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A lot has been happening at Ypsilanti’s Riverside Arts Center since Elizabeth Warren took her seat as the executive director two years ago – building expansion, new programs and community events to name a few. We find out what else Liz and her board have in store for the center in this conversation with Deb Polich.

With an electric vehicle, a longer commute can be more affordable, but there can be challenges, too. Mackenzie Munro used to have a longer commute into Ann Arbor as an employee at the Ecology Center. Now, she makes a similar drive to Lansing for her work with EGLE. Is it worth it? Learn more about the real EV life in Mackenzie's conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

The Faber Piano Institute anchors its teaching methods with ACE—analysis, creativity and expression. Dr. Veena Kulkarni-Rankin is the lead piano instructor at the institute. Veena joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact," and they talked about the institute’s founders, Randall and Nancy Faber, and how their teaching philosophy inspires piano students of all ages.

During the Biden administration, local food distributors were encouraged to apply for grants funding to help build infrastructure for local farms and food. Now, the USDA is making cuts that could undermine the local food system and its suppliers...like Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor. WEMU's David Fair talked with co-owner Bill Brinkerhoff about immediate and longer-term impacts.

Michigan attracts trash. Accumulated garbage from places like Ohio, Indiana and Canada ends up in Michigan landfills. In fact, out-of-state garbage accounts for about 25% of what is being dumped in Michigan landfills. State Senator Jeff Irwin is looking to make Michigan a less attractive dumping site by raising the cost of sending garbage here. WEMU's David Fair talked with the Ann Arbor Democrat about his bills to increase tipping fees.

Washtenaw Community College President Rose Bellanca has been named as the United Way of Southeastern Michigan's "Power of the Purse Woman of the Year." She will be formally feted at a ceremony in April. As we mark Women's History Month, WEMU's David Fair talked with Dr. Bellanca about the challenges for women in higher education and how her story can pave the way for the workforce of the future.

Are you an Ypsilanti resident who wants to advertise a new business or share some amazing ideas but aren't sure how to get the word out? "Food Folks Fun" may be the ticket. It's a podcast network located in Depot Town that says it can turn any local business or individual into a successful influencer. Rylee Barnsdale learns how with founder and CEO, Darius Smith.

Running away from problems usually doesn't work. Running through problems can be a game changer. That's where an Ypsilanti-based non-profit comes in. Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan serves Washtenaw and four other counties in empowering young girls by running—literally. The exercise is healthy in and of itself. The connections and relationships created help increase confidence and self-determination. WEMU's David Fair runs through the reasons why this is a program making a difference in our community with Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan's executive director, Danielle Plunkett.

As uncertainty and need continue to grow, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation continues to invest and provide grants to help ride some of the funding gaps. WEMU's David Fair explored the successes and challenges with the foundation's president and CEO, Shannon Polk.

SafeHouse Center, based out of Ann Arbor, has served as a haven for those who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence. Christine Watson has served as the center's executive director since 2022. She joined Decky Alexander to discuss what SafeHouse has achieved during her time and what the future may hold.