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The same Wixom company that dumped PFAs into the Huron River may be causing more damage with the release of a carcinogenic chemical into the sewer system. Monitoring continues to see if the contamination will reach Washtenaw County. Huron River Watershed Council executive director, Rebecca Esselman, joined WEMU's David Fair with the latest on the health of the Huron River.

There is a national, state, and local teacher shortage, and demographics show it's a problem that won't be easily solved. In fact, it'll take some innovative thinking to recruit and retain new teachers, particularly those from marginalized parts of our community. EMU assistant professor, Dr. Iman Grewal, is working toward that end with EMU's NEXT Scholars and Hope Partners programs—something she terms a radical redesign of the student teaching experience. Learn more in her conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

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!

As Pride Month continues, we remember a trailblazing, social justice force that forever changed Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Jim Toy passed away this year at the age of 91, but his work not only lives on, but it also continues to grow in his name. WEMU's David Fair is joined by Jim Toy Community Center board member, Leigh Greden. Together, they explore the community and attitudinal changes Mr. Toy brought forth on behalf of the LGBTQ community and the work his legacy requires to be carried forward.

He’s melted his vocation as a business owner to his advocation as a glass artist, finding personal reward and joy in both. He and his wife Lucie’s impact as public art champions can be found in the murals peppering the streets and alleyways in our community. Larry gives creative:impact host Deb Polich a view of their world on this edition of "creative:impact."

Whether you know it or not, many believe Ypsilanti is a hotbed for hauntings and supernatural experiences. Exploring the stories and haunted places is the focus of a new book called, "Ypsilanti Ghosts and Legends. Kay Gray is one of the co-authors and co-hosts the podcast "Haunted Mitten." She shares her journey to the beyond and back in a conversation with Rylee Barnsdale.

There are any number of organizations and programs aimed at increasing equity in Washtenaw County. Literacy is foundational to a sustainable and successful community. Washtenaw Literacy is an organization working to enhance the opportunities, particularly for those who have been traditionally marginalized and underserved. Carole McCabe is executive director of Washtenaw Literacy and joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation on overcoming the barriers to a better life and better community.

Absentee ballots continue to roll in. Nine days of early-in person voting will conclude on November 3rd. And then, Election Day hits on Tuesday, November 5th. There are still a good number of people who have yet to vote, and getting out the vote and making sure voters are informed is at the heart of the mission of the League of Women Voters of Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair checked in with the League’s voter services director, Rebecca Shiemke, on where we are and what’s left to be done.

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.

Access to quality healthcare is becoming an issue for more and more people. For people of color and for those in lower income zip codes, the problem has always existed. One out of every seven adults in Michigan is dealing with chronic kidney disease and one in three are at risk. Experts call it a silent epidemic. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and managed, but all too many find out too late. The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan has been combatting this issue since 1955 by providing prevention programs and services to high-need populations. WEMU's David Fair looked at the growing need and demand for service and assistance with the foundation's Director of Policy and Programs, Crystal D'Agostino.