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Peter "Madcat" Ruth and his harmonica have delighted music fans here and across the world for decades. A Grammy Award winner, Madcat includes Dave Brubeck and his sons Chris and Danny Brubeck, as well as his longtime partner Shari Kane, on the list of those with whom he’s made music. Madcat receives a Lifetime Achievement Medal on February 27 at THE pARTy!, Creative Washtenaw’s signature benefit event. He joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich and they talk about his life and career.

We continue to mark Black History Month with a look at overcoming inequities in education by exploring local efforts at improving literacy and accessibility to diverse literature in Washtenaw County. Margy Long is director of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District's Success by Six-Great Start Collaborative. She joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation on progress made and progress yet needed.

Brian Jones-Chance wants to keep his First Ward seat on the Ypsilanti City Council. But to do that, he will have to win as a write-in candidate. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.

Mental health and building a foundation of support is crucial to overcoming a number of community issues. Creating strong families and connecting those in need to the resources to take that journey is the mission of the Family Empowerment Program in Washtenaw County. For those with low or no income, the hurdles become higher and the personal growth more daunting. Christa Hughbanks is Ypsilanti-born and raised and is among the mental health counselors in the empowerment program. She joins WEMU's David Fair with a look at the program, the people it serves, and the lives that are changing.

March is Arts Advocacy Month, which gives those in the arts and political fields a chance to come together and discuss how the arts can better our quality of life. Creative Washtenaw CEO Deb Polich and WEMU's David Fair are back together for a special episode of "creative:impact" to talk about the upcoming Cultural Advocacy Day and what it means for the state of Michigan.

The Gelman Sciences 1,4 dioxane plume continues to spread and threaten the health of groundwater in Scio Township and Ann Arbor. Recent reports indicate there is now a potential threat of exposure through wet basements. With spring and the usual basement flooding that occurs in portions of the area, it is a cause for concern. University of Michigan toxicologist and environmental professor, Dr. Rita Loch-Caruso, is a co-author of a study identifying the problems. She joined WEMU's David Fair with the latest information.

Energy grid reliability is again at the fore following an ice storm that crippled much of Michigan. Additionally, environmental concerns about transporting toxic chemicals and how and where they are stored is, once again, a priority following a train derailment in Ohio. 6th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) joined WEMU's David Fair and Lisa Wozniak from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters with new and updated information on the path forward.

Among the eclectic growth of retail opportunities in Ypsilanti, new video and gaming stores are springing up. Three stores are now open in the Ypsilanti area focused on all things gaming, from retro video games to tabletop roleplaying books and supplies. What has drawn them to Ypsilanti? WEMU's Cathy Shafran sought out the answer to that question, and more, with Concentrate Media reporter Rylee Barnsdale and Shawn Gates, the owner of the new downtown Ypsilanti store, Wyrd Byrd.

February is behind us, but we're still in the thick of winter. So, a good movie should warm you up. WEMU's David Fair, once again, meets up with Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins, to discuss the newest films and special screenings headed your way.

"Reunited, and it feels so good!" After a week away, WEMU's David Fair returned to talk about the latest films and special screenings coming your way with Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins.