In an effort to interrupt the spread of COVID-19 and a new variant of the virus on the University of Michigan campus, a new “stay in place” recommendation has been issued by the Washtenaw County Health Department for students on or near the Ann Arbor campus.  WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with Rick Fitzgerald, assistant vice president for public affairs at the University of Michigan, about what that means for the university community.

A group of Ann Arbor parents, medical professionals, and community members are planning a rally for this weekend to show their support for getting students back into the classroom during the ongoing pandemic.  WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with group member and concerned parent Lena Kauffman about their continuing efforts to get students back in the classroom soon.

Ann Arbor's Materials Recovery Facility has been closed for nearly five years due to safety concerns.  In 2020, the city hired Recycle Ann Arbor to handle recycling and charged it with reopening the facility.  Renovation and innovation measures are getting underway, and "The MuRF," as it's called, should open this fall.  Recycle Ann Arbor CEO Bryan Ukena joined WEMU's David Fair to update you on this week's "Issues of the Environment."

A new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus made its way to Washtenaw County earlier this month.  Since then, 13 cases have been confirmed in the county, and all University of Michigan athletic programs have been put on pause.  WEMU's David Fair discussed the latest information with Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Susan Cerniglia.  

Music critics of all stripes had plenty to say about Lady Gaga’s national anthem performance at President Biden’s inauguration.  Deb Polich and David Fair asked Mark Clague, widely recognized as the expert on "The Star Spangled Banner," to share his thoughts on her interpretation.  Mark takes a deep-dive into this storied anthem on this edition of "creative:impact."  Listen here.

In under a month on the job, the new Washtenaw County prosecutor, Eli Savit, has announced a number of new criminal justice plans for the county, including a new approach to juvenile justice.

WEMU's Lisa Barry talked with Savit about his new suite of policy changes, which he says is long overdue and based on science, which will lead to better life outcomes for the youth involved.

The past year has brought a global pandemic, political unrest, and a more concerted effort to combat systemic racism.  Put together, it has created new challenges for leaders in the non-profit sector.  Ann Arbor-based "Career Directions" is dedicated to coaching leaders and organization teams and, it too, has found new challenges to overcome.  On "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair explores challenges and solutions with Career Directions executive coach/principal, David Gruner.

Michigan restaurants will be allowed to open their doors to indoor diners February 1st.  Indoor dining has been prohibited by state officials since November to curb the cases of COVID-19 in the community.  WEMU’s Lisa Barry talks with Don Knight, the owner of Knight’s Steakhouse with two locations in Ann Arbor and one in Jackson, about his excitement to reopen even with state-imposed restrictions and some changes they’ve made to keep diners healthy.

Earlier this week, former President Donald Trump left for Florida, while newly-inaugurated President Joe Biden got right to work.  WEMU's David Fair caught up with 12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, after a whirlwind week, to reflect on the last four years and look at immediate priorities now.