Early childhood education is essential to a child's development.  Yet, more research needs to be done to make such education more effective.  Fortunately, a little-known organization in Ypsilanti called HighScope has been making strides in this field.  In this week's "On the Ground-Ypsi," WEMU's Patrick Campion and Concentrate Media's Sarah Rigg takes us inside HighScope with its executive vice president, Dr. Ben Edmondson, and its early childhood applied practice manager, Shannon Lockhart.

Due to a lack of government oversight, toxic chemicals have become much more prevalent in our daily lives.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks to EMU professor and Ann Arbor nutritionist Cindy Klement about ways to manage these toxins before any serious damage can be done.

A key to the success of any business, organization, or institution is knowing your audience.  Marketing and advertising will help seal your product, but it is branding that will create emotional connection and loyalty.  As such, branding has become an art form unto itself.  In this week's "creative:impact," WEMU's David Fair and Arts Alliance CEO Deb Polich connect with Danielle Milner, a partner at the Ypsilanti branding studio DO:BETTER. 

What do you think about hip-hop music?  Do you know it has deep roots in African-American culture and many of its messages can be inspiring and uplifting?  As part of Black History Month, 89.1 WEMU’s Lisa Barry explores the roots and reputation of hip-hop music in Washtenaw County and efforts to incorporate it into education and its impact on the community.

Michigan could become a completely hands-free driving state.  A new bill in the state House comes after Governor Gretchen Whitmer made distracted driving a priority during her State of the State address.

This week, "Art and Soul" is about the visual arts.  89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry is joined by local and state arts leader Omari Rush.  Since the conversation will be heard on and around Valentine's Day, the discussion focuses on what it means to be an art lover and the meaning that can be derived from art.

It's time to see a movie with that special someone!  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair talks to Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins about the latest movie news and all of the flicks you can catch at your local movie house this Valentine's Day weekend.

Nearly 11 months after Eastern Michigan University announced it would eliminate women's tennis and softball, a federal judge has ordered them to reinstate those programs.  89.1 WEMU's Jorge Avellan has the details.
 

During her State of the State address, Governor Gretchen Whitmer presented proposals regarding better education, infrastructure, clean water, and equal rights for the LGBTQ community. 52nd District State Representative Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township)  shared her impressions today with WEMU's David Fair.