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Many of us take transportation for granted. We have cars or can pay for Uber or bus rides. There are many who don’t have, or can’t afford, access. In the more rural parts of Washtenaw County, it can be even more difficult. That’s where the Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) steps in. WAVE makes sure people can get rides to medical appointments, job interviews and more. WEMU's David Fair talked about enhancing equity and opportunity through transportation services with WAVE’s Community Relations Coordinator, Shasta Angell.

There is a value in mentorship and the wisdom of our elders. Unfortunately, not every family has access to such relationships and it can have adverse educational impacts. That’s the reason the Washtenaw County Foster Grandparent Program exists. WEMU's David Fair met with the director of the program, Sandy Bowers, and foster grandparent Annie Young. They discussed the positive differences created for both children and the foster volunteers.

The City of Ann Arbor continues the march toward carbon neutrality, spending millions in the effort to get there. But, since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions have decreased only slightly. Now, in an effort to make the public more aware of the issue, the city has launched an emissions dashboard. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Ann Arbor Senior Energy Analyst, Thea Yagerlener to see if the city is on track to hit its targets.

On October 1st of 2023, The United Way of Washtenaw County ceased being an entity unto its own. It merged with, and was rolled into, the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. At the time, leadership said it would not only maintain staff and services in Washtenaw County but expand them. WEMU's David Fair discussed where the merger stands one year later with chapter president and CEO, Dr. Darienne Hudson.

Rental properties in Ann Arbor will soon have to meet new energy efficiency standards. Ann Arbor City Council approved the Green Rental Housing Ordinance on July 16th. Some landlords and housing advocates raised concerns that it will drive rental prices even higher. Missy Stults is director of the city’s Office of Sustainability and Innovations. She says that’s not the case and explains why in her conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

There is a three-way race for Ann Arbor Mayor. but only two names will appear on the ballot. Incumbent Democrat, Christopher Taylor, is seeking a third term in office. The other name that appears on the ballot is Eric Lipson. Lipson is a self-proclaimed Democrat but is running as an Independent. A very late entry into the race is independent write-in candidate Dylan Manna. He’s a researcher and physics scholar at the University of Michigan, who recently moved back to the city. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran has more in this extended report.

They say, “It takes a village.” Usually, it references the process of raising a child, but it also applies when talking about protecting and stewarding a watershed. Keeping the waters in Washtenaw County clean and safe is quite an undertaking, and it takes a variety of community organizations and volunteers to be effective. WEMU's David Fair is joined by Washtenaw County Water Resources Commission Evan Pratt to discuss the Michigan Clean Water Corps and others that contribute to improving the health and safety of our local waters.

The number of people camping has exploded since the onset of the pandemic. And, there are numerous benefits to getting out in nature. However, sleeping in your tent isn’t one of them. Tents are covered with cancer-causing, fire-retardant chemicals. Ann Arbor Democrat Jeff Irwin has successfully pushed a measure through the Michigan Senate to make it legal to sell tents without that toxic coating. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss that issue and the ongoing fight to get a better legislative handle on more of the chemicals that pollute the environment and impact public health.

Scott Joplin was once among America's most popular songwriters. The son of a former slave, his Ragtime music swept the nation more than 100 years ago.

Five-time Olympian Yusuf Dikec shot his way to silver with regular eyeglasses and a hand in his pocket. His casual style impressed viewers and had many jokingly wondering whether he might be a hitman.