Jeanie Croope

WKAR’s Ready To Learn Service will host a Raising Readers Family Fun Workshop on Wednesday, February 27, at Reo Elementary School in Lansing.

The evening presents lively and interactive new ways to build reading skills while having fun with your child. Workshops are targeted to families and children 4-6 years, but siblings are welcome to attend with their families.

The evening includes a light supper. Families will receive learning activities they can do at home and each child will receive a free book.

American Masters | Friday, Feb. 22, 9 p.m.

Discover the life, music and influence of the African-American gospel singer and guitar virtuoso Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973).

During the 1940s-60s, she introduced the spiritual passion of her gospel music into the secular world of rock ’n’ roll, inspiring some of its greatest stars, including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard.

Independent Lens: Powerbroker: Whitney Young's Fight for Civil Rights | Watch Online Now

Whitney M. Young, Jr. was one of the most celebrated — and controversial —leaders of the civil rights era. In “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young's Fight for Civil Rights,” follow his journey from segregated Kentucky to head of the National Urban League.

Masterpiece: Page Eight | Sunday, Feb. 24, 9 p.m.

An aging spy stumbles on an international scandal that could bring down the British government. But will it bring down his own career first?

Bill Nighy (Love Actually) stars, with Michael Gambon (Harry Potter), Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient), and Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener), who plays the agent's mysterious next-door neighbor.

Mary Ellen Sheets, founder of Two Men and a Truck International, Inc.,  will be the guest speaker at an Evening at WKAR on Thursday, February 21, at 7 p.m. | RESERVE SEATS HERE |

Continuing through January 30 is Defending Jacob, a novel by William Landay.

Beginning January 31 is Life Itself: A Memoir, by film critic Roger Ebert.

WKAR's drive for the Greater Lansing Food Bank brought in a grand total of 880 pounds, which was picked up and weighed on December 19.The total packed three filled-to-the-brim laundry carts.

A large amount of this food came from the drop-off point at the MSU Library. Thanks to Ruth Ann Jones, Holly Flynn and student Adam for collecting it and then bringing it over here to add to the grand total. This is our second year partnering with the library and their collection really makes a difference.

Dick Estell continues reading "Enemies: A History of the FBI" by Tim Wiener.

On December 19 he begins "Defending Jacob" by William Landay.

Brand New on 90.5 WKAR!  MSU Faculty Recital Series premieres Wednesday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. What’s New on WKAR, premieres Friday, December 7, at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 9, at 4 p.m. on WKAR-TV.

Monday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m., on WKAR-TV

Our WKAR news team will come to your place of business, a park, school, shopping area or another area site to record the sounds of your world and you!

Monday, December 3,  at 8 p.m. on WKAR-TV | Friday, December 7, at 8 p.m. on WKAR World

Sunday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m., on WKAR-TV.

In its annual holiday survey of parents of 2 to 10-year-olds, PBS KIDS found that the leading trend in gifts for kids this year will be downloadable such as apps, games, e-books and digital music. Fifty-eight percent  of parents reported that they will “most likely” or “definitely” be purchasing downloadable gifts this season. Of these parents, more than half (55 percent) plan to spend more or the same as last year on downloads.