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It's a magical time at your favorite movie houses with the opening of the next "Wicked" film! WEMU's David Fair talks all about a series of Wicked-style events at the State Theatre with Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink. Plus, they provide a rundown of the many other new films and special screenings coming to Ann Arbor in the coming days!

The cannabis business in Washtenaw County has been rather robust since the legalization of recreational use. Now, the state is putting an additional 24% tax to help fund road repair and construction. WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre spoke with Mike DiLaura about potential business impacts in Washtenaw County. Mike is the Chief Corporate Operations and General Counsel at House of Dank, which has stores in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

Suspensions in our public school system continue to be an issue. The students who are disciplined because of their behavioral issues often find it difficult to get out of the cycle and back on track. That’s where the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan makes a difference. WEMU's David Fair talked with the center's executive director, Peri Stone-Palmquist, about the work to secure an education for students in need and to light the path to a brighter future.

Washtenaw County is increasing efforts toward a more effective way of dealing with waste. 2023 amendments to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act requires all Michigan counties to develop a new “Materials Management Plan” that emphasizes recycling, organics diversion, and sustainable materials management rather than focusing solely on landfill capacity. Its led to some forward thinking and action plans here in Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair discussed those programs with Theo Eggermont, Public Works Director for the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office.

The federal administration has targeted environmental agencies and protection programs in its efforts to reshape the government. The Environmental Protection Agency has seen layoffs and firings and budget cuts. Now, there is a government shutdown creating more issues. WEMU's David Fair discussed immediate and longer-term impacts with Greg Dick, the Director of the Cooperative Institute of Great Lakes Research in Ann Arbor.

Earlier this year, Eastern Michigan University chemistry professor Dr. Ruth Ann Armitage and her students presented groundbreaking research on mummies at the World Congress on Mummy Studies in Peru. They're now back at EMU continuing to further the work. Dr. Armitage joined Lee Van Roth to discuss her South American experience, as well her ongoing studies.

The holiday season is rapidly approaching. While most are planning their celebrations and family gatherings, there are all too many who struggle with grief through this time of year. There are strategies that can help all year long, and that’s the focus on the Ann Arbor-based non-profit, GrieveWell. WEMU's David Fair caught up with GrieveWell’s Outreach and Marketing Manager, Alice Liao, and they discussed the healthy management of grief and the journey to a place of peace.

LEAF Harm Reduction is a organization designed to help people recovering from substance abuse disorder. The program provides wellness checks and helps create community connections. Lee Van Roth shares more about LEAF's mission with the organization's director, Corn Williams.

There was a time when many thought of libraries as simplay a place to check out books and to study quietly. No more. While you can still do both of those things, libraries have become much more. They are a center of community engagement and have programs designed to inspire a love of lifelong learning. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ypsilanti District Library director Lisa Hoenig about its growing role in the community.

Social and educational stressors have increased for youngsters since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. That's where Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan comes in. But there are challenges in finding mentors and volunteers. WEMU's David Fair checked in with interim president Dr. Joselyn Mitchell-Parker about Big Brothers Big Sisters' role in our community and how it is evolving.