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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.

The popular Potawatomi Trail is about to get an environmental facelift. The hiking and biking trail connects Washtenaw and Livingston Counties and is about to get about $500,000 in upgrades. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Pinckney Recreation Area park manager, Chuck Dennison, to learn what that is going to look like.

While completing his doctoral studies at Eastern Michigan University, Dr. Rod Wallace had a vision to give back to his community through music. From there, he partnered with Ypsilanti-based Grove Studios and Ann Arbor-based Leon Speakers to create The Amplify Project, which is now in its fourth season. Dr. Wallace joins Rylee Barnsdale to talk about the work they are doing to lift the voices of African American musicians in Washtenaw County.

The Michigan fuel tax is no longer sufficient to fund needed road repairs and maintenance. As more electric vehicles hit the streets, the tax will raise less money, but the need for road and bridge revenue will only increase. Conversations are underway about alternative possibilities. WEMU's David Fair talks about what that might look like with Denise Donohue, CEO of the County Road Association of Michigan.

July is well underway, and more movies keep coming to the big screen! WEMU's David Fair is joined by Marquee Arts cinema programming director, Nick Alderink, to talk about the new films and special screenings coming to downtown Ann Arbor and your favorite multiplex!

One of the lesser discussed facts of prison life for women is the number of children who born into those circumstances. The Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility is right in our backyard and there is a movement underway to make a difference for incarcerated women and the children they give birth to. It's called the Michigan Prison Doula Initiative. WEMU's David Fair learns more about the program and the difference it's making in his conversation with the initiative's board chair, Kate Stroud, and program director, Cara Genisio.