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Although spring is not quite here just yet, there is always new growth sprouting up around Ypsilanti, including in the small business community. Ypsilanti will soon have three more business options for you to quench your thirst. Skott Schoonover is the owner at the incoming Water Tower Distilling Company. He joined Rylee Barnsdale to talk about what folks can look forward to on this week's "On the Ground Ypsi."

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is in the books! WEMU's David Fair and Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink meet up to chat about this year's Oscar winners and surprises! And, as always, they'll give you a full rundown of the upcoming films and special screenings coming your way!

The Trump Administration has been slashing government in a variety of areas, including the Environmental Protection Agency. Region 5 of the EPA covers the Great Lakes area and includes Washtenaw County. The layoffs have the potential to impact the agency’s ability to steward the environment around the world’s largest body of fresh water. And the impact on public health could be significant. Loreen Targos is Executive Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees-Local 704, which represents about 1,000 EPA workers. She spoke with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak about employee cuts and the implications.

Bird flu is spreading throughout lower Michigan. In fact, in early February, about 100 dead birds were found in Washtenaw County alone with "highly pathogenic avian influenza" listed as the likely cause. In other parts of the country, bird flu has spread to humans, and recently, the first human death has been attributed to the disease. Cathy Theisen is a retired veterinarian in Washtenaw County and has previously served as an avian influenza first responder. She joined WEMU's David Fair with the latest information and what the future may hold.

The tax season has arrived, and there are a lot of people in the area that need some assistance in making sure they file accurately and on time. In fact, about 20% of those eligible don’t file taxes and miss out on the valuable credits they are entitled to. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan makes free tax assistance available to those in Washtenaw County earning $67,000 a year or less. WEMU's David Fair talks more about the program with the United Way’s Megan Thibos for this week's "Washtenaw United."

Flooding in the West Willow neighborhood in Ypsilanti Township has been a problem and the search for solutions has been under study. A 500-year storm in 2023 caused damage to over 1,000 homes. Residents are frustrated with the slow pace of progress in addressing outdated water infrastructure, so Washtenaw County hired an engineering and consulting firm to look into solutions. WEMU's David Fair talked with Brandon Ellefson of Livonia-based OHM Advisors about what solutions the study has found.

There are times when help is desperately needed, and it feels like there is nowhere to turn. Providing that resource is the mission of the 2-1-1 program. Dial 2-1-1, and you can be connected to assistance for critical services like housing, food, utility assistance and more. This is a nationwide program, and, in our area, the help center is administered by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. WEMU's David Fair was joined by 2-1-1 operations director Tasha Ball to learn more about the program and how it can serve as the connection needed to start the journey forward.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so here's your chance to catch a flick with that special someone! WEMU's David Fair discusses what films are worth checking out with Marquee Arts cinema programming director, Nick Alderink.

Finding affordable housing can be difficult enough, particularly if you are coming out of a period of being unhoused. Then, there is the costly process of furnishings to make it livable. That's where the Ann Arbor-based "House N2 Home" organization comes in. They take a newly acquired living space, or house, and help turn it into a truly personalized home. WEMU's David Fair spoke with House N2 Home co-founder and co-director Ruth Ann Logue to get a better picture of the work and the impact it makes.

Energy costs are a significant problem for many in our community, and utility bills are going up everywhere. In this month's installment of “1st Friday Focus on the Environment”, we look at the issue of energy equity with Dr. Tony Reames. He is Director of the Detroit Sustainability Clinic at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability. Dr. Reames joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak with an assessment of where we are on energy equity and where we're headed.