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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.

Ypsilanti native John E. Lawrence is truly a man of many talents. He's a celebrated guitarist, respected music teacher, and the founder of the John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Series. Lawrence talked to WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale about how he got started in music, transitioned into teaching and why it was important to him to create a jazz series in his hometown of Ypsilanti.

Feeling the summer heat lately? Why not catch a good flick? WEMU's David Fair gets together with Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins to give you the latest movie news and what's coming to your favorite movie house this weekend and beyond.

Disc golf is a sport that received a boost in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to grow. WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale take a look at how to play and where to play in the Ypsilanti area with Jen Trombley. She's a member of the Professional Disc Golf Association and head of the Grit and Grace Ladies League.

To achieve environmental and sustainability goals, it's going to take contributions from everyone. The city of Ann Arbor has contracted with zerowaste.org to educate and engage the public in a variety of ways, including a 'neighborhood swap' program. Zerowaste.org executive director, Samuel McMullen, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the effort and its intended impacts.

Julie and Scott Halpert know all too well what it means to lose a loved one to self-inflicted harm. Their son Garrett took his own life in 2017. Ever since, the Halperts have been working to provide support to others in hopes of preventing more grief. Now the plan is to have a brick-and-mortar facility on 76-acres of land in Superior Township to provide holistic and non-medical support and care services for young adults struggling with life. And, it's to be called Garrett's Space. The Halperts joined WEMU's David Fair to share their story.