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Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) kicks off Black History Month with "Hustle Your Heart Out," an immersive evening that blends cultural heritage with a focus on health and literacy. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor reports.

Under oath in a $1.6 billion defamation case, Murdoch says he wishes Fox News had been "stronger in denouncing" false claims of election fraud. Fox says the lawsuit threatens journalists' free speech.

From script to the silver screen, Jim Burnstein’s characters come to life. Now, the screenwriter of "Renaissance Man" gives voice to characters in a new way. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" and hear how Jim’s graphic novel, "Ham-Let: A Shakespearean Mash-up," extends his creativity.

It’s almost Halloween, and Stephen Warner wants to scare you – with music! As one of the Michigan Theater’s resident organists, he’ll be at the console of the great Barton Organ playing the score for the annual showing of the 1922 silent film classic "Nosferatu," the scariest vampire movie ever! Stephen is Deb Polich’s guest on this edition of "creative:impact." They talk about the connection between pipe organs, films and audiences.

Local and renowned artist, ceramist and professor Susanne Stephenson's career spans seven decades. Now working with a team to archive and catalog her works, Susanne is sifting through a lifetime of memories. It’s a lot! So much that we are doing a two-part series on Susanne’s career and the documenting of this prolific artist’s lifetime of work. Susanne joins host Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact."

Mental health among our youngsters has been a growing concern, particularly since the pandemic. Art is one of the outlets that allows for self-expression and communication. The Youth Arts Alliance is an Ypsilanti-based organization working throughout Michigan. It's making a difference in the overall well-being of its participants while building community. WEMU's David Fair takes a look at the program and its impacts with founding director, Heather Martin.

Ann Arbor City Council recently approved contributions to its first project in its innovative Bluebelt initiative. The Bluebelt program is a supplement and extension of the city’s Greenbelt land preservation program. It aims to improve area water quality. Now, in partnership with Washtenaw County and Scio Township, Ann Arbor is purchasing the Davenport Property just west of the city, along Mill Creek. That will add 79 acres of woods, wetlands and farmland. WEMU's David Fair got an update on the Bluebelt program with Ann Arbor Land Acquisition Specialist, Rosie Pahl Donaldson.

We the People Opportunity Farm has been giving formerly incarcerated and returning residents in our community a new path forward for years. The work continues, and now the nonprofit is in the process of expanding its outreach with a new café. WEMU's David Fair talked with founder and director Melvin Parson and about expansion and impact.

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs are under fire from the new federal administration. The impacts reverberate through the community in a variety of ways. Ypsilanti-based Ozone House has been empowering young people in the community for 55 years. There have been challenges before and there will be more in the future. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Outreach and Pride Zone coordinator Brie Nikora about overcoming the challenges in the effort to continue establishing equity and inclusivity for runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth.

As national policy changes continue to reshape access to housing, food, health care, and other basic resources, more people are turning to local nonprofits for stability and support. Here in Ypsilanti, that increased need is being felt every day by organizations working directly with individuals and families in crisis. Tyrone Kelsey is the executive director of Friends In Deed. He joined Lee Van Roth to discuss his organization's ongoing mission to serve the public and the challenges they will face in the near future.