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We are moving closer to the day when the defunct Peninsular Paper Dam will be removed from the Huron River. The plan has been in the works for some time, while plans continue to preserve an historic Ypsilanti building and create a public gathering space. Huron River Watershed Council executive director, Rebecca Esselman, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss progress and next steps on dam removal and the restoration of natural flow in that part of the river.
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In 2021, hate crimes against members of the AAPI community in the U.S. increased 339%. WEMU's David Fair sat down with local artist, graphic recorder, and BIPOC advocate, Yen Azzaro, to discuss her personal journey and how it informs the work she does to build equity and understanding.
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Embracing Our Differences plants the seeds of diversity, equity, and inclusion in billboard-sized art installations sprinkled throughout four parks in Washtenaw County. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact," and meet organizers Nancy Margolis and Lynne Settles to hear more about this exciting project.
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Expanding access to meaningful STEM Education: That's the mission behind UniteSTEM in Ypsilanti. The non-profit describes education as "an adventure," and it wants to create real-world career opportunities by working with local kids and giving them access to the tools required to be a success. UniteSTEM co-founder, Frank Norton, provides an insider's look at the program in this week's "On the Ground-Ypsi" with WEMU's David Fair and Concentrate Media's Sarah Rigg.
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Thomas Merton once said, "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." That philosophy is similar to what an Ypsilanti-based program is creating. Miriam Kirscht is founder of Improvisation Heals. The program uses improvisational interaction to help overcome social anxieties and build confidence. WEMU's David Fair and Concentrate Media's Sarah Rigg discovered more about this innovative local program in this week's #OTGYpsi conversation.
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Back in the 1990's, the Border-to-Border Trail in Washtenaw County was still a concept. Fast forward to today, and more than 30 miles of trail have been completed, and more is on the way. Peter Sanderson is principal planner for the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Department. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss how far we've come, what's going to be done this year, and where we're headed in the future.
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Have you ever met a five-year old who didn’t like to color or sing a song? How about a 65 year old? What happened in between? Join host Deb Polich on 'creative:impact" to find out when she meets Decky Alexander and Tyler Calhoun of Limelight and learns how creative aging programs are helping people rediscover the joy of creativity.
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Six weeks have gone by since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. U.S. and NATO sanctions are having an impact, and President Biden's proposed budget calls for a 10% increase in defense spending. 12th District Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) joined WEMU's David Fair to offer perspective on those issues and more.
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US Supreme Court nominee, Ketanji Brown Jackson, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. The war in Ukraine drags on and the uncertainty in the energy sector is causing anxiety and financial hardship. WEMU's David Fair questioned 12th District Representative Debbie Dingell on where these matters may be headed.
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The 'Black Men Read' organization has its origins in Washtenaw County but is expanding its reach across the nation. It brings African American men to read books to children with hopes of inspiring them to go far in life while highlighting the vital and positive role that Black men bring to the community. Black Men Read co-founder, Tamara Tucker-Ibarisha, joined WEMU's David Fair and Concentrate Media's Sarah Rigg to talk about the group's recent work, including adaptations to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.