Search results for

June is Pride Month, and it is be celebrated in a number of ways throughout Washtenaw County. It is also an opportunity for education and awareness. There is a good deal of conversation around the country about the use of pronouns and about how members of the LGBTQ+ community identify themselves. Joe Halsch is president of the Jim Toy Community Center in Ann Arbor. He joined WEMU’s David Fair to share the kinds of conversations he and the center are creating around these issues.

Mental health among our youngsters has been a growing concern, particularly since the pandemic. Art is one of the outlets that allows for self-expression and communication. The Youth Arts Alliance is an Ypsilanti-based organization working throughout Michigan. It's making a difference in the overall well-being of its participants while building community. WEMU's David Fair takes a look at the program and its impacts with founding director, Heather Martin.

It’s that time of year, but each year, it seems to come a little earlier. Toxic algae blooms are starting to cover Lake Erie earlier than usual this summer. This year’s blooms are also expected to be bigger than last summer. WEMU's David Fair takes a look at the impacts of climate change on the blooms in Lake Erie with Dr. Richard Stumpf from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Riverside Arts Center has revitalized its Artist-in-Residency program this year. The two artists serving in that capacity are about to mark the halfway point of their residency, and you’ll hear from one of them! Nick Azzaro sat down with Rylee Barnsdale to discuss the program, his art, education and what is still to come through the rest of the residency.

An exciting weekend is coming to the movie world, including one of the most anticipated superhero matchups ever! WEMU's David Fair mets up with Marquee Arts cinema programming director, Nick Alderink, to give you a rundown of upcoming films and special screenings!

Whether or not Ann Arbor’s Bobby Fox, the author of the book "Love & Vodka", ever thought such a dream could come true, Ypsilanti filmmaker Heidi Philipsen-Meissner made it happen. Heidi and Bobby join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to talk about their experience at the Love & Vodka’s film premiere during the 2024 Cinetopia Film Festival.

The 2024 Cinetopia Film Festival rolls on in Ann Arbor! Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins joins WEMU's David Fair to provide an update on the film fest and the new films opening downtown. Plus, Russ brings along filmmaker and Eastern Michigan University alumnus Heidi Philipsen, who talks about her film "Love & Vodka," which closes out Cinetopia this weekend!

Today is Juneteenth. This is the is day celebrating the end of slavery in America. The Juneteenth celebration in Ypsilanti this year is bigger and better than ever and will run Friday through Sunday, Rylee Barnsdale sat down with Survivors Speak founder and Juneteenth organizer Trische' Duckworth to discuss the growth that the community will have the opportunity to enjoy.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools' innovative Environmental Education program is 55 years old now and, throughout that time, has connected students to the natural environment. For 38 of those years, Dave Szczygiel has worked as a teacher and, for over two decades, as Environmental Education Consultant in the district. Now, he is retiring. He looks back and looks at what’s to come with WEMU's David Fair.

It was a sad day when Go! Ice Cream closed its doors in Ypsilanti. Now, there is some happier news to report. Four new business will occupy that building, Rylee Barnsdale spoke with one them. Colleen Kennedy is the owner of Investors Realty Group, which will also serve as the new property manager for the building on North Washington Street.