WPKN Community Radio

{This episode of Mic Check originally aired on May 7, 2023 live on WPKN radio} In this episode, host Mike Merli is joined by: Mattie Abraham, a formerly incarcerated resident of New Haven, with Untreated Citizens & Michael Braham, a formerly incarcerated resident of New Haven, who was worked with Full Citizens Coalition, Stop Solitary CT, and Yale's Access to Law School Program. In this conversation, Mattie and Michael take a look at mercy, second chances, and the state of Prison Sentence Commutations in Connecticut. Stop Solitary CT is holding a gathering in appreciation of Former Parole and Pardon Chair Carleton Giles: Wednesday May 17, 2023 9:30 to 10:30am Legislative Office Building (LOB) Room 1 B 300 Capitol Ave Hartford, CT More information available at: https://stopsolitaryct.org/ https://www.instagram.com/stopsolitaryct

* Right-Wing Push for Article V Constitutional Convention Threatens Basic Liberties; Viki Harrison, Director of Constitutional Convention & the Protect Dissent Program at Common Cause; Producer: Scott Harris. * Despite Drop in Coal Production, Destructive Mountain Top Removal Coal Mining Continues; Allen Johnson, co-founder and coordinator of the group Christians for the Mountains; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * ‘In These Times' Director Ponders the Future of Progressive Media; Alex Han, newly appointed Executive Director of In These Times magazine; Producer: Scott Harris.

-Supreme Court rules against Big Oil -A new strain of bird flu is spreading across the US. -Spain facing unprecedented hot April temperature -Extreme heat puts 80% of India's 1.4 billion population in danger. -Egyptians facing "absolute" water scarcity. -Deutsche Bank commits $500 billion to sustainable investment. -Climate Change report.. Our children's world will be different from ours.

My guest on this Digging in the Dirt is Paul Greenberg. Paul writes at the intersection of the environment and technology, seeking to help his readers escape screens and find emotional and ecological balance with their planet. He is the author of the James Beard Award-winning bestseller Four Fish and the books American Catch and The Climate Diet: 50 Simple Ways to Trim Your Carbon Footprint. He is a regular contributor to The New York Times and currently hosts the podcast Fish Talk.

Eric Bibbs music finds its way into my program more often than not. I love what he does. He speaks to my concerns about what's happening in the world today and does it with great songs. We'll talk about his follow-up to his multiple award-winning, critically acclaimed 2021 album, Dear America, Ridin' is a continuation of the vision that informs Bibb's artistry as a modern-day Blues troubadour.

Host Mike Merli is joined by Eric Goodman, a socialist organizer and Union trades person. They have been organizing with the group socialist revolution since 2016 and started the New Haven branch in 2021. Eric and socialist revolution are part of the coalition of groups putting on tomorrow's May Day rally and march in New Haven. For more info on socialist revolution and the Connecticut / New Haven branch: www.socialistrevolution.org www.facebook.com/SocRevCT For more info on International Marxist Tendency: www.instagram.com/newhavenimt For more info on tomorrow's May Day rally and march in New Haven: www.facebook.com/events/s/may-day-people-planet-over-pro/220219150697478 Eric's reading recommendations as mentioned during the program: - TEAMSTER REBELLION by Farrell Dobbs - DEATH IN THE HAYMARKET by James Green - THE STATE AND REVOLUTION by Vladimir Lenin - A PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES by Howard Zinn - HAMMER AND HOE by Robin D.G. Kelley - SOCIALIST REVOLUTION magazine {This interview was conducted and broadcast live on April 30, 2023 on WPKN independent community radio.}

HOST: Rob Fried Guests include: Rob Somerville, Sax Player John Reid, Artistic Director Steve di Costanzo, GM of WPKN 89.5-FM Community Radio

* Dominion Lawsuit Wasn't Launched to Protect Democracy from Fox News Propaganda; Peter Maass, a senior editor with The Intercept; Producer: Scott Harris. * Willow Project Climate Bomb is Gateway to Open More Oil and Gas Development in Western Arctic; Bridget Psarianos, Senior Attorney with Trustees for Alaska; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * Supreme Court Justice Thomas' Ethics Violations Demands Congressional Action; Brett Edkins, Managing Director of Policy & Political Affairs with Stand Up America; Producer: Scott Harris.

Multiweek heat wave impacting southeastern Asia Largest body of freshwater west of the Mississippi River returns Utah's Great Salt Lake bounces back Antarctica has reached its lowest level since modern records Report on Colorado River crisis paints a dire picture EPA has rules aimed to reduce toxic emissions from chemical plants The Ocean Cleanup removes over 220 tons of trash from the sea California's superbloom phenomenon is very big and bright this year

* Texas Judge's Ruling Banning a Widely Used Abortion Drug Based on Ideology Not Science; Pema Levy, a reporter with Mother Jones magazine; Producer: Scott Harris. * Amid the Deepening Climate Crisis Banks Invested a Staggering $673 Billion in Fossil Fuel Projects in 2022; April Merleaux, research manager with Rainforest Action Network; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * Climate Defiance Activists Plan Blockade of White House Correspondents Dinner April 29th; Rylee Haught, action organizer with Climate Defiance; Producer: Scott Harris.

On January 4th, Cambridge, Massachusetts police officers shot and killed 20 year-old Sayed Arif Faisal, who was a UMass Boston student majoring in Engineering. The Justice for Faisal movement was born, bringing together a coalition of groups to demand justice and organize for a better future. One of the groups at the heart of the Justice for Faisal movement, is Muslim Justice League (or MJL). Host Mike Merli speaks to Fatema Ahmad, executive director of MJL and an active organizer within the Justice for Faisal movement. For more on the Justice for Faisal movement: https://muslimjusticeleague.org/justice-for-faisal/ For more on Muslim Justice League: https://muslimjusticeleague.org/ https://www.facebook.com/MuslimJusticeLeague https://twitter.com/MuslimJustice {This episode of Mic Check originally aired on Sunday April 16, 2023}

-Hudson nuclear waste water dump on hold -More than 2 feet of rain in 6 hours, floods Fort Lauderdale -“Climate change is a threat to human well-being & planetary health” -Spring has sprung unusually early in the eastern United States -sea waters are rising by large, measurable amounts -Homes constructed in risky areas overvalued billions of dollars -Salmon fishing off the California coast is facing a spring ban

Im very pleased to welcome to Digging in the Dirt Isabella Rossellini. In addition to a very successful modeling career, Isabella has starred in some extraordinary films, Like “Blue Velvet”. I Invited her here today not to talk about films but to talk to me about her wonderful organic farm in Brookhaven Long Island, called Mama Farm …..where Ms. Rossellini has a popular CSA and raises endangered breeds of farm animals.

Host: Steve di Costanzo Doug Holcomb the CEO of Greater Bridgeport Transit and Matt Pentz the CEO of Norwalk Transit Department talk bus transportation, diesel vs. Electric, Effects of Covid on ridership and plans for celebrating this year's Earth Day.

Today WPKN's General Manager Steve di Costanzo welcomes: LifeBridge Community Services a nonprofit based in Bridgeport serving the community for over 170 years. Mission: Partnering with individuals, youth, and families to improve well-being, strengthen resilience, and create a brighter futureLifeBridge provides a combination of behavioral health services, youth development, and asset-building resources for families, our impact strengthens our community as a whole. Steve speaks with Edith Boyle, the President & CEO as well honorees of Creating from the Heart (upcoming FREE event April 27 at The Knowlton) Shanika Rucker and Razul Branch. He will also talk with Key Note Speaker Cey Adams- visionary graphic designer, visual artist, teacher and founding creative director of DEF JAM Recordings.

Today WPKN's General Manager Steve di Costanzo welcomes the following to his April GM Report to the Listeners: John Bastone from RecordRiots to talk with Steve about WPKN's Music Mash Record Fair coming up this Saturday at Read's ArtSpace- It's a sold out show with dealers! LifeBridge Community Services a nonprofit based in Bridgeport serving the community for over 170 years. Mission: Partnering with individuals, youth, and families to improve well-being, strengthen resilience, and create a brighter futureLifeBridge provides a combination of behavioral health services, youth development, and asset-building resources for families, our impact strengthens our community as a whole. Steve speaks with Edith Boyle, the President & CEO as well honorees of Creating from the Heart (upcoming FREE event April 27 at The Knowlton) Shanika Rucker and Razul Branch. He will also talk with Key Note Speaker Cey Adams- visionary graphic designer, visual artist, teacher and founding creative director of DEF JAM Recordings. Steve will also be talking with Doug Holcomb, CEO of the Greater Bridgeport Transit and Matt Pentz the CEO of Norwalk Transit

Nigerian Highlife musician Okwy Osadebe is interviewed by Ebong Udoma.

Host: David Green If you are interested in your health and well-being (who isn't?) then spend your lunch hour with us at NOON by tuning into @wpkn89.5 for our monthly live interview series Spotlight On Arts and Culture: "The Arts and Healing." We will examine the power of creative expression as a means of coping, healing, and restoration. We will hear about how the arts can be a bridge to mindfulness, reflection and transformation, particularly in the context of the current state of our world. Our guests are Dianne Niklaus, a Creative Wellness Coach; Darcy Hicks, visual artist and Co-director of Education at The Norwalk Art Space; Felicity Kostakis, artist and art teacher; Tatiana Mori, Director of the Greenwich Arts Council; and Patricia Spugani, Community Outreach & Lighting Designer at Town Players of New Canaan which recently produced Ordinary People to contribute to the conversation around mental health. Tune in and enjoy! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/ey5-VTpx Connecting. Informing. Promoting. Advocating. Together. CAFC supports the Arts and Culture landscape of #fairfieldcountyct #artsandhealth #artsandwellbeing #healthandwellness #wellbeing #healthandwellbeing #artsmatter #listenandlearn #reachhigh #bettertogether #newperspective

I'm here with the winner of the 5th annual Bill Duesing Organic Living on the Earth Award, Michael Nadeau. Michael is one of the leading authorities in the field of sustainable organic and ethical land care strategies in the United States. He is sought after for creating attractive sustainable and restorative environments using organic practices that respect the ecology of the property and reflect the philosophy of the client. Michael's organic and sustainable holistic land care approach carefully maximizes wildlife habitat with specific plantings and techniques, improving the overall health of land, water, and wildlife. He is a co-founder of CT NOFA's Organic Land Care program and owner of a organic land care consulting business. https://www.michaelnadeau.org/

* Father of School Shooting Victim Calls for National Education Strike to Demand Acton on Gun Violence; Manuel “Manny” Oliver, co-founder of Change the Ref, a group advocating for gun safety measures; Producer: Melinda Tuhus. * New Tactics Are Required to Resist and Defeat GOP Authoritarianism; Bill Fletcher Jr., labor and racial justice activist & author; Producer: Scott Harris. * Massive Protests in France Continue to Oppose Increase in Pension Retirement Age; Jeffrey Mackler, National Secretary of Socialist Action, a staff writer for their publication; Producer: Scott Harris.

Laura Modlin's Solar/Lunar Report Steve Munno's Small Farms Report Vincent Kaye with his Honey Bee Update Patrick Comins -- Executive Director of the Connecticut Audubon Society (CAS) will discuss legislation and strategies to protect bird migration in Connecticut. Hosted by Richard Hill, Laura Modlin and Chris Ferrio

Okwe Osadebe, son of the renown Nigerian Highlife king Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, shares his newest tracks and talks about his music and his Igbo culture. Interview by Richard Hill, April 4, 2023

This GaiaGram marks the 150th edition in the series. A lot has changed over the four years of airing these environmental headlines. I started producing them to alert us to the increasing amount of negative events that are inexorably changing planet earth and to hopefully get those of you who hear these stories to collectively get off your rear ends and do something about it. This is the time of year we celebrate Earth Day. I would hope that we all may make every day Earth day and in whatever small way change the way we conduct our individual lives to save the planet, as we have known it, for future generations to enjoy. I produce GaiaGram for my children and grandchildren. Please share if you care.

Prof. Jon Shelton, author of The Education Myth -- How Human Capital Trumped Social Democracy, discusses his theory that neo liberalism has fused competition and meritocracy with education in the US economy. Christopher Viles, professor of English and American Studies at UCONN - Storrs, analyzes the rising threat of fascism emerging from a multitude of sources across the US. Panel: Ruthanne Baumgartner, Scott Harris and Richard Hill

A conversation with Stan Heller about efforts to reduce impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers and other small engines; plus good news on efforts to stop the Mountain Valley fracked gas pipeline through WV and VA.

My guest now is Craig Floyd. Craig has been here on DITD several times before. I always like talking with Craig, because of his incredible knowledge of regenerative and organic growing, his work ethic and empathy for those who have less than the rest of us. Craig is retiring from running the Giving Garden in Stonington CT., which grows tons of wholesome food and gives it away.

My guests this show are two local Bridgeport residents doing good things on their Urban farm called Park City Harvest. Richard Myers & Shawn Joseph just self published a new book entitled "Grow to Eat" - A vegetable Growing Guide and Cookbook.

- Antarctica melting ice to affect global deep ocean current by 2050 -Exxon's low carbon business to generate billions of dollars -Six tornadoes hit the Northeast -Niño climate event is responsible for raising global temperatures -Congress to try to overturn protections for the nation's waterways -New rules for coal- and oil-fired power plants -Deforestation threatens “orangutan capital of the world” -Plugin vehicles are all the rage in the China -Duke Energy now has largest solar power plant ever

What is it like to be a queer religious leader in Ron DeSantis' Florida? What are the implications for the rest of the nation? Come to the Sunshine Cathedral, #myqueerchurch, in Fort Lauderdale Florida to find out. More info on Sunshine Cathedral at: https://sunshinecathedral.org/ {This story was produced by Mic Check host Isabelle Barbour, and it originally aired on March 5, 2023. More info on Isabelle's work can be found at: https://www.truthtellerconsulting.com/}

Changes in federal policy around the child tax credit and school lunches are poised to exacerbate already rising levels of hunger and food insecurity. Come hear how FRESH New London, a small but mighty organization, is working to take care of people, build power, and change systems in New London, Connecticut. More info on FRESH New London at: https://freshnewlondon.org/ {This story was produced by Mic Check host Isabelle Barbour, and it originally aired on February 5, 2023. More info on Isabelle's work can be found at: https://www.truthtellerconsulting.com/}

This podcast focuses on the Witness Stones project occurring in Old Lyme, Connecticut. It's an opportunity to think about what it means to take a look at the history of enslaved people in a community that is mainly white. We'll take a look at the successes and the challenges. More info on the Witness Stones Project at: https://www.witnessstonesoldlyme.org/ {This story was produced by Mic Check host Isabelle Barbour, and it originally aired on January 1, 2023. More info on Isabelle's work can be found at: https://www.truthtellerconsulting.com/}

The Southeastern Connecticut Organization for Racial Equity (SCORE) is a nonpartisan organization committed to anti-racist action with the ultimate goal of making people of color feel heard, safe, and welcome in southeastern CT. This podcast explores how SCORE came together to forward racial equity in East Lyme. More info on SCORE at: https://sites.google.com/view/scorect/home?authuser=1 {This story was produced by Mic Check host Isabelle Barbour, and it originally aired on December 4, 2022. More info on Isabelle's work can be found at: https://www.truthtellerconsulting.com/}

Step Up New London is a Black and Brown parent led organization that fights for equitable solutions that address injustices that New London, Connecticut community members experience in accessing quality education and housing. This podcast tells the story of how and why Step Up was developed. It includes content about the group's campaign to address problems in New London Public Schools. More info on Step Up New London at: https://www.stepupnewlondon.com/ {This story was produced by Mic Check host Isabelle Barbour, and it originally aired on November 6, 2022. More info on Isabelle's work can be found at: https://www.truthtellerconsulting.com/}

* As Trump is Indicted Threats of Political Violence From his Supporters Surge; Sarah Kendzior author and co-host of the Gaslit Nation weekly podcast; Producer: Scott Harris. * Israelis Protest Netanyahu's Threat to Democracy, but Ignore Rising Violence Targeting Palestinians; Josh Ruebner, Adjunct Lecturer at Georgetown University's Justice and Peace Studies program; Producer: Scott Harris. * From Slavery to Fossil Fuels Banks Have Been an ‘Industry of Injustice'; Lennox Yearwood,Rev, President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus; Producer: Melinda Tuhus.

Host: Rob Fried: Susan Schnitzer and Carolyn Pech (Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.

Carole is a classical trained pop/jazz singer, vocal arranger songwriter, and educator. She is a teaching artist and artist in residence for Young Audiences New York. She teaches Broadway, Pop, Jazz singing as well as Glee Club and Musical Theater. She began singing in church and at the home of Count Basie. At age 16, she opened up for James Brown at Yankee Stadium. She began her career as a classical singer attending Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and Julliard School of Music. Ms. Sylvan's classical performances include the role of Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro, Adele in Der Fledermaus and Bess in Porgy and Bess at Brooklyn College Opera. During, Carole's junior year in college she went on the road with a Show band for 44 weeks. Carole started writing songs with the Fatback band and performed lead vocals on the bands first hit song Money which became their first gold record. She also won the Ed Sullivan award for outstanding artists. In 2019 she sang on Charlie Karp's final studio album, "Back To You". In 2020 she was a Teaching Artist Honoree. In 2021 Carole released a 10 song album that debuted at #9 on Relix.

PODCAST Host: Rob Fried WPKN Community Radio 89.5 for a special show featuring: Carole Sylvan (singer extraordinaire) Susan Schnitzer and Carolyn Pech (Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. An hour of conversation, music, and community-oriented fun

Two tornadoes part of wild weather events across California. Billions suffer from poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene livestock producers may collectively see profits fall Some 80% of German trees suffer from crown dieback The EU countries will end to the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035 Biden administration strengthens a clampdown on methane pollution Battery Park City Authority will tear down Wagner Park to raise it 10ft

* Trump & GOP Embrace of Political Violence Threatens to Extinguish Democracy; Rachel Bitecofer, political strategist, analyst and author; Producer: Scott Harris. * After 51 Years Campaign Continues to Ratify Equal Rights Amendment; Bettina Hager, Washington, D.C. Director of the ERA Coalition; Producer: Scott Harris. * Senior Climate Activists Protest ‘Dirty Banks' Financing of Fossil Fuel Projects; Ebony Martin co-Executive Director of Greenpeace USA & Rose Abramoff of Scientist Rebellion; Producer: Melinda Tuhus.

Up Now in the archives! https://archives.wpkn.org/bookmarks/listen/377818 This month's episode features guest co-host and artist Maxim Schmidt as we celebrate Women's History Month with a discussion with artists George Corsillo, Clymenza Hawkins and Amy Wachtel about their involvement with the art exhibit Sound & Vision II: For the Record... a visual and musical celebration of feminism involving over 40 artists in a gallery exhibit featuring imaginary record covers, real covers form private collections and the wpkn archive and musical memorabilia from women musicians at many stages of their careers. The show is up until May 6th at the Institute Library 847 Chapel St. new Haven. More about the show can be found at: Institutelibrary.org Live Culture is a monthly conversation about Visual Art- a full set of podcasts is available here on the WPKN Soundcloud page https://soundcloud.com/wpkn895/sets/live-culture-with-martha The full list of Exhibition Participants: Amanda Bouquet Amelia Maurer Amy Wachtel Angelica Sistrunk Ann Kennedy Carol Snyder Christine Ohlman Claudia Doring Baez Corinthia Saez Dika Kuljis Dylan Strazar Emily Herberich Eva Geertz Eve Hars George Corsillo Jahmal Henderson Jeff Sokolowski Joanne Connon Jody Clouse John Keefer Julia Cumming Julie Bowers Murphy Kathleen DeMeo Linda Lindroth Martha Willette Lewis Matt Feiner Michelle Beaulieu-Morgan Mohan Maharaj, Sr Patrick Carroll, Linda Lindroth, Sally Hill & Tim Nighswander Regan Avery Sadie Grey Murphy Sue Czark T.M. Stewart Tammy Faye Starlite Tina Sarno V.V. Aldebaran McEvoy The Collection of Alec Cumming The Collection of Eva Geertz The Collection of Del La Pietro The Collection of Steve DiCostanzo The Collection of WPKN Curated by Martha Willette Lewis With Special Thanks to: Café 9, Alec Cumming, Steve DiConstanzo, Eva Geertz, Del La Pietro, Mohan Maharaj Sr, Ann Marlowe, Michelle Beaulieu-Morgan, Rick Omante/Shaki Presents, Valerie Richardson, Scott Schuldt, WPKN radio, and the board and volunteers of The Institute Library

The Farm Stand celebrates Women's History Month by focusing on a key figure in the birth of the environmental movement: Rachel Carson. Our guest Donna Merrill, discusses Carson's life before the publication of her book Silent Spring and shares the way in which Rachel Carson inspired her to go on to found the Pollinator Pathway project. Panel: Richard Hill, Laura Modlin, Steve Munno and Chris Ferrio

-California braces for its 12th significant atmospheric river storm this year -U.N. says an urgent course correction needed to tackle the climate emergency, -Biden administration approves the massive Willow oil drilling project in Alaska, -Minnesota monitoring cleanup of 400,000 gallons of radioactive water -The world is facing an imminent water crisis -Department of Energy puts $315 million toward modernizing nations electrical grids -Significant rise in CO2 emissions from the global power sector unlikely -North America's first zero-emission train will start running

* Recent Bank Failures Underscore Need to Toughen Federal Regulation; James S. Henry, economist, attorney, investigative journalist, Global Justice Fellow at Yale University; Producer: Scott Harris. * 20 Years Later, Echoes of US Iraq Invasion in Russia's Ukraine War; Medea Benjamin co-founder Code Pink & Nicolas Davies, author and Code Pink researcher; Producer: Scott Harris. * Elder ‘Stop Cop City' Activists Target Contractor building Atlanta's Militarized Police Training Facility; Kendall Hale, a member of the group Rocking Chair Rebellion; Producer: Melinda Tuhus.

GM- Steve di Costanzo Goddess Tymani Rain is a CT artist, activist and poet. She currently holds the title of 17th ranked International Poet of 2021, and 3rd place in the New Haven MLK Poetry Slam 2023. She slams, and features across the US and on international platforms, She also curates and assists writing workshops, offers mentorship for youth and adults. Every 1st and 4th Wednesday of each month she hosts “Poetz Realm Open Mic” at BPT CREATES in Bridgeport, CT. She reads a poem as part of our WPKN 'Women's History Month'

Ed Pitaro who has been involved with non-profit legacy giving at Planned Parenthood and Consumer Reports

GM Host: Steve di Costanzo Dr. Jennifer Reynolds-Kaye the director of the Housatonic Museum of Art will talk about their Spring series lecture. Jennifer Reynolds-Kaye most recently served as a consultant at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, and as an Art History lecturer at Manchester Community College in Manchester, Connecticut. She held previous positions at a variety of museums and organizations, including the Yale Center for British Art and the Yale University Art Gallery. She received her Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Southern California, and participated in the Getty Leadership Institute NextGen program, among others.

Today at 12noon WPKN's General Manager Steve di Costanzo does his monthly GM REPORT TO THE LISTENERS. Today he will be talking about the recent WPKN event at The Quick Center for the Arts with the modern dance company Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane & Company. Steve will also talk with curator Martha Willette Lewis about the Sound & Vision II gallery show at the Institute Library in New Haven. Steve introduces a new volunteer, Ed Pitaro who has been involved with non-profit legacy giving; Dr. Jennifer Reynolds-Kaye the director of the Housatonic Museum of Art will talk about their Spring series lecture; also Tymani Rain CT artist, poet and activist. She slams, curates, and acts as a mentor for youth. We will also talk with Brendan Toller, the Marketing Manager of Verso Studios at The Westport Library. He will talk about the upcoming VERSOFEST that WPKN is a media partner for.

Thank you to WPKN 89.5 FM for hosting today's discussion - "The Arts and Social Justice." CFJ's President and CEO Debra Greenwood, left in the photo, joined Edith Boyle, President and CEO of LifeBridge, to discuss how the arts can help organizations such as ours in the work we do. On the right is David Green, Executive Director, Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.

My guest is Lorena Venegas, a resident of East Haven, CT. and a community member of both “10,000 Hawks' ' and “Keep Tweed Small” will tell us about her group's efforts to educate the public about the cumulative environmental impacts of the airport expansion proposed by Tweed Airport in East Haven.

My guests on “Digging in the Dirt" Monday afternoon are two committed environmentalists, renowned American landscape Artist April Gornik and McArthur fellow Carl Safina. Their respective organizations, The Church and the Safina Center are doing wonderful work in their own creative ways. They are coming aboard to talk about the April 1st Creativity Conference to be held at the Church. which is located in Sag Harbor long Island.

Host Mike Merli speaks with Attorney Alex Taubes and Bridgeport resident Clifford Holly. The discussion examines the Commutations Process in Connecticut: what it is, how it works, and the recent history of Commutations as an avenue for clemency for people incarcerated in Connecticut. A recent press conference organized by Republican lawmakers on March 7th called for the state of Connecticut to "slow down" the commutations of prison sentences. In response, many are speaking out in support of incarcerated people having a second chance at freedom and life, and speaking out in support of Carlton Giles and Connecticut's current Commutations Policy and Process. Tomorrow, 10am on Monday March 20, 2023, there will be a hearing in Room 2-C at the Legislative Office Building (300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford) regarding the re-appointment of Carlton Giles as the Chair of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Written Testimonies are being accepted until Tuesday March 21, 2023 regarding Connecticut Senate Bill 952 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00952&which_year=2023). Testimonies may be submitted at https://www.cga.ct.gov/aspx/CGATestimonySub/CGAtestimonysubmission.aspx?comm_code=jud. The Public Hearing for SB 952 will be taking place at 10am also in Room 2-C on Wednesday March 22, 2023.