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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.

There is a long and storied tradition of philanthropy in the Black community. It is a tradition that is alive and expanding. Because Black philanthropy is underrecognized, an exhibit and educational opportunity will soon appear in Washtenaw County. It's called, "Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited." WEMU's David Fair takes a look at how that is playing out in Southeast Michigan and Washtenaw County with Colin Mays, co-chair of the Soul of Philanthropy Michigan, and Janet Haynes, chair of the African American Endowment Fund in Washtenaw County.

We've known for a long time that chemicals and pollution lead to poor health outcomes, particularly in communities of color and lower income portions of our county and state. With lead, mercury, PFAS, and dioxane, we understand there is a potentially higher risk for cancer. But what if you are exposed to all of them? University of Michigan researcher Justin Colacino is leading a team and a newly launched, $13 million study to find out, and he discusses his project with WEMU's David Fair.

As we move towards a more sustainable energy and transportation future, one of the methodologies is an increased focus on hydrogen. The University of Michigan has created a hydrogen roadmap meant to help the state's response to new funding opportunities because of Michigan's climate action plan. WEMU's David Fair takes a look at what that means now and moving forward with the director for the Center of Sustainable Studies in the U-M's School for Environment and Sustainability, Greg Keoleian.

The Michigan Legislature is putting final touches on its budget proposal, and environmental issues are prominent. This is the first time in 40 years both chambers and the governor’s office are led by Democrats at the same time. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conversation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, went straight to the source. State Senator Sarah Anthony chairs the Appropriations Committee. They discussed planned funding for environmental protections and more equitable distribution of funding for environmental and social justice programs.

Diane Keaton and Jane Fonda return to the silver screen! "The Book Club: The Next Chapter" opens this week. It's Mother's Day weekend, and there is a free movie opportunity for moms and kids. And some special movies are opening at the Michigan Theater and State Theatre in Ann Arbor. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins deliver all the movie news you need.

The Ann Arbor Art Fairs get underway today! And, for art lovers who are looking to catch a flick, the Michigan Theater and State Theatre are ready to meet your moviegoing needs! WEMU's David Fair talks all about that and gives an analysis of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike with Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins.

Air quality continues to be an issue, and with a warming climate, the efforts at improvement may become more difficult. The federal EPA has curiously ruled that Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan now meet attainment status for ground-level ozone. Environmental advocates, including the director of the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center, says the process used to make the determination is questionable. Nick Leonard joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the challenges ahead.

The Michigan Avenue branch of the Ypsilanti District Library flooded during a severe rainstorm back in July. Its closing has been a big loss to the community, but plans are in the works to come back bigger and better. WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale caught up with downtown branch manager Joy Cichewicz for the latest.

When former President Barack Obama signed a declaration establishing the My Brother's Keeper Task Force, it promised a coordinated federal effort to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. Washtenaw My Brothers Keeper will hold a celebratory gala on Sunday, November 5th. In the meantime, WEMU's David Fair discussed the organization's growing scope of work with Washtenaw My Brothers Keeper project specialist, Jamall Bufford.