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The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research.Black students in America are more likely to be disciplined with out-of-school suspension than their white counterparts. Author Aaron Kupchik explores the legacy of racism and segregation in schools.And we’ll cheer on a robotics competition in Massachusetts.

On this week’s 51%, we speak with author Nanda Reddy about her new novel A Girl Within a Girl Within a Girl. An exploration of identity and the immigrant experience, A Girl Within a Girl Within a Girl follows Maya, an Indo-Guyanese woman, as she confronts the many versions of herself, she had to create in order to escape her traumatic youth and survive as an undocumented immigrant in the U.S.

(Airs 04/03/25 @ 3 p.m.) WAMC’s David Guistina in conversation with Jimmy Vielkind, public media reporter for WNYC and The Gothamist about the late state budget, a potential cell phone ban in schools, the impact of federal cuts, and much more.

This week in the western sky you'll spot the bright planet Jupiter, with the famous red star Aldebaran just beneath it. Aldebaran is the brightest star in the constellation Taurus, but it’s also known as the “follower,” trailing the Seven Sisters, or the Pleiades, across the heavens. The Pleiades, once feared for their connection to ancient rituals and catastrophic events, have captivated cultures for centuries—from the Minoans to the Maya, and even the Japanese, where they’re known as Subaru. Tune in as we explore the eerie history and celestial wonder of the Pleiades, and learn how binoculars can reveal their stunning beauty.

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research.New research on aging finds lifestyle and environmental factors may contribute more to aging and health than genetics.We’ll speak with outgoing Hampshire College President Ed Wingenbach about his efforts to stabilize the private Massachusetts institution.And filmmaker Jay Craven tells us about how he involves students in his productions.

This week's episode features a fascinating conversation with Zalmen Mlotek and Steven Skybell, who share insights into their work on “Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish, a triumph of heritage and performance. Mlotek recalls how Isaac Bashevis Singer once called his mother the "Sherlock Holmes of Yiddish songs," a tribute to her dedication to preserving this rich tradition. The podcast is presented by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, with special mentions of Joel Grey, The Museum of Jewish Heritage, and three volumes of Yiddish songs that have helped shape their musical journey. Plus, Randy reflects on Achilles and Athena in his "People" segment.

This past Thursday marked the vernal equinox, signaling the official start of Spring. While the media often claims that "day and night are equal" on this day, a closer look at sunrise and sunset times reveals that daylight actually lasts a few minutes longer. The reason? Atmospheric refraction, which bends the sun’s image upward. But even so, it’s a close enough approximation. Tune in to hear more about the rhythms of our planet.

Tune in to hear about an upcoming vernal equinox! Many civilizations have made vernal equinoxes into special or even sacred days. Learn how the sun is shifting into new constellations, and what most people get wrong.

Colum McCann is the New York Times bestselling author of “Let the Great World Spin.” His new novel, “Twist,” tells a propulsive story of rupture and repair in the digital age, delving into a hidden world deep under the ocean.

(Airs 03/27/25 @ 3 p.m.) WAMC’s David Guistina in conversation with New York state Republican Assemblyman Ed Ra about the continuing budget negotiations over a possible cell phone ban in schools, criminal justice issues, and much more.