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Earth Day comes back around this year on April 22nd. The theme of the 2023 observance is “Invest in our Planet.” When we think of investment, we almost always think of money, but we’re focusing on investment in education and awareness. WEMU's David Fair catches up with Susan Westhoff. She is president and executive director of the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum and Leslie Science and Nature Center. In her conversation with David Fair, you'll find out how those investments are paying off in our community.

The numbers are in, and they are big! The Bureau of Economic Analysis released its findings that the arts + creative industries added $1 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2021. Yes, that’s $1 trillion with a “T” or 4.4% of GDP. In Michigan, it’s $15.5 billion and 2.7% added to the economy. Does that mean the sector has recovered from COVID? Deb Polich, your "creative impact" host, meets up with Randy Cohen, VP of Research and Policy at Americans for the Arts. Together, they’ll digest the numbers.

It's time to talk movies, but with just a minor difference in voices. WEMU's Michael Jewett steps in for David Fair to discuss what's happening in the movie world this week with Michigan Theater executive director Russ Collins, including the official start of the 2023 Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti (iFFY).

Earth Day 2023 will be observed on April 22nd, around the world and right here in our community. WEMU's David Fair took some time to gather reflections on where we've come and where we're headed in his conversation with Washtenaw County water resources commissioner, Evan Pratt.

The Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti, or iFFY, kicks off its 4th season tonight. On this week's edition of "On The Ground Ypsi," WEMU's Cathy Shafran, Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale, and iFFY's program director, Micah Vanderhoof, bring you details on the four-day festival that includes plenty of affordable films, interactive workshops, and engaging activities for the community.

The Growing Hope Urban Farm in Ypsilanti turns 20 next month. And as part of its 20th year, it's making some changes. It's growing hands-on workshops, like mushroom foraging and beekeeping and expanding its reach, so people in the community can invest in portions of the produce fields. And it's fine-tuning its farmer's market with additional focus on the online market. Growing Hope's new executive director, Julius Buzzard, talks all about Growing Hope's 20th year celebration activities with WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale.

Want to know what's new at your favorite Ann Arbor theatres and local multiplexes? Well, WEMU's David Fair meets up again with Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins to chat about some new flicks and special screenings coming your way this weekend.

Providing inspiration, literacy, and culture to the African American children in our community. That's the mission of the Topaze Project in Washtenaw County. The project was founded by Kallista Marie. Through personal experience, she has become dedicated to making Black children feel seen, heard and loved while also developing reading skills and sense of family and history. She joined WEMU's David Fair to share her work and passion.

We’re going galactic on Cinema Chat this week! "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" opens in theaters this week. Additionally, find out more about "Wild Life." It’s the inspirational love-story of conservationist Kris Tomkins and how her relationship and retail brands have provided love and care to some of the worlds great landscapes. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins, have all the movie news you need.

Washtenaw County's Health and Mental Health departments are tackling growing mental health issues utilizing various approaches. One approach that is seeing particular success is mental wellness writing. WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale discuss the success of the YpsiWrites program for those struggling with mental health issues with the program's founder, Ann Blakeslee.