What's on the radio: Thursday, May 9
Here’s the MPR News programming plan for Thursday, May 9, on the radio and on the stream. Missed a live show? Follow the links below to find our show archives and podcast feeds. And for daily news updates straight to your inbox every weekday morning, sign up for the MPR News a.m. newsletter.
9 a.m. — MPR News with Angela Davis
Lee Hawkins unpacks family history and intergenerational trauma in new podcast
Journalist Lee Hawkins grew up in Maplewood, but Alabama has always haunted his family.
In a new podcast, Hawkins uncovers his family history, his father’s painful nightmares and the long-lasting impacts of Jim Crow far beyond segregation.
What Happened in Alabama? is a long-form limited series podcast about the intergenerational ripple effect of slavery and his efforts to heal.
Coming up on Thursday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Hawkins about the podcast, out May 15.
And join MPR News for a free event Wednesday, May 22 as Angela Davis and Lee Hawkins explore the topic of intergenerational trauma in the Black community at a North Star Journey Live event: Ending cycles of trauma in Black America. Get your tickets at MPRevents.org.
Guests:
Lee Hawkins is a journalist, musician, special correspondent for American Public Media and the host of What Happened in Alabama? Before venturing into podcasting, he worked as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal for 19 years. Hawkins is also the author of the forthcoming book, “NOBODY’S SLAVE: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free” (HarperCollins 2025).
10 a.m. — 1A with Jenn White
On the lookout for the great bird migration
You could say that the next 1A is for the birds. Or at least for those who marvel at the annual great bird migration. Every spring, billions take to the sky. But that journey is getting harder for a lot of species. Hear why and what to watch out for in your backyard.
11 a.m. — Bolder and still more bold: An ambitious Shakespeare project at the Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis launched an ambitious project nearly seven years in the making. Three of William Shakespeare’s plays opened in a marathon day of shows, telling an epic, interconnected story. MPR News arts reporter Jacob Aloi followed the project since the beginning of the year. Jacob shares why the bard’s stories remain relevant to actors and audiences and takes us behind the scenes of the production.
Noon — Minnesota Now
Thursday on Minnesota Now, we’ll preview the big sports weekend for the Timberwolves, playing back at home with a 2-0 lead against the Nuggets. We’ll talk with the host of Fresh Fruit, the country's longest-running queer radio show, based here in the Twin Cities. Plus, all the latest regional news and weather.
1 p.m. – On Point
Palestinian civilians on their daily fight for survival
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s assault on Gaza. Some are trapped with limited access to food and water. Others have fled. With no firm ceasefire agreement in sight, how do Palestinians feel?