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Born and raised in Jiangsu, China, Isabel Wang’s fascinating journey to becoming a full-time leather artisan and starting her business, Arbor Trading Post, is by way of 7,000 miles and a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Meet Isabel and hear her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

After nearly two weeks at the Cannes Film Festival, Russ Collins returned to the WEMU studio! He shared his film festival stories and what's coming to the big screen locally over the next few days with WEMU's David Fair!

In 2025, there was a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Washtenaw County. Federal immigration policy has created fear and uncertainty among the community's undocumented and documented immigrants. Federal funding changes have impacted some of the organizations that support immigrant people and families. That includes the Michigan Immigration Rights Center (MIRC) in Ypsilanti. What will the new year bring from ICE in Washtenaw County and Michigan? WEMU's David Fair put those questions before the MIRC's policy engagement and communications manager, Christine Sauve, on the first "Washtenaw United" conversation of 2026.

Fifty years ago, in June 1972, the first LGBTQ+ pride celebration was held in Detroit. It was a seminal moment now captured in illustrations by Isabel Clare Paul in a comic book: "Come Out! In Detroit." Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to meet Isabel and also learn the important role played by Ann Arbor activists at the start of the movement.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In 2021, hate crimes against members of the AAPI community in the U.S. increased 339%. WEMU's David Fair sat down with local artist, graphic recorder, and BIPOC advocate, Yen Azzaro, to discuss her personal journey and how it informs the work she does to build equity and understanding.

As the new session in Lansing gets underway, Democrats find themselves in control of both chambers of the Legislature for the first time in 40 years. Governor Gretchen Whitmer sees that as a path forward on a number of issues. The governor joins WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, to lay out her priorities for the next two years.

In November, Ann Arbor voters will decide the Community Climate Action ballot proposal. It's a broad plan aimed at helping the city achieve its carbon neutrality goals and set a foundation for building a city run entirely on renewable energy. But it comes with a hefty price tag. It asks voters to agree to a 20-year tax levy that, if approved, will raise about $140 million over its lifetime. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, explore the proposal and its implications with Jason Frenzel. He serves as a member of the ballot proposal's steering committee.

The aging Ann Arbor water treatment facility is going to change. The 10-year project is one of the most substantial infrastructure improvements Ann Arbor has undertaken and is estimated to cost $100 million. Where are we in the process, and what comes next? Glen Wiczoric is Senior Utilities Engineer at the facility. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss progress and the ongoing challenges of keeping the drinking water supply safe and free of contamination.

As a recording artist and music producer, Dr. Rod Wallace amplifies hip hop. He is an educator who applies the study of music technology to ignite and inspire youth. Rod is busy planning the March 2nd Detroit Electronic Music Conference at Washtenaw Community College. Meet him when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

It was a sad day when Go! Ice Cream closed its doors in Ypsilanti. Now, there is some happier news to report. Four new business will occupy that building, Rylee Barnsdale spoke with one them. Colleen Kennedy is the owner of Investors Realty Group, which will also serve as the new property manager for the building on North Washington Street.