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Starting a new business—even a small business—takes a lot of work and resources. Fortunately, Ann Arbor SPARK East in Ypsilanti is there to provide such resources with its Small Business Support Hub. Lee Van Roth talked all about what the program does for budding entrepreneurs with Ann Arbor SPARK's director of entrepreneurial services, Kristine Nash-Wong.

Are you familiar with pocket forests? These are dense plantings of native trees and shrubs that can influence water movement and soil conditions and improve the environment and ecosystem in a targeted area. There are already some in Washtenaw County, and more are coming. WEMU's David Fair talked about the growing number of small-scale ecological projects with Dr. Heather Chen-Yost, who is a volunteer with the Tree Town Urban Forest Team.

Cinetopia is less than a week away now! WEMU's David Fair gets together with Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink to chat about the final preparations for this year's festival. Plus, they give a rundown of the newest films and special screenings arriving on the big screen in the coming days!

Environmental concerns continue to surround data centers, and there are a number either approved or planned in Washtenaw County. Supporters of these centers contend there are ways to ensure environmental health while improving the local economy. We’ve explored environmental concerns on WEMU’s "Issues of the Environment." This time around, we’ll get a business perspective on it. Phil Santer is Chief Operating Officer for Ann Arbor SPARK, and he joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the economics of these data centers.

Preparations are underway for Marquee Arts' biggest cinematic event of the year! WEMU's David Fair was joined by Marquee Arts' Nick Alderink with a sneak peek at the 2026 Cinetopia Film Festival. Plus, they chatted about the new films of the week and all of the special screenings coming to Ann Arbor!

The weather is warming up, and the same can be said about the movie world! WEMU's David Fair meets up with Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink to discuss the newest films landing on the big screen, what to expect at this year's Cinetopia Film Festival, and the special screenings that are coming to Ann Arbor!

An Ypsilanti nonprofit is directing its efforts to provide programming for youngsters in Ypsilanti that promote positive outcomes in all aspects of life. It’s called Educate Youth and says it's committed to increasing high school graduation rates and working one-on-one to develop a clear post-high school plan. WEMU's David Fair talked with founder and executive director Gail Wolkoff about the successes to date and the challenges ahead.

Each month, we partner with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber to look at how the news of the day impacts the local business community. For this month's "Washtenaw Business Lens," WEMU's Caroline MacGregor was joined by Andy LaBarre, Executive Vice President and Director of Government Relations for the Chamber, and Destination Ann Arbor Director of Community Engagement Jennifer Chizek to talk about the upcoming tourism season and what Destination Ann Arbor predicts for this summer and fall.

Cinetopia 2026 is now officially underway! Opening the festival is the documentary "Sons of Detroit," directed by Jeremy Xido. In this special edition of "Cinema Chat," Xido talks about his film with WEMU's David Fair and Marquee Arts' Nick Alderink. Plus, David and Nick will chat about all of the special screenings coming to Ann Arbor!

There's an old saying: "It takes a village to raise a child." Through Ypsilanti Community Schools, an after-school program called "Ypsilanti Community — The Village" builds up the well-being of kids with athletics. Lee Van Roth discussed the program with its director, YCS football coach Mitch Long.