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Since 1972, the Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale has performed throughout the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. But it is not just a singing group. It is an educational institution aimed at serving the youth in the region and their families, and at the fore is the commitment to ensuring the African American concert spiritual remains a viable part of the community's artistic landscape. Donna Smith and LaVonte’ Heard from the Chorale joined WEMU's David Fair for this week’s "Washtenaw United."

WEMU's David Fair presented a special edition of "Cinema Chat" this week. He was joined by Leslie Raymond, executive director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival. They discussed what you can expect for the 2025 edition of the longest running experimental film festival in the country!

Safe and affordable housing for older residents in Washtenaw County is a growing problem. Additionally, there are clear inequities among race and gender when it comes to elder housing. By 2028, there will more people in Washtenaw County 55 and older than there are under the age of 18. We’ll explore where we are and what programs are being implemented in anticipation of further senior housing issues. Yvonne Cudney from the Housing Bureau for Seniors at the U of M joined WEMU's David Fair for an update on this week’s "Washtenaw United."

When we talk about poverty in Washtenaw County, we often divide the county into east and west. Ann Arbor is the haves on the west side of US-23, and Ypsilanti is the have-nots on the east side of the county. But that is an oversimplification. There are people in poverty throughout the county, include further south along US-23 in the Milan area. The organization Aid in Milan is helping meet the needs of over 100 families a week with needs like housing, transportation, employment, childcare and cost of living. WEMU's David Fair talked with its executive director, Andrew Felder, about Aid in Milan’s work and the prospects for a better future.

Marquee Arts cinema program director, Nick Alderink, has returned from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. He screened a good number of films with an eye towards bringing them to the big screens in Ann Arbor. Nick talked all about it with WEMU's David Fair.

Summer is almost upon us, and a whole lot of great flicks will hit the big screen. WEMU's David Fair and Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink discussed four film series playing through the summer and about the openings of a number of new movies.

The school year is winding down for K-12 kids. It can be a time for reflection and evaluation and a look ahead to the academic year to come in the fall. WEMU's David Fair does exactly that with Ypsilanti Community Schools Superintendent, Alena Zachery-Ross.

Despite uncertainties at the state and federal level, the City of Ann Arbor continues the push toward a more sustainable energy future. Back in November, voters approved creation of a Sustainable Energy Utility. The municipally owned utility will supplement the existing services from DTE Energy and seeks to use 100% renewable power. There is a lot of work to be done, but the city is moving the project forward. Where does it stand now and what comes next? WEMU's David Fair found out in a conversation with Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director, Missy Stults.

Many in the LGBTQ+ community are feeling under attack as President Trump's first 60 days in office have brought a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ actions. But Ypsilanti-area organizations and community members are supporting their LGBTQ+ neighbors in a variety of ways. That includes supportive health care and queer takeovers of public spaces around Ypsilanti. Rylee Barnsdale spoke with Cheers to Queers (C2Q) co-founder, Danya Youssef-Agha, who organized the recent "Queer Prom."

It is growing season, and deciding on how to landscape and decorate your gardens is part of the fun of spring and summer. Sometimes, we end up picking things that can have adverse environmental and ecological impacts. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the president of the Ann Arbor Area chapter of The Wild Ones, Marta Manildi, about how to pick safely and beautifully.