WPKN Community Radio

My guest on this show of “Digging in the Dirt” has been Chairman of the Westport Community Gardens for 20 years. He also has been Director of Long Lots Preserve for the last 2 years and a Sixth grade science teacher for 20 years. In the past he has run programs in New York City for recycling and alternative fuels for transit buses The first time Lou was here we discussed the existential threat to the Westport Community Garden and apparently the situation has gone from bad to worse. The garden has been targeted by the towns politicians for destruction.

* Rightwing extremist network financed Moms For Liberty; Maurice T. Cunningham, author of "Dark Money and the Politics of School Privatization”; Producer: Scott Harris. * Green Workers Alliance Fights for a Livable Wage, Safe Working Conditions for those in the Renewable Energy Industry; Matthew Mayers, Executive Director with Green Workers Alliance; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * EPA Issues New Standards for PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water; Mary Grant, Public Water for All campaign director at Food & Water Watch; Producer: Scott Harris.

Up next on Digging in the Dirt is a local, guy Joe Gloria. Joe works for one of the gardening establishments just about everybody in the area has been to one time or another and that's Gilbertie's. They've always been at the forefront of organic from the beginning. Joe Gloria is a garden guru of plants, shrubs, and perennials alike. Joe Gloria has a passion for caring for plants and the people who love them! We going to learn about vermicompost teas.

My next guest is Alice Ely. Alice is a UConn Advanced Master Gardener & Master Composter, and the creator of multiple public and private butterfly gardens in Fairfield County. She speaks frequently on the importance of gardening for habitat, food and not least of all, joy. In addition to promoting native plants through the Pollinator Pathway, and educating on sustainable gardening at Westport’s Wakeman Town Farm, and Weston’s Town Farm, when she's not out digging in the dirt of her own garden, she coaches homeowners on how to garden sustainably, through her business, Gardenwithalice.com

-Northern India, reeling under a fierce heatwave -Scorching heat hit Texas, Gulf Coast, South Florida -Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is melting rapidly -Panama Canal faces a water crisis amid drought -Tree ring data confirms it's never been hotter -One in eight Europeans lives in an area”at risk area”

Host: Andrew S. Ross Co-Host and Programming Coordinator: Bonna Sue Burtt A conversation with author Jeffrey L. Richards about his book "We Are Only Ghosts." Author website: www.jeffreylrichards.com

Description: On this episode, Victoria McCraven, curator and art historian, chats about her current exhibition “It Will Go On” at MoCA Westport. We also discuss her experiences curating culturally competent exhibits as well as her journey as a doctoral scholar.

On the Sunday May 19, 2024 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down with Susan Bramhall, an organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) New Haven, and a Board Member of Eyewitness Palestine. Susan discusses her life of activism, and the upcoming Walk for Gaza CT, taking place this Thursday thru Saturday, May 23 - 25, 2024. For more on the upcoming Walk for Gaza CT: linktr.ee/walkforgazact To register for the Walk: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0arMVj25nD9lQUiQlmy2joldt56h8zwUc7vDzX4cU4cPVyA/viewform For more on JVP New Haven: jvpnh.org For more on Eyewitness Palestine: www.eyewitnesspalestine.org

In the first half a conversation with artist and scientist Nicholas Milkovich who is giving a talk on his work at the Yale Franke Program and in the second half a conversation with Andres Versoza about his collection of baskets currently the subject of an exhibition at the Unionville Museum!

Guests: --Irene Mulvy, president of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), discusses the organization's protect of free speech by students and teaching staff on campuses; --Jeff Cohen, media critic, journalist and founder of Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), assesses the performance of the corporate media in covering the Israeli assault on Gaza and the campus protests that have swept the US. Panel: Ruthanne Baumgartner, Scott Harris and Richard Hill

-Arizona's heat officer plans to prevent related deaths -Historic floods in Brazil -Deadly flooding in Kenya has displaced over 280,000 -More tornadoes are now concentrated in fewer days, -Rising sea levels negatively impacting coastal communities -World using more plastic packaging and bags than before -Climate change” are removed from Florida state law, -US has now officially surpassed 5 million solar installations

* Israel Expects International Criminal Court Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Other Officials; Michael Lynk, Associate Professor of Law at the University of Western Ontario, Canada; Producer: Scott Harris. * State Dept Report Presents Contradictory Findings re: Israel’s Illegal Use of US Weapons in Gaza; Raed Jarrar, Advocacy Director at DAWN; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * Trump's Contempt for Women Seen in Hush Money Trial, Linked to his Misogynist Policies; Amanda Marcotte, a senior politics writer at Salon and author; Producer: Scott Harris.

Economist Michael Zweig and UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla analyze the vote to unionize the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, TN, the first win for auto workers in the South. Professor Zweig discusses the huge Labor Notes Conference held in Chicago which he attended April 19-21. Host: Richard Hill

My conversation with Lori Brown, executive director of the CT League of Conservation Voters, about the just-completed 2024 short session of the CT General Assembly.

-Trump offers to gut climate initiatives for $1 Billion -Europe is the fastest warming continent -U.S. 2024 summer, will see record-breaking days of heat. -Cost of climate disasters in Texas could exceed $100 Billion -Jakarta is the world’s fastest sinking metropolis. - Europe's cities using nature-based solutions to fight Global warming

A talk with Curator nico w okoro about her new project the Orchid Gallery up now at the ConnCorp building. more at https://www.nicowheadon.com/ and https://conncorp.org/ Maxim Schmidt and Martha Willette Lewis host a monthly discussion about Art and Culture. originally aired on wpkn 89,5 fm

* The Criminalization of Pro-Palestinian, Anti-War Student Protesters; Helen Benedict, Professor of Journalism at Columbia University; Producer: Scott Harris. * Biden Expands ACA Health Insurance Program to DACA Recipients; Kica Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * Biased Cable News Gaza War Coverage Skews American Public Opinion; Ryan Grim, The Intercept’s D.C. Bureau Chief; Producer: Scott Harris.

-Asia has been hit with a massive 2 week long heat wave -Oil companies knowingly suppressed link between fossil fuels - and climate -States to make fossil fuel companies pay for climate damages -Five companies are responsible 1/4 of all plastic waste -Microplastics are infiltrating our food supply -Drought in Mexico affecting farming, especially avocados

* Weaponizing Antisemitism Fuels Dishonest Repression of Students Protesting Israel's Vicious Gaza War; Arun Kundnani, author of "The End of Tolerance;" Producer: Scott Harris. * Protest at Citibank NYC HQ Kicks of ‘Summer of Heat’ Actions targeting Wall St Fossil Fuel Financiers; Alice Hu, Senior Climate Campaigner at New York Communities for Change; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * Haiti Crisis Draws International Intervention for Third Time in 30 Years; Kim Ives, an editor with the Haiti Liberté newspaper; Producer: Scott Harris.

My guest is Bill Weir. Bill is a CNN anchor and Chief Climate Correspondent and he is host and executive producer of the acclaimed CNN Original Series "The Wonder List with Bill Weir." Now Bill is the author of a wonderful new Book entitled "Life as We Know It (Can Be) Stories of People, Climate, and Hope in a Changing World."

Alan Stern has been involved in more than 20 NASA Mission. Dr Stern discusses his Virgin Galactic flight into space, the future of space communications, & the latest findings of the New Horizons mission to Pluto & beyond End Music, 2001 Funk is a Larry Benigno Production

Hazel Kahan, long-time interview host, discusses her shows Tidings and North Fork Works and describes her journey from a successful publicist in the corporate world to a talk show host on WPKN. Interview by Richard Hill

Small Farms Report with Steve Munno of Massaro Farm in Woodbridge, CT. Entomologist and ecologist Doug Tallamy is professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. Doug discusses the ways we can create sustainable ecosystems by supporting "keystone" and native plants in our back yards that link together with forests and protected parklands. Interview by Richard Hill

-Dubai recorded a year’s worth of rain in just 12 hours -Hurricane season expected to be the worst on record -(EPA) finalizes rules on “forever chemicals” in drinking water -Corporations urgently need to halve their emissions before 2030 -US DOE to speed up the connection of clean energy to the grid. -Peak wildfire season is heating up the Garden State,

*In a First, Biden Administration Poised to Sanction Israeli Military Unit for Human Rights Abuses Richard Silverstein, publisher of Tikun Olam, a blog addressing Israeli national security issues; Producer: Scott Harris. *Student Hunger Strikers Call for Yale Divestment from Companies Providing Weapons to Israel Yale Hunger Striker, Interviews and megaphone street announcements Producer: Melinda Tuhus. *Victory in European Climate Crisis Lawsuit Could Influence Parallel Efforts in the US & Around the World Kiley Price, a reporter with the online publication Inside Climate News Producer: Scott Harris.

On the April 21, 2024 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli speaks with Omar Antar, the Founder of the CT Palestine Alliance, a confederation of Jews, Muslims, Christians, and other citizen groups, working to move the state of Connecticut and the nation toward peace & justice, in particular in Palestine. Omar discusses the Alliance's work, which includes organizing to shift municipal and state-level elected officials to support an immediate and permanent Ceasefire in Gaza. For more on the CT Palestine Alliance: www.palestinect.com To access the Palestine Voter Pledge: www.bit.ly/palestinepledge

- Bogota Colombia is rationing water due to drought - Morocco's second-largest reservoir drying up -new scientific method pinpoints microplastic pollution 'hotspots' -Court finds climate crisis involves human rights violations. -7 countries generate 100% of electricity from renewable energy -The EU’s Green Claims Directive rules -Sea otters help kelp forest ecosystems

-March was the Earth’s 10th consecutive month of record-breaking heat -57 companies responsible for 80% of the world’s global CO2 emissions -An "extremely active" hurricane season is likely in 2024. -The rate of carbon emissions cuts in the United States has doubled -Billionaire Australian to invest in green projects -China is the most polluting nation and doing most for renewable energy.

-The Antarctic Circumpolar Current getting faster -California temporarily shuts down Highway 1 due to coastal erosion -Solar panels are so cheap that they are being used to build garden fences -Global heating is causing problems for a variety of crops -Hong Kong’s records highest Temp for March in 140 years, -Half of the tap water in the U S contaminated with forever“ chemicals,” -Amount of plastic packaging waste created by Amazon has increased

Laura Modlin hosts a discussion with Louise Washer, president of the Norwalk River Watershed Association and co-founder of the Pollinator Pathway. Native pollinators are vital to our communities and they discuss why. As well as bills being proposed to protect native pollinators against the deadly effects of neonic pesticides; and what you can do to encourage their proliferation in your yards and beyond. Originally aired April 7, 2024.

Boston University professor Assaf Kfoury: After Iran Retaliation Against Israel’s Bombing of Embassy in Syria, Netanyahu Threatens Counterattack Independent journalist Julie Dermansky: Media Coverage Lapse of 2023 Marathon Petroleum Refinery Fire Leaves Residents Vulnerable Mother Jones fellow Katie Herchenroeder: Arizona Supreme Court Revives ‘Zombie’ 1864 Abortion Ban Bob Nixon's Under-reported News Summary • Tension between China and the Philippines heating up • Why did the US Navy kill Arizona’s housing bill? • Florida slates referendum on constitutional amendment to overturn 6-week abortion ban

Nancy Mansour, executive director of Eye Witness Palestine (www.eyewitnesspalestine.org) gives a first-hand report from Gaza where she led a recent tour of 10 doctors treating injured and sick Palestinians in Rafa. Miranda Rector-Cohen, co-director of the CT chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, discusses the results from the "uncommitted" campaign in the Democratic presidential primary and the strategy to pressure the Biden administration to call for an immediate cease fire in Gaza and to stop supplying Israel with deadly military support. Panel: Scott Harris, Ruthanne Baumgartner and Richard Hill

Economist Michael Zweig and Labor attorney Arthur Schwartz analyze the attack by Amazon, Tesla and Starbucks on the National Labor Relations Board in a case that could wind up before the Supreme Court of the United States. Interview by Richard Hill, April 2, 2024

* Israel's Attack on Iran's Syrian Embassy Could Trigger a Perilous Regional War; Melvin Goodman, a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy, Former CIA Analyst; Producer: Scott Harris. * The Supreme Court May be Poised to Weaken Federal Anti-Corruption Laws, Legalize Bribery; Katya Schwenk, a journalist reporting for The Lever; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * Trump, GOP, Rightwing Media Weaponize Disinformation on Immigration; Phillip HoSang, FAIR intern, Master’s student NYU’s Media, Culture & Communications Program; Producer: Scott Harris.

This episode of Spotlight on Arts and Culture is a celebration of National Poetry month featuring a conversation with poet, artist, and archivist Shanna Melton. Shanna Melton runs the Writer's Group in Bridgeport, a monthly creative writing workshop.

* Abortion and Reproductive Rights are on the 2024 Election Ballot Dr. Kristyn Brandi, previous board chair of the group Physicians for Reproductive Health Producer: Scott Harris * Activists at Groton Submarine Base Protest the Ongoing Threat of Nuclear War Jackie Allen Doucot of the Hartford Catholic Worker Producer: Melinda Tuhus * Israeli Propagandists Target US Journalists, Skewing (Slanting) Coverage of Gaza War Arvind Dilawar, Independent Journalist Producer: Scott Harris

* Abortion and Reproductive Rights are on the 2024 Election Ballot Dr. Kristyn Brandi, previous board chair of the group Physicians for Reproductive Health Producer: Scott Harris * Activists at Groton Submarine Base Protest the Ongoing Threat of Nuclear War Jackie Allen Doucot of the Hartford Catholic Worker Producer: Melinda Tuhus * Israeli Propagandists Target US Journalists, Skewing (Slanting) Coverage of Gaza War Arvind Dilawar, Independent Journalist Producer: Scott Harris

My guest is E. Hardy Kern lll, The Director of Government relations pesticides and Birds Campaign for the American Bird Conservancy. Hardy will address “Neonics” Neonicotinoids, the New DDT pesticide and it’s threat to birds. The American Bird Conservancy is a non-profit membership organization with the mission of conserving wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Its focus is on threats to birds in the Western Hemisphere – threats which include overuse of pesticides, urban sprawl, habitat destruction, and invasive species.

For the Sunday March 31, 2024 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down with James Shaham, live in the studio. James Shaham is an American-Palestinian community member and organizer with Bridgeport for Ceasefire. James speaks about his unique journey, as well as experiences and injustices his family has suffered, the conditions in the Occupied West Bank, and why the Ceasefire Resolution in Bridgeport matters. On January 2, Bridgeport made history by becoming the first city in Connecticut to pass a Ceasefire Resolution. This inspiring achievement made national news, and inspired other cities to organize Ceasefire Resolution campaigns as well. To connect with Bridgeport for Ceasefire: www.instagram.com/bpt4ceasefire

Melinda Tuhus, independent journalist, talks about her long-running environmentally-focused show The Forest and the Trees with host Richard Hill. (March, 2024)

Show features: --Small Farms Report with Steve Munno --Honey Bee Update with Vincent Kaye --Spring Farmers Markets Open with Kaitlyn Kimbell Hosted by Richard Hill

-Fossil fuel industry says abandon the fantasy of phasing out oil and gas -IEA, projects that oil and gas demand peaks by 2030 -Philadelphia county is suing the oil industry, saying oil producers deceived the public about global warming. -Historic and significant climate regulations issued for U.S. -Sea ice in arctic regions of the planet continued its decline in 2024 -Insurance rates going up for coastal properties

* After 5 Months of Palestinian Carnage US Finally Allows Passage of UN Gaza Ceasefire Resolution; Josh Ruebner, Adjunct Lecturer in the Justice and Peace Program at Georgetown University; Producer: Scott Harris. * ‘Stop Cop City’ Opponents Fight to have Atlanta Voters Decide Fate of Militarized Police Training Facility; Rev. Keyanna Jones, co-pastor of Park Avenue Baptist Church, Atlanta; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * Assessing Biden's Domestic Policy Agenda as 2024 Election Campaign Heats Up; Karen Dolan, Project Director of Criminalization of Race and Poverty at the Institute for Policy Studies. Producer: Scott Harris.

Eclipse 2024 Interview with Joe Rao. Meteorologist Joe Rao discusses the upcoming April 8th Solar Eclipse that will cover the entire contiguous U.S & parts of Mexico & Canada...and how to view it safely End Music, "2001 Funk" , by Larry Benigno

* Biden's Contradictory, Deadly Gaza Policies Prioritizes Rhetoric Over Action; Jack Mirkinson, a Senior Editor at The Nation magazine and cofounder of Discourse Blog; Producer: Scott Harris. * US and Other Nations Intervene Once Again in Haiti to Address a Crisis They Helped Create; Jake Johnston, Senior Research Associate with the Center for Economic and Policy Research; Producer: Scott Harris. * Elder Climate Activist Risks her Freedom and Health in Mountain Valley Pipeline Protest; Karen “River” Bixler, an 81-year-old Vermont climate activist; Producer: Melinda Tuhus.

Oceans has 365 straight days of record-breaking global sea surface temperatures Vietnam faces nearly $3 billion a year in crop losses do to saltwater seepage In 2023, the U.S. added more solar capacity than ever before. South Korea to finance projects to help reduce carbon emissions, U.S. eastern states stay curiously cool possibly due to reforestation Port of San Diego’s first fully-electric tugboat just arrived Colorado has instituted sets limits on water for urban landscaping USDA just updated their plant hardiness zone map

The March 17, 2024 episode of Mic Check features an interview from 2020, when host Mike Merli was in conversation with Mariyann Soulemane, sister of Mubarak Soulemane, a 19 year-old Black Muslim teenager who was murdered by CT State Police (in collaboration with West Haven Police) on January 15, 2020. Mubarak Soulemane was 19 years old. Mubarak Soulemane was a student at Gateway Community College in New Haven. Mubarak Soulemane was an athlete, who loved playing basketball. Mubarak Soulemane was an entrepreneur, studying business. A teenager, with a heart of gold who would literally give the shirt off his back to help someone. And he did exactly that, on multiple occasions. His kindness and generosity are reflected in the many friends he had that mourn his loss. He had dreams of traveling the world. He had a family that loved him so much. And now all of that is gone for Mubarak. In a rare instance, Trooper Brian North was actually indicted on criminal charges for taking Mubarak’s life. However, on Friday, a jury consisting of mostly older white men, rendered a NOT GUILTY verdict on all counts North was charged with. To stay updated on (and support) Mubarak's family's continued journey for justice: www.instagram.com/justiceformubarak/

My guest is Denise Baden, a Professor of Sustainable Business within Southampton Business School at the University of Southampton in Britain. Denise set up the Green Stories Project which includes free writing competitions that encourage storytellers to embed climate solutions into stories aimed at mainstream readers across a variety of formats. She believes that solution-focused stories were more likely to inspire pro-environmental behavior. Prof. Baden is also on the Forbes list of Climate Leaders. There are links below. https://www.dabaden.com/habitat-man/ https://habitatpress.com/no-more-fairy-tales/ linkedin.com/in/denise-baden-3742793 https://www.dabaden.com/ https://twitter.com/DABadenauthor Green Stories links https://www.greenstories.org.uk/ https://habitatpress.com/ https://twitter.com/GreenstoriesUK https://instagram.com/greenstoriessoton https://www.youtube.com/@greenstoriesuk

On today's show: --Dana Jackson from CT NOFA reports on the upcoming Winter Conference Scheduled for March 23 at Eastern CT State U., in Willimantic, CT. --Steve Munno's Small Farms Report from Massaro Farm in Woodbridge, CT --The Honey Bee Update with Vincent Kaye --Special Guest: Esther Armmand tells the story of her family's farm in the Mississippi Delta. Host: Richard Hill

Michael Zweig, economist and labor historian, is joined by special guest Carl Rosen, president of the United Electrical Workers Union (UE), to discuss the nation-wide campaign by organized labor to demand an immediate and permanent cease fire in the ongoing slaughter of Palestinians by Israel in Gaza. Interview by Richard Hill on March 5, 2024

John Nichols, The Nation Magazine's national affairs correspondent, analyzes President Joe Biden's State of the Union address and discusses his re-election prospects in light of his domestic and foreign policy agendas. Panel: Ruthanne Baumgartner, Scott Harris and Richard Hill

Melinda Tuhus interviews Denise Savageau, president of the Connecticut Association of Conservation Districts, who explains how the climate crisis is exacerbating the biodiversity crisis.

The March Spotlight on Arts and Culture features Emily Derr, Christine Irvine, and Tania Hoppe from the Stamford Arts Association. In this conversation, The Stamford Arts Association discusses their approach to establishing a welcoming, inclusive space for artists to begin or nurture their career through workshops, exhibitions, and community!

* Humanitarian Crisis & Starvation Used as a Weapon of War in Gaza Demands Immediate Ceasefire; Abby Maxman, Oxfam America's Pres. & CEO, Dr. Karameh Kuemmerle a member of Doctors Against Genocide; Producer: Scott Harris. * Beyond the Devastation in Gaza, Repression & Violence Impact Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank; Mazin Qumsiyeh, Professor, Director of Cytogenetics Services at Bethlehem University & Dir. PIBS; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * Corporate Media Coverage of Election 2024 is Riven by Journalistic Malpractice; Rick Perlstein, journalist, historian, and author; Producer: Scott Harris.

-A record number of fires threat the Amazon this year -MethaneSAT, built to detect methane from . -2.5 million Americans left their homes because of Extreme Weather -World's largest coral reef ecosystems threatened -Texas increased its solar capacity by 3,700% ranks 3rd in U.S. -Heinz creates a new version of its plastic bottle cap that's recyclable -Groundbreaking discovery, of a novel paint technology for insulation

MY guest on Digging in the Dirt is Louise Washer. Louise serves on the Board of the Pollinator Pathway and is also President of the Norwalk River Watershed Association. Louise is a regular on DITD because she is tirelessly working on issues that affect you and I and our planet. She is here to tell us about an upcoming conference on pesticides, that she is part of, that is taking place next week.

Exxon CEO argued oil industry is not primarily to blame for climate breakdown Cargo ship was sunk by rebels could cause ecological damage to the Red Sea. The biggest blaze ever recorded in Texas due to climate change North Atlantic ocean is, on average, warmer than any other time on record, Hundreds of thousands of fall-run Chinook salmon die Mexico City metropolitan area has endured weeks of water shortages Renewable energy costs in Asia last year were 13% cheaper than coal “virtually unlimited” geothermal power may become available

*Ongoing Gaza Catastrophe Rouses Michigan Primary Voters to Send Biden a Message; James J. Zogby Ph.D., co-founder and president of the Arab American Institute; Producer: Scott Harris. *The World and Americans Must Hold all Israeli Institutions Accountable for Occupation, Apartheid, and Genocide; Ofer Neiman, a Jewish Israeli anti-apartheid activist living in Jerusalem; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. *Review of Trump's Total Immunity Claim, Effectively Delays Jan 6 Trial Until After Election; Thomas G. Moukawsher, a former Connecticut complex litigation judge; Producer: Scott Harris.

-Unseasonable warmth means winter is probably over -World’s oceans reached the hottest temperatures ever recorded early in 2024 -Amazon rainforest faces ecosystem collapse as soon as 2050 -Climate change warming threatens the Lake Geneva’s biodiversity -Pregnant women in Indiana show increased amounts of weedkiller in their urine, -New $24 million funding to support clean energy workforce training -44,000 of the world's species are on the brink of extinction

* Julian Assange Fights Last Battle to Stop UK Extradition to US; Kevin Gosztola, publisher of the Dissenter Newsletter and author; Producer: Scott Harris * Worldwide Protests Demand Insurance Companies Stop Fueling the Climate Crisis; James Hiatt, a native of Southwest Louisiana, and founder of For a Better Bayou; Producer: Melinda Tuhus * New Information Emerges in the Assassination of Malcolm X Implicating the FBI; Theodore Hamm, Assoc Prof & Chair of Journalism, New Media Studies at St. Joseph's University; Producer: Scott Harris

Economist Michael Zweig discusses the various union organizing efforts that are moving forward nationally. Interview by Richard Hill, Feb. 6, 2024

VETERAN OF 4 SPACE SHUTTLE FLIGHTS & FORMER NASA ADMINISTRATOR CHARLIE BOLDEN DISCUSSES HIS EXPERIENCES AS A YOUTH IN THE SEGREGATED SOUTH, & HIS AND OTHER BLACK ASTRONAUTS EXPERIENCES WITH & CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE U.S. SPACE PROGRAM

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer is a prodigious guitarist. He was an original cast member of the Broadway musical "School of Rock" and has played on stage with everyone from Buddy Guy to Gregg Allman to Tedeschi Trucks. Taz is bringing his talents to Bridgeport on Saturday, February 24, 2024, as part of WPKN's celebration of Black History Month. He is performing at the Bijou Theatre, and tickets are available here through Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wpkn-celebrates-black-history-month-w-brandon-taz-niederauer-friends-tickets-809332183347

My guest this episode on DITD will be Ellen Montgomery the Director of the Public Lands Campaign for Environment America. Environment America is Working together with many organizations on a myriad of environmental issues . We be talking about EA's efforts to preserve the U.S ‘s old growth forests from logging because they are one of our best defenses against the warming of the planet.

* As Ukraine War Enters 3rd Year, It’s Time to Stop the Killing Melvin Goodman, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy, former CIA analyst Producer: Scott Harris * Veterans for Peace Demands Biden Stop Sending Weapons to Israel, Investigate Violation of US Law Mike Ferner, national director, Veterans for Peace; Matthew Hoh, associate director, Eisenhower Media Network Producer: Scott Harris * Coalition Proposes Federal Legislation to Clean Up Zombie Coal Mines’ Environmental Hazards Chelsea Barnes, director of Government Affairs and Strategy for Appalachian Voices Producer: Melinda Tuhus

-New Zealand has ruled in favor of indigenous leaders lawsuit against polluters -Local governments are banning green energy projects faster than building them -Lake Powell still in danger of new “deadpool” low levels -National Academy of Sciences,wants a new hurricane category 6 storm rating -Horse shoe Crabs are in jeopardy due to recent human activities -17 million pounds of plastic trash removed from the Pacific Ocean

Special Guest Miranda Gould, who owns the New Petal Flower Farm (https://newpetalflowerfarm.com) in Monroe, CT, talks about how she grows organic tulips during the winter by "forcing" them in her basement. Hosts: Richard Hill, Laura Modlin and Steve Munno.

James Sirch, Education Director at the Peabody Museum in New Haven, CT, discusses the numerous pros of native plants and urges us to grow them from seeds and avoid mistaking them for pesky weeds. Hosts: Richard Hill, Laura Modlin and Steve Munno

Henry Lowendorf, chair of the New Haven Peace Council and longtime peace and social justice activist, speaks about the continuing brutal Israeli massacre taking place in Gaza. Panel: Ruthanne Baumgartner, Scott Harris and Richard Hill.

*Biden's Ineffectual Response to Israel's Ongoing Carnage in Gaza War Phyllis Bennis, a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies Producer: Scott Harris. * One Year After East Palestine Toxic Train Derailment Residents Still Seeking Help on Heath Impacts Hilary Flint co-founder of the group, Unity Council for the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Producer: Melinda Tuhus. *SCOTUS Hearing on Colorado's Removal of Trump from State Ballot Ignores His Role as Insurrectionist Amira Mattar, Counsel with the group Free Speech For People Producer: Scott Harris.

-Climate scientist Michael E. Mann wins more than $1mn in damages in defamation case -20% of the world’s migrating animals could be extinct due to human activities -The EU on rejects a plan to cut back reliance on pesticides in agriculture -The Oil Industry Knew About Its Role in Climate Change since 1954 -Devastating wildfires tear across large parts of Chile leaving widespread destruction -The U.S. announces new funding for electric vehicle charging stations -Louisiana Govenor fills state environmental posts with fossil fuel executives -The world surpassed a key warming threshold for the first time on record.

I speak with Roishetta Ozane, one of the leaders of the effort to stop the build-out of LNG (liquefied natural gas) export terminals in Louisiana and Texas.

Growing "climate crisis" is fundamentally a human behavioral crisis European countries technological advances, won't limit global heating to 1.5°. Greenlandic mainland is rising faster than sea levels United States’ planet-overheating gas emissions dropped by 1.9% in 2023 Saudi Aramco call off plans to expand its oil output, First-ever white rhinoceros pregnancy using in vitro fertilization. United States Postal Service to install electric vehicle charging stations nationwide

* Preventing a Wider Middle East War linked to Ending Israel's Brutal War in Gaza; Medea Benjamin, Co-founder Code Pink Women For Peace; Producer: Scott Harris. * Biden Pause on Approving LNG Export Terminals, Won’t Solve Frontline Communities’ Health Hazards; Roishetta Ozane is the founder and CEO of the Vessel Project in southwestern Louisiana; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * GOP and Far Right Forces Provoking National Emergency at Southern Border; Justin Akers Chacón, author and Professor of U.S. History and Chicano Studies San Diego City College; Producer: Scott Harris.

On the February 4, 2024 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli is joined by Jose Sandoz, Board Member and 4.5-year resident of Success Village Apartments. Jose discusses the heating crisis at Success Village currently affecting 924 families in Bridgeport and Stratford, and the ways in which he and others have been organizing to try to bring heat back to residents.

I welcome back to DITD Jeff Masters of the Yale Climate Connection. Jeff, worked as a hurricane scientist with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters from 1986-1990. He has a Ph.D. in air pollution meteorology from the University of Michigan. In 1995, he co-founded the Weather Underground weather channel. On Monday Jan 22nd , a relatively weak atmospheric river, along with favorable winds in the mid-to-upper atmosphere, combined to deliver a deluge to San Diego, with the city seeing 2.73 inches of rainfall in a very short amount of time causing major flooding and destruction of property. Now California is being slammed up and down the coast in the same manner. What's going on?

-Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state Nightmare weather events -Maine record-breaking weather extremes bring disruption, destruction -San Diego has record rains and flash flooding caused by an atmospheric river -Climate change is having a “catastrophic impact” on migratory species, -The courts halt spraying of streptomycin on citrus crops across the US -New Jersey Plans two new offshore wind farms -White House halts all new licenses for LNG export terminals

* International Court of Justice Orders Israel to Prevent Acts of Genocide in Gaza War; Robert L. Herbst, is a civil rights lawyer in New York; Producer: Scott Harris. * Fighting to Reform U.S. Mass Incarceration from Inside the System; Nneka Jones Tapia, managing dir. of justice initiatives at Chicago Beyond, former warden of Chicago’s Cook County Jail; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * Argentina’s Unions Respond to President Milei’s Extremist Program with General Strike; Pablo Pryluka, Doctoral Candidate in the Department of History at Princeton University; Producer: Scott Harris.

Erika K. Wesley, the Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, sits down for a conversation with Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim. They discuss Bridgeport's numerous cultural initiatives and growing status as a city where many artists and other creative professionals choose to live. This interview marks the beginning of a 2024 series in which Erika plans to connect with the mayors of Fairfield's urban communities.

Thursday, January 25, 2024, 12 Noon WPKN 89.5FM www.wpkn.org Host: Duo Dickinson We are in the time of Tear Downs, Again. And yet feel good, virtue signalling, of 8,000 square foot “Green” homes and $80,000 electric cars simultaneously tell us we are being good stewards of our world. The oxymoron of a new millennium’s religion of “sustainability” and the never ending growth in size and cost of the American Home has always been part of our culture. It is so basic as to be be cliche: “It if ain’t broke don’t fix it.” But we tear down endless viable buildings, throwing away all the energy in them, toxic waste and spending the carbon to make all the parts and build the new building. This is nuts, and people have devoted their lives to offering an alternative to our throw away culture. Joe DeRisi created Urbanminers, Klass Armster has created Armster Reclaimed Lumber and John Hiden is part of Mongers Market: they are walking the talk where others cynically market “Green” as a vehicle for profitting from our hubris and guilt. JOIN US ON HOME PAGE TO SEE A FUTURE IN THE PAST.

Jason Stanley: If Re-Elected, Trump Vows Fascist Regime from Day One Morgan Fox: Although Federal Agencies Recommend Changes to Marijuana Classification, Major Reforms Unlikely Carrie Baker: U.S. Courts Uphold States’ Extremist Abortion Laws Endangering Lives Bob Nixon: This Week’s Under-reported News Summary • Somalia attempts to nullify Ethiopia’s Red Sea port plan • Most states don't warn about "forever chemicals" in fish • Los Angeles landlords forcing rent-stabilized dwellers out

Former UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur Michael Lynk: Israel’s Brutal Gaza War Has Now Killed 25,000 Palestinians Climate Defiance organizer Maxwell Downing: Direct Action Climate Group Targets Retiring Sen, Joe Manchin as “Climate Super Villain” Stand Up America's Tishan Weerasooriya: Supreme Court Poised to Decimate Federal Regulations on Pollution, Climate, Public Health Bob Nixon's Under-reported News Summary • 4 ways to ease Cuba's humanitarian crisis • NYPD faces backlash as it plans to encrypt radio communications • Labor law violations federal investigations fall to record low

Former UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur Michael Lynk: Israel’s Brutal Gaza War Has Now Killed 25,000 Palestinians Climate Defiance organizer Maxwell Downing: Direct Action Climate Group Targets Retiring Sen. Joe Manchin as “Climate Super Villain” Stand Up America's Tishan Weerasooriya: Supreme Court Poised to Decimate Federal Regulations on Pollution, Climate, Public Health Bob Nixon's Under-reported News Summary • 4 ways to ease Cuba's humanitarian crisis • NYPD faces backlash as it plans to encrypt radio communications • Labor law violations federal investigations fall to record low

My guest now is Raju Rajan. Raju describes himself as a technologist with a strong communitarian ethic. Raju is one of the founders of ReWild Long Island and currently serves as Board President. Raju is an avid gardener and amateur tree-enthusiast, he also owns and manages a small agroforest in India dedicated to rewilding and permaculture. ReWild Long Island is accepting applications from community groups to join their ReWild LI Gardens program.

I'd like to welcome in here to digging in the dirt, my friend Joe Magazzi, president of Green Earth Ag And Turf a company that is a leader in wholesale distribution of organic products for plants, trees and turf with thirteen years of experience and expertise in the green industries. Their motto is All we do are organics. He's here to talk about his First annual Green Earth Ag & Turf Webinar dedicated to teaching more natural and organic application programs and promoting sustainability.

-EPA will have 1 Billion to clean-up the Great Lakes -U.S. plans to conserve and steward old-growth forests on national forests -Miami septic tanks leaking Nutrients and fecal bacteria -California to enforce laws on over-pumping of groundwater -The Bering snow crab season will be closed for 2023-2024 -Egyptian government approves incentives for green hydrogen projects -It's official 2023 was Earth’s warmest year in a century and a half

-Blinken says Healthy soil is increasingly an issue of national security -Federal rule will force crack down on methane gas emissions -One of the largest coal plants to be be replaced by the nation’s biggest solar farm -Kashmir India’s mountains having snowless winter -India to achieve 65 percent of its power capacity from non- fossil-fuel sources -US Department of Defense will install rooftop solar on the Pentagon

The January 21, 2024 episode of Mic Check was a re-broadcast of host Mike Merli's January 1 interview with Mahmoud Abbas, a Palestinian activist based right here in Connecticut. Mahmoud shares his story, and speaks as an organizer with Bridgeport for Ceasefire, a diverse and inclusive grassroots campaign, led by local Palestinians and Muslims, that organized for a Ceasefire Resolution at the municipal level here in Bridgeport. The resolution was conceived by, and put forth by, City Council Member Jazmarie Melendez, whose community organizing and activism began six years ago, when she and her family suffered a very personal tragedy and injustice. On May 9, 2017, her 15 year-old brother Jayson Negron was shot and killed by Bridgeport Police. Having that first-hand experience of being directly impacted by state violence, Jazmarie powerfully decided she wanted her first official act as a Bridgeport City Council Member to be putting forth a Ceasefire Resolution in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and calling upon the City Council to take a stand against the ongoing genocide being committed by Israel. In this conversation, Mahmoud speaks about the important historical context, and the everyday conditions that Palestinians face, in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank. The night after this conversation took place, Bridgeport made history by becoming the first city in Connecticut to pass a Ceasefire Resolution. For more information on the successful Bridgeport for Ceasefire campaign: www.instagram.com/bpt4ceasefire https://www.democracynow.org/2024/1/10/headlines/san_francisco_bridgeport_ct_albany_are_latest_us_municipalities_to_pass_ceasefire_resolutions https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2024-01-03/bridgeport-becomes-first-city-in-ct-to-adopt-gaza-ceasefire-resolution https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-council-gaza-peace-jewish-muslim-18586339.php https://pequonnock.blogspot.com/2024/01/bridgeport-passes-gaza-ceasefire.html https://www.fox61.com/video/news/politics/bridgeport-city-council-calls-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-the-real-story/520-b9a4cbab-243c-4d60-85d5-f264a52fd1c0

Michael Zweig, economist, labor historian and author of the just released book "Race, Class and Gender -- Challenging the Injuries and Divisions of Capitalism," discusses the momentous labor action in 2023 and offers his forecast for labor in 2024. Interview by Richard Hill

The Resistance panel interviews India Walton, the Black woman who rocked the political establishment in Buffalo, NY, when she beat the centrist mayor in that city's primary. She is currently an activist and writer with Roots Action (www.rootsaction.org), a progressive advocacy and action group. Panel: Scott Harris, Ruthanne Baumgartner and Richard Hill

Special guests, Louise Lasher and Lisa Shanahan, discuss how they successfully passed an ordinance restricting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Norwalk, CT. Panel: Steve Munno, Laura Modlin and Richard Hill

-Storm brings record coastal flooding in Maine -Reduced snowpack in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere -Iranians accusing its Neighbor Turkey Of Stealing Rain Clouds, -A quarter of humanity living under drought in 2022 and 2023 -Bottled water has 10 to 100 times more bits of plastic than - previously estimated -A battery system has replaced Hawaii’s very last coal power plant.

* South Africa Files International Court of Justice Case Accusing Israel of Genocide in Gaza Robert L. Herbst, is a human rights lawyer in New York Producer: Scott Harris * Protest at US Holocaust Museum Demands Response to Israel’s Atrocities in Gaza Michael Beer, Director of Nonviolence International Producer: Melinda Tuhus * Two States Rule Insurrectionist Donald Trump Ineligible to Appear on 2024 Ballot Nikhel Sus, Senior Counsel, Dir. Strategic Litigation, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) Producer: Scott Harris

My guests today are all doing great things for the Long Island sound. Dr. Sarah Crosby, who is a marine ecologist trained in conservation science with extensive experience in coastal and marine ecosystems. Kat Cuzco of the Lobster trap team has worked as a marine science educator at Project Oceanology since 2019. At Project O. She also works on the Lobster Trap Recovery and Assessment Partnership (L-TRAP). Also Bill Lucey, a sound keeper for Save The Sound. We are here to discuss the problem of 10’s of thousands of Abandoned lobster traps in Long Island Sound.

* Physician Relates the Horror Palestinians Face in Gaza as Israel-Hamas War Continues into 2024; Dr. Dana Elborno, MD, OBGYN, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology physician practicing in Illinois; Producer: Scott Harris. * Group Challenging America's Undemocratic Electoral College System Gaining Support; Christopher Pearson, Secretary of the group National Popular Vote, former Vermont legislator; Producer: Scott Harris. * CT’s Clean Slate Law Seals Criminal Records of People Convicted of Misdemeanors & Some Felonies; Rodney Moore, Phil Kent and Helen Caraballo Speakers at Clean Slate Law Press Conference; Producer: Melinda Tuhus.

-EXIM approved nearly $1 billion in fossil fuel lending -New York just became the first state to restrict seeds coated with bee-killing pesticides. -a declaration signed to boost health-related climate finance -San Mateo sea-level rise planners propose building an off-shore tidal lagoon -Chile believed to have a tree that survived for more than 5,000 years

Dr. Irene Mulvey, president of the American Association of University Professors, discusses the onslaught against freedom of speech and inquiry in Florida and academia, in general. Luke Savage, staff reporter with Jacobin Magazine, offers his perspective on how the corporate media is—and should be—covering the presidential campaign of Donald Trump. Panel: Ruthanne Baumgartner, Scott Harris and Richard Hill

-The electric vehicle market is in good health, with record sales -Colorado River’s water supply drops substantially due to low snow -The Northeast and N. California, risk of extreme flash rainstorms - 60% of insects struggling to keep up with the plants they rely on -half” of the whales and dolphins over the past five years contained PCBs, -Stanford Natural Capital Project, answering questions Ct about nature friendly development.

* If Re-elected Trump Vows to Impose a Fascist Regime, But Are Americans Listening?; Amanda Marcotte, a senior politics writer at Salon and author; Producer: Scott Harris. * A Bipartisan ‘Fiscal Commission,’ The GOP's Latest Threat to Cut Social Security, Medicare Benefits Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works; Producer: Scott Harris. * After 30 Years of Organizing Yale Grad Student Union Local 33 Wins First Contract; Sasha Tabachnikova, PhD candidate in immunobiology, & member of the union bargaining committee; Producer: Melinda Tuhus.