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The number of cases of Lyme disease cases locally is on the rise. Washtenaw County epidemiologist Laura Bauman joined WEMU's David Fair with the latest information and advice on how to best protect yourself.

On a Labor Day edition of "Washtenaw United," we’re taking a look at an institution that made it possible for all of Rosie the Riveters to work at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in World War II. Back then, it was called Perry Nursery School. Now, it is known as Foundations Preschool of Washtenaw County. It stills primarily serves single and working mothers and is about to celebrate its 90th anniversary. WEMU's David Fair with the school's executive director, Sandy Williams, about developing the workforce of the future.

The month of September is going to be an important one for Michigan’s Environmental and energy future. A number of measures are being considered in the state Legislature aimed increasing availability and access to more renewable energy. State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, to discuss the proposed legislation and its potential impacts.

All of the kids are back in school, but they always squeeze in time to catch a flick! WEMU's David Fair is joined by Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins to chat about the latest movie news and all of the films opening in theaters in the coming days.

The Latinx Teen Empowerment Group at Ypsilanti Community High School was created to give Latinx teens mental health support and to help them address other challenges as they adapt to a new language and a new culture. Learn more as WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale spoke about the program with two of its leaders, Priscilla Cortez and Dr. Fernanda Cross.

PFAS contamination is occurring in the area’s only cold-water trout stream. Johnson Creek is a 3.6-mile-long tributary to the middle branch of the Rouge River, where it joins in Wayne County’s Northville Township. The Arbor Hills landfill in Washtenaw County’s Salem Township has been identified as the source of the contamination. Getting regulators to address the issue has been difficult, and that is where the grassroots citizens group, The Conservancy Initiative, comes in. David Drinan is its vice president, and he spoke with WEMU's David Fair on how the group is taking matters into its own hands.

Combatting poverty is difficult, particularly when you work against systemic issues that have been in place as long as the country. Ypsilanti-based "Friends In Deed" offers immediate and direct assistance to those in need but also invests in programming and mentorship that helps people build the tools and support community needed to get out of poverty permanently. Tracey Hoesch and Amtheyst Floyd from "Friends In Deed" joined WEMU's David Fair to share the progress being made to better address local poverty.

Sandra Murchison is an artist and the director of Eastern Michigan University’s School of Art & Design. She recently set aside her art supplies and gladly picked up a shovel for the groundbreaking ceremony for EMU’s 3D Arts Complex. Sandra joins Deb Polich on "creative:impact" to talk about this exciting addition to the EMU campus expected to open in the fall of 2024.

Some areas of Washtenaw County received nearly five inches of rain in a short, three-hour period on Wednesday, August 23rd. The aftermath is still being assessed and addressed. In some areas, it could take months. Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner Evan Pratt joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss storm response and what was learned.

The number of people camping has exploded since the onset of the pandemic. And, there are numerous benefits to getting out in nature. However, sleeping in your tent isn’t one of them. Tents are covered with cancer-causing, fire-retardant chemicals. Ann Arbor Democrat Jeff Irwin has successfully pushed a measure through the Michigan Senate to make it legal to sell tents without that toxic coating. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss that issue and the ongoing fight to get a better legislative handle on more of the chemicals that pollute the environment and impact public health.