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We all need a hand-up sometimes. Some of us need a little more. Since 1949, the Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy has offered that support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A court decision in 2024 offered a boost in those services and changed the way the state approaches IDD. But the new federal administration’s policy changes and budget cuts put that progress at risk. WEMU's David Fair talked with the association’s President and CEO, Kristen Columbus, about all of it on this week’s "Washtenaw United".

The federal administration has laid off hundreds of staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the impact is already being felt locally and in region. Moving forward, there is the potential NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab in Ann Arbor could be shut down. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Nicole Rice about where it stands now and where it may be headed. Rice is among those already fired from the lab in Ann Arbor.

Dzanc House in Ypsilanti has given a home for writers and creatives for years. Starting this fall, Dzanc House will present a new project called "Beyond the Binary: Stories That Shift Culture." It aims to amplify the stories of LGBTQ+ youth through writing, poetry and podcasting. Learn more in Lee Van Roth's conversation with Dzanc House's director of development, programs and communications, Charlene Choi.

Are you new to Ann Arbor or starting a new academic journey at the University of Michigan? Well, the Michigan Theater has a special event planned for you! WEMU's David Fair talks all about it with Marquee Arts cinema programming director, Nick Alderink. And they discuss the newest films and special screenings coming to downtown Ann Arbor!

That’s the belief of Robin Robinson, a talented musician, Broadway musical actor, and singer/songwriter who now fills her soul helping children and their families discover the joy of music at Robinsongs for Kids. Join host Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to meet Robin and hear why she was inspired to leave New York to teach.

Efforts to combat income inequity and social justice have to have a strong foundational place from which to work. Literacy is right at the top of the list. Washtenaw Literacy is under new leadership, and it comes at a time when non-profits are struggling to find the financial support to maximize community impact. WEMU's David Fair talked with the new executive director, David Martineau, about the impact of the organization and where it goes from here.

An experimental project in Washtenaw County has the potential to change the way road repair and resurfacing are carried out. The pilot project in Pittsfield Township uses a hot-mix asphalt that incorporates ground tire rubber. A study is underway to determine if it is not only better for the environment but more sustainable and resilient as a paving practice. The project is a collaboration between the Washtenaw County Road Commission, Michigan Tech University and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Learn more in a conversation between WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Tech transportation engineering professor Dr. Zhanping You.

Leaves continue to fall, and movies continue to fall into your favorite movie house! WEMU's David Fair gets together with Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink to chat about the newest films and the next round of special screenings coming to Ann Arbor!

The business community in Washtenaw County is central to the health of the local economy. WEMU has teamed with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber to take a closer look at local businesses and the people that make them run. On the 2nd Friday of every month, we’ll bring you "Washtenaw Business Lens" and explore the perspectives on how local, state and national news impacts our business community, and ultimately you. The chamber’s Andy LaBarre will be here each month and bring with him a special guest. In this inaugural edition of "Washtenaw Business Lens," Andy and WEMU's David Fair look at federal immigration policy and its impact on the business community. Their guest is Phillis Engelbert. She owns three vegan establishments in Ann Arbor, those being: Detroit Street Filling Station, The Lunch Room Bakery & Café, and North Star Lounge.

WEMU's David Fair is joined by Marquee Arts cinema programming director, Nick Alderink, to talk all things movies! This time around, they take a moment to remember Diane Keaton, who passed away on October 11th. They also preview the newest film offerings arriving at your favorite movie houses.