boston Tea Party Descendants Program. "If your family member was here in Boston, it's very likely that they had something they witnessed, something they read, something that brought their spirit into it, and maybe that's why they were mustered in for the revolution later."
Leading up to the Boston Tea Party's anniversary, museums, schools and historical organizations across the state have come together to celebrate the significance of this historically pivotal event.
"We have an amazing opportunity as a city, as a commonwealth and as a nation to mark this 250th anniversary of this iconic moment in American history," said Evan O' Brien, creative manager at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. "And I think we have a great opportunity to make sure that we're telling the story in a way that is as accessible to everyone from around the world." 
GUESTS
Benjamin Carp, Brooklyn College history professor and author of “Defiance of the Patriots: The Boston Tea Party and the Making of America”
Evan O’Brien, creative manager at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Anjelica Oswald, researcher at American Ancestors helping with the Boston Tea Party Descendants Program

Three years before the American Revolutionary War began, Massachusetts colonists defied British taxation by dumping tea into the Boston Harbor. Now, the state marks the 250th anniversary of what came to be known as the historically pivotal Boston Tea Party.

250 years later, local experts consider the complex legacy of the Boston Tea Party

In the middle of a New England forest, a yellow house and the land on which it sits holds 200 years of personal and political history. The home and forest tell stories of family, time, memories, ghosts and the wonders of an evolving landscape. 

This sweeping saga is author Daniel Mason’s latest novel, “North Woods,” a riveting, imagined story of one New England house from the time of American colonies to the present. Through prose and poetry, Mason traces the intertwined seasons of the people linked to the home, as well as the exciting evolution of plants and animals who share the surrounding land.

“North Woods” is the December selection for “Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club.”

<a href="https://www.danielmasonbooks.com/author.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daniel Mason </a>is the author of five books, including his latest "North Woods." He was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize for his book, "A Registry of My Passage Upon the Earth." Mason is also an assistant professor at the Stanford University Department of Psychiatry.

In the middle of a New England forest, a yellow house and the land on which it sits holds 200 years of personal and political history. The home and forest tell stories of family, time, memories, ghosts and the wonders of an evolving landscape. 
This sweeping saga is author Daniel Mason’s latest novel, “North Woods,” a riveting, imagined story of one New England house from the time of American colonies to the present. Through prose and poetry, Mason traces the intertwined seasons of the people linked to the home, as well as the exciting evolution of plants and animals who share the surrounding land.
“North Woods” is the December selection for “Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club.”
Daniel Mason is the author of five books, including his latest "North Woods." He was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize for his book, "A Registry of My Passage Upon the Earth." Mason is also an assistant professor at the Stanford University Department of Psychiatry.

In the middle of a New England forest, a yellow house and the land on which it sits holds 200 years of personal and political history. This sweeping saga is author Daniel Mason’s latest novel, “North Woods,” the December selection for “Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club.”

Daniel Mason's 'North Woods' explores a vibrant history of New England

It’s the season of giving and a time of year when Americans traditionally make charitable donations. With <a href="https://nccs.urban.org/publication/nonprofit-sector-brief-2019" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations</a> across the country, there’s plenty of choices for where Americans can donate their dollars.

But just last year, total charitable giving <a href="https://philanthropy.iupui.edu/news-events/news/_news/2023/giving-usa-total-us-charitable-giving-declined-in-2022-to-49933-billion-following-two-years-of-record-generosity.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dropped by 3.4%</a>, according to the Giving USA Foundation.

"Often when people don't give, they say something like, 'how could my $5 possibly help this enormous problem facing the world?'" said Michael Norton, Harvard Business School professor and co-author of “Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending.”

"So the feeling that it sort of drops in a bucket can prompt people not to give," he said. "So, when we're thinking about encouraging people to give, we're really trying to think about how do we increase that feeling of connection and increase that feeling of impact."

Meanwhile, two Harvard University researchers say they have cracked the code for motivating potential donors to give. Together, they created <a href="https://givingmultiplier.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Giving Multiplier</a>, a research-based matching system that promotes both effective philanthropic and charitable giving and the world’s most effective charities.

"In one case, you can spend $50,000 helping one person, or that same amount of money help 100 people, or even closer to 1,000 people with the surgery," said Joshua Greene, Harvard University psychology professor and co-founder of Giving Multiplier. "People in the in the U.S. are much more likely to feel a kind of personal connection for people who are suffering from blindness here, and yet the money can go much farther in other places. And so how do you deal with that?"

Could this new method of philanthropy become the future model of giving?

It’s the season of giving and a time of year when Americans traditionally make charitable donations. With more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations across the country, there’s plenty of choices for where Americans can donate their dollars.
But just last year, total charitable giving dropped by 3.4%, according to the Giving USA Foundation.
"Often when people don't give, they say something like, 'how could my $5 possibly help this enormous problem facing the world?'" said Michael Norton, Harvard Business School professor and co-author of “Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending.”
"So the feeling that it sort of drops in a bucket can prompt people not to give," he said. "So, when we're thinking about encouraging people to give, we're really trying to think about how do we increase that feeling of connection and increase that feeling of impact."
Meanwhile, two Harvard University researchers say they have cracked the code for motivating potential donors to give. Together, they created Giving Multiplier, a research-based matching system that promotes both effective philanthropic and charitable giving and the world’s most effective charities.
"In one case, you can spend $50,000 helping one person, or that same amount of money help 100 people, or even closer to 1,000 people with the surgery," said Joshua Greene, Harvard University psychology professor and co-founder of Giving Multiplier. "People in the in the U.S. are much more likely to feel a kind of personal connection for people who are suffering from blindness here, and yet the money can go much farther in other places. And so how do you deal with that?"
Could this new method of philanthropy become the future model of giving?

It’s the season of giving. With more than 1.5 million nonprofits across the country, there’s plenty of choices for where Americans can donate their dollars, yet last year charitable giving dropped 3.4%.

It's the season of giving, but what motivates Americans to give?

When the MacArthur Foundation named its class of 2023 “genius grant" fellows last month, the recipients joined an exclusive group of previous fellows who have demonstrated outstanding talent and leadership in their fields. 

Interdisciplinary scholar and writer Imani Perry is one of this year's MacArthur fellows.

“I describe my work in part as haunting the past,” Perry said. “I'm trying to train my attention on those who were disregarded in the past as a way of shaping our ethics for the present and the future. So it's sort of like trying to catch a hold of freedom, dreams that have existed over the course of generations, train my gaze and shine a light on them.”

Perry, who is also a Boston University professor, studies the history and the cultural expressions forged by Black Americans in the face of injustice. There are 20 MacArthur fellows across the country, and Perry is one of four based in the Boston area. We talked with professor Perry for Under the Radar's series, “The Genius Next Door.”

When the MacArthur Foundation named its class of 2023 “genius grant" fellows last month, the recipients joined an exclusive group of previous fellows who have demonstrated outstanding talent and leadership in their fields. 
Interdisciplinary scholar and writer Imani Perry is one of this year's MacArthur fellows.
“I describe my work in part as haunting the past,” Perry said. “I'm trying to train my attention on those who were disregarded in the past as a way of shaping our ethics for the present and the future. So it's sort of like trying to catch a hold of freedom, dreams that have existed over the course of generations, train my gaze and shine a light on them.”
Perry, who is also a Boston University professor, studies the history and the cultural expressions forged by Black Americans in the face of injustice. There are 20 MacArthur fellows across the country, and Perry is one of four based in the Boston area. We talked with professor Perry for Under the Radar's series, “The Genius Next Door.”

Last month, interdisciplinary scholar and writer Imani Perry was named as one of the MacArthur "genius" grant fellows for 2023. She's one of four local awardees, part of Under the Radar's series, "The Genius Next Door."

In 1973, Americans triumphed in a fashion smackdown that earned the country respect and admiration among critics worldwide.

On that day 50 years ago, American and French designers went head-to-head in a creative competition dubbed the “<a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a43529068/battle-of-versailles-50-anniversary-history-alva-chinn/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Battle of Versailles</a>." The fashion show was held at the historic Palace of Versailles, the former residence of King Louis XIV.

The Americans won with cutting-edge ready-to-wear and stunning <a href="https://www.instyle.com/fashion/battle-versailles-interviews-pat-cleveland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black models</a>. A half-century later, the legacy of the once-obscure event continues to shape global fashion.

GUESTS

Robin Givhan, senior critic-at-large for the Washington Post and author of “The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled into the Spotlight and Made History”

Alva Chinn, actress and model from the 1973 "Battle of Versailles"

Jay Calderin, founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week and co-director of education at the School of Fashion Design in Boston

In 1973, Americans triumphed in a fashion smackdown that earned the country respect and admiration among critics worldwide.
On that day 50 years ago, American and French designers went head-to-head in a creative competition dubbed the “Battle of Versailles." The fashion show was held at the historic Palace of Versailles, the former residence of King Louis XIV.
The Americans won with cutting-edge ready-to-wear and stunning Black models. A half-century later, the legacy of the once-obscure event continues to shape global fashion.
GUESTS
Robin Givhan, senior critic-at-large for the Washington Post and author of “The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled into the Spotlight and Made History”
Alva Chinn, actress and model from the 1973 "Battle of Versailles"
Jay Calderin, founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week and co-director of education at the School of Fashion Design in Boston

The MacArthur Foundation named its class of 2023 “genius grant" fellows last month. The recipients join an exclusive group of fellows who have demonstrated outstanding talent in their fields. 

Environmental ecologist Lucy Hutyra is one of this year's fellows.

“I didn't realize I was breaking all those barriers at the time that I was breaking them,” Hutyra said. “The imposter syndrome can take over very easily, especially when you come from such a different background, and I think that the key is just kind of move past it. You do belong. You're there and you made it. Then you need to find allies and people that you can trust and that you can support, and I have been that for my friends, for my colleagues and for my students, and I'll always try to be that going forward.”

Hutyra, who is also a Boston University professor, studies the impacts of urbanization on environmental carbon cycle dynamics. There are 20 MacArthur fellows across the country, and Hutyra is one of four based in the Boston area. 

We sit down with professor Hutyra for our Under the Radar series, “The Genius Next Door.” Listen now.

The MacArthur Foundation named its class of 2023 “genius grant" fellows last month. The recipients join an exclusive group of fellows who have demonstrated outstanding talent in their fields. 
Environmental ecologist Lucy Hutyra is one of this year's fellows.
“I didn't realize I was breaking all those barriers at the time that I was breaking them,” Hutyra said. “The imposter syndrome can take over very easily, especially when you come from such a different background, and I think that the key is just kind of move past it. You do belong. You're there and you made it. Then you need to find allies and people that you can trust and that you can support, and I have been that for my friends, for my colleagues and for my students, and I'll always try to be that going forward.”
Hutyra, who is also a Boston University professor, studies the impacts of urbanization on environmental carbon cycle dynamics. There are 20 MacArthur fellows across the country, and Hutyra is one of four based in the Boston area. 
We sit down with professor Hutyra for our Under the Radar series, “The Genius Next Door.” Listen now.

Last month, environmental ecologist Lucy Hutyra was named as one of the MacArthur "genius" grant fellows for 2023. She's one of four local awardees, part of Under the Radar's series, "The Genius Next Door."

The Genius Next Door: BU ecologist breaks down carbon dynamics

This week on Under the Radar's Regional News Roundtable:

Gabe Amo was sworn into Congress <a href="https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2023-11-07/democrat-gabe-amo-becomes-rhode-islands-first-black-candidate-elected-to-congress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this week</a>, becoming the first Black person, or person of color, elected to represent Rhode Island in the U.S. Congress.

Plus, controversy over a New Hampshire Republican who was forced to resign after an investigation revealed he hadn’t lived in the district that elected him for <a href="https://www.nhpr.org/politics/2023-09-21/ag-investigation-finds-nh-lawmaker-lived-outside-of-his-district-for-more-than-a-year" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more than a year</a>.

And members of Martha’s Vineyard’s Steamship Authority <a href="https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2023/11/12/steamship-governor-says-board-was-misled-after-sanity-incident" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">attempted to cover up details</a> of a ferry boat accident.

GUESTS

Arnie Arnesen, host of The Attitude with Arnie Arnesen from WNHN

Ted Nesi, politics and business editor, investigative reporter for WPRI

Steve Junker, managing editor of news at CAI

This week on Under the Radar's Regional News Roundtable:
Gabe Amo was sworn into Congress this week, becoming the first Black person, or person of color, elected to represent Rhode Island in the U.S. Congress.
Plus, controversy over a New Hampshire Republican who was forced to resign after an investigation revealed he hadn’t lived in the district that elected him for more than a year.
And members of Martha’s Vineyard’s Steamship Authority attempted to cover up details of a ferry boat accident.
GUESTS
Arnie Arnesen, host of The Attitude with Arnie Arnesen from WNHN
Ted Nesi, politics and business editor, investigative reporter for WPRI
Steve Junker, managing editor of news at CAI

Gabe Amo is the first Black person ever elected to Congress in Rhode Island.

Catch up on your New England news in 30 minutes

The MacArthur Foundation named its class of 2023 “genius grant" fellows last month. The recipients join an exclusive group of previous fellows who have demonstrated outstanding talent in their fields. The award acknowledges the fellows’ demonstrated talent and potential as leaders in their fields. 

Cellular and molecular biologist Jason Buenrostro is one of this year's MacArthur fellows.

"For me, [being a scientist] is like I'm living in a dream. Growing up, my parents didn't graduate high school or my extended family, none of them went to college, and the probability that that things would work out in this way are just unfortunately low rate," said Buenrostro. "I like to think that what was once a challenge for me to move through the academic system, to sit down on the desk and to listen to somebody go on and on about about something in a classroom, is now a tool in my tool belt."

Buenrostro, who is also a Harvard University associate professor, studies the mechanisms that “turn on” genes, and is the pioneer of a popular method to assess chromatin accessibility across the genome. There are 20 MacArthur fellows across the country, and Buenrostro is one of four based in the Boston area. We talk with professor Buenrostro for Under the Radar's series, “The Genius Next Door.”

The MacArthur Foundation named its class of 2023 “genius grant" fellows last month. The recipients join an exclusive group of previous fellows who have demonstrated outstanding talent in their fields. The award acknowledges the fellows’ demonstrated talent and potential as leaders in their fields. 
Cellular and molecular biologist Jason Buenrostro is one of this year's MacArthur fellows.
"For me, [being a scientist] is like I'm living in a dream. Growing up, my parents didn't graduate high school or my extended family, none of them went to college, and the probability that that things would work out in this way are just unfortunately low rate," said Buenrostro. "I like to think that what was once a challenge for me to move through the academic system, to sit down on the desk and to listen to somebody go on and on about about something in a classroom, is now a tool in my tool belt."
Buenrostro, who is also a Harvard University associate professor, studies the mechanisms that “turn on” genes, and is the pioneer of a popular method to assess chromatin accessibility across the genome. There are 20 MacArthur fellows across the country, and Buenrostro is one of four based in the Boston area. We talk with professor Buenrostro for Under the Radar's series, “The Genius Next Door.”

Last month, cellular and molecular biologist Dr. Jason Buenrostro was named as one of the MacArthur "genius" grant fellows for 2023. He's one of four local awardees, part of Under the Radar's series, "The Genius Next Door."

The Genius Next Door: Harvard cellular and molecular biologist Jason Buenrostro breaks down gene expression

Israel’s war against Hamas has marked just over <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/11/06/1210831466/death-toll-gaza-israel-hamas-conflict" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">one month</a>. It’s the latest chapter of the decades-long, ongoing strife between the Israeli government and Palestinians.

The present day suffering of people in the war zone and its impact on others around the world is incomprehensible. And yet, even during this conflict, the struggle for a peaceful resolution continues. 

Under the Radar spoke with representatives from two organizations that have spent decades working toward peace in the region about why, despite the violence, they remain committed to their efforts.

GUESTS

Tim Wilson, advisor to Seeds of Peace and director of the Maine Seeds Programs

Aziz Abu Sarah, board member of American Friends of Combatants for Peace

Gili Getz, board chair of American Friends of Combatants for Peace

Israel’s war against Hamas has marked just over one month. It’s the latest chapter of the decades-long, ongoing strife between the Israeli government and Palestinians.
The present day suffering of people in the war zone and its impact on others around the world is incomprehensible. And yet, even during this conflict, the struggle for a peaceful resolution continues. 
Under the Radar spoke with representatives from two organizations that have spent decades working toward peace in the region about why, despite the violence, they remain committed to their efforts.
GUESTS
Tim Wilson, advisor to Seeds of Peace and director of the Maine Seeds Programs
Aziz Abu Sarah, board member of American Friends of Combatants for Peace
Gili Getz, board chair of American Friends of Combatants for Peace

Seeds of Peace and American Friends of Combatants for Peace have spent decades working towards unity in Israel and Palestine.

Despite the horror of war, these organizations continue to seek peace between Israelis and Palestinians

What does it mean to be Asian in a country where everything seems Black and white? 

Growing up, author and scholar Julia Lee says she spent much of her formative years angry about never being seen, ashamed that she felt powerless as a Korean woman, and suffering from generational trauma passed down from her immigrant parents.

On Under the Radar with Callie Crossley, Lee said understanding her place in a racial hierarchy constructed around Black and white has been a complicated journey.

"It's just that in our society and in our culture, being white means you get to be treated as human, and that is all I and so many people of color want," she said. "Unfortunately, when we look around, the only people who get to be treated as full human beings are white. And so it's not whiteness we want, we just want to be treated with humanity and humaneness."

Lee explores this journey in her new memoir, "Biting the Hand: Growing Up Asian in Black and White America."

What does it mean to be Asian in a country where everything seems Black and white? 
Growing up, author and scholar Julia Lee says she spent much of her formative years angry about never being seen, ashamed that she felt powerless as a Korean woman, and suffering from generational trauma passed down from her immigrant parents.
On Under the Radar with Callie Crossley, Lee said understanding her place in a racial hierarchy constructed around Black and white has been a complicated journey.
"It's just that in our society and in our culture, being white means you get to be treated as human, and that is all I and so many people of color want," she said. "Unfortunately, when we look around, the only people who get to be treated as full human beings are white. And so it's not whiteness we want, we just want to be treated with humanity and humaneness."
Lee explores this journey in her new memoir, "Biting the Hand: Growing Up Asian in Black and White America."

What does it mean to be Asian in a country where everything is Black and white? Author and associate professor Julia Lee explores the state of being caught in a racially stratified America in her new memoir, "Biting the Hand: Growing Up Asian in Black and White America." 

Author and scholar Julia Lee discusses growing up neither Black nor white in America

A new plan from Boston Public Schools to integrate students who are English language learners into general education classrooms has led to <a href="https://www.wgbh.org/news/education-news/2023-11-01/boston-schools-task-force-members-resign-over-new-plan-for-english-learners" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">multiple resignations</a> on BPS' English Learners Task Force.

Plus, compared to much of the country, Massachusetts has a low poverty rate. But it’s <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/10/16/latino-poverty-rates-graph-massachusetts-data-statistics" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twice as high</a> for Latinos.

And a <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/record-breaking-spiderman-video-game-confuses-puerto-rican-cuban-flags-rcna121913" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">flag mix-up</a> results in a cultural snafu in the new, best-selling Spider-man video game.

Those stories and more on Under the Radar's Latinx News Roundtable.

GUESTS:

Julio Ricardo Varela, MSNBC opinion columnist and founder of Latino Rebels

Marcela García, opinion columnist and associate editor at the Boston Globe

A new plan from Boston Public Schools to integrate students who are English language learners into general education classrooms has led to multiple resignations on BPS' English Learners Task Force.
Plus, compared to much of the country, Massachusetts has a low poverty rate. But it’s twice as high for Latinos.
And a flag mix-up results in a cultural snafu in the new, best-selling Spider-man video game.
Those stories and more on Under the Radar's Latinx News Roundtable.
GUESTS:
Julio Ricardo Varela, MSNBC opinion columnist and founder of Latino Rebels
Marcela García, opinion columnist and associate editor at the Boston Globe

Eight members of the schools' task force stepped down after BPS' new "Inclusive Education Plan" announced that English language learners will receive English as a Second Language support as needed and not be taught separately in their native language.

 Latinx News Roundtable: Boston Schools' English learners advisors resign in protest of 'harmful' plan

It’s Halloween — the season of all things spooky and scary — from horror movies, to haunted mansions and potentially even gardens. It turns out there's an unexpectedly sinister side to gardening, according to writer and gardener, Marta McDowell. She says many mystery writers use gardens in their tales of deception:

"I think most gardeners understand this feeling of you're always sort of a detective. Why did this plant die? What is bothering this plant? I mean, you're even sometimes out there with a magnifying glass, trying to figure out what pest is on your petunia," McDowell told Under the Radar. "And there are quite a few crime writers who also dabble in the garden, so they have that at their fingertips for various plot devices."

McDowell explores the link between mystery and gardening in her book, "Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers."

GUEST

Marta McDowell, author of "Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers."

It’s Halloween — the season of all things spooky and scary — from horror movies, to haunted mansions and potentially even gardens. It turns out there's an unexpectedly sinister side to gardening, according to writer and gardener, Marta McDowell. She says many mystery writers use gardens in their tales of deception:
"I think most gardeners understand this feeling of you're always sort of a detective. Why did this plant die? What is bothering this plant? I mean, you're even sometimes out there with a magnifying glass, trying to figure out what pest is on your petunia," McDowell told Under the Radar. "And there are quite a few crime writers who also dabble in the garden, so they have that at their fingertips for various plot devices."
McDowell explores the link between mystery and gardening in her book, "Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers."
GUEST
Marta McDowell, author of  "Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers."

It’s the month of all things spooky and scary, from horror movies to haunted mansions. But what about gardens? Turns out there's an unexpected sinister side to gardening, and writer and gardener Marta McDowell traces the connection between gardening and crime fiction in her book, "Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers."