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Earth Day 2024 is right around the corner, and this year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” Advocates are calling for a global reduction of 60% in plastics manufacturing to protect the environment and human health. The Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center has been advocating for the introduction and passage of five bills in Michigan that will add teeth to plastic regulation in several important areas. Ecology Center director Mike Garfield joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss our future with plastics.

Mental health and well-being is a growing issue among today’s youngsters. For at-risk kids, the challenges are even greater. The “Telling It” program in Washtenaw County provides an outlet for area youngsters to gather in safe, uncensored and judgment-free spaces. The program's founder, Deb Gordon-Gurfinkel, and lead social worker, Kelly Kundrat, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss how the process is equipping young people with essential skills that nurtures their well-being and sets them on a path towards success and fulfillment.

It appears the state of Michigan plans to add more nuclear power to its energy portfolio. It is certainly cleaner energy than fossil fuels, but the threat to the environment and public health is much greater, should something go wrong. WEMU's David Fair was joined by the president and CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council, Conan Smith, to look at the future of nuclear energy in Michigan.

Officials overseeing the University of Michigan's Ypsilanti Health Center plan to move operations downtown by the end of the year. Not only will it more than triple their square footage and allow for more specialty care, but it could spawn further partnerships and entrepreneurial enterprises to boost economic development in Ypsilanti. Rylee Barnsdale talks with Concentrate Media reporter Sarah Rigg about the certainties and possibilities.

Like spring flowers, movies are springing up all over town! WEMU's David Fair meets up with Marquee Arts (formerly the Michigan Theater Foundation) executive director Russ Collins to discuss the new films opening downtown and some special screenings and film festivals coming your way very soon!

Avian Influenza is running rampant through Michigan and other parts of the country. Bird flu is nothing new, but this year, it has spread to dairy cattle. The impacts affect animal farming, consumer prices and the economy. As such, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has issued an emergency order to try and stop its spread. Department director, Dr. Tim Boring, provided the most up-to-date information in his conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Russ Collins is still living it up at the Cannes Film Festival, but there are still has some cinematic surprises for you! Marquee Arts cinema program director, Nick Alderink, fills in and chats with WEMU's David Fair about the world of cinema, including a big red carpet event at the Michigan Theater tonight!

There is a silver wave underway. The percentage of older adults in Washtenaw County is growing, and forecasts expect that will continue. A good number of our elderly are on fixed incomes or on the low end of the earning spectrum. The costs of goods and services, particularly housing, is going up. How are we going to bridge the gap? That’s a question the Washtenaw Housing Alliance works to answer on a daily basis, including its new Shared Housing program. WEMU's David Fair talked with executive director, Amanda Carlisle about helping our seniors to peacefully age in place.

Patrick Dunn has served as managing editor for Concentrate Media. Now, he has new responsibilities as the digital news magazine’s publisher as well. Patrick joined Lee Van Roth to discuss his new role and what that could mean for the future of “On the Ground Ypsi.”

We’ve had plenty of hot days this summer, but what happens to the environment when concrete and asphalt surface temperatures heat well into the 100’s? Keenan Gibbons and his team at SmithGroup wanted to find out and used drones to study heat patterns along Huron Street in Ann Arbor. The research on heat islands has led to some determinations about how to mitigate impact and help move the city towards its carbon neutrality goals. Gibbons joined WEMU's David Fair to explain the research and its findings.