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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!

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.”

Right now, the waiting list for a space at the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County’s women’s shelter goes about 50-deep. The wait time for those women averages about seven months. That’s why the Shelter Association is undertaking a women’s shelter expansion initiative. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the association’s development director, Sarah Paspal-Jasinski, about the effort to expand capacity by 50%.

Stamina is a required trait in the world of theater! Rachel continues to face and meet the challenge of getting her plays produced. She has also distinguished herself by breaking — wait for it — a Bonneville Salt Flat speed record! Meet Rachel and hear her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

Ann Arbor will serve as host to the National PFAS conference, which runs June 10th-12th at the Michigan League. Scientists, political leaders and environmental advocates will gather to discuss the best ways forward in dealing with toxic forever chemicals. Among them will be Robert Kerr, who is co-chair of the 2024 National PFAS Conference and Community Leader with the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. He, along with WEMU's David Fair, previews the conference and why it's so important to Washtenaw County and the state of Michigan.