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Black and Brown residents in Washtenaw County are disproportionately impacted by traffic violations. Associated costs help contribute to a cycle of poverty. The state is offering help through its "Clean Slate" program. The Deputy Legal Director of the Department of State, Khyla Craine, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the driver's license restoration program.

Most residential homes and commercial buildings rely heavily on gas power. It leaves a significant carbon footprint at a time when the community is rushing to become carbon neutral. The movement is gaining steam, and, this week, residents can learn more at an electrification expo. WEMU's David Fair got into the details of it all with Julie Roth from the City of Ann Arbor's Office of Sustainability and Innovations.

We talk a lot about equity and inclusion in our community. It's about access to opportunity. For those with disabilities, gaining full access can still prove difficult. Alex Gossage has used his personal experience with disability to guide the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living to a brighter and more accessible future. He talks about some new programs and initiatives underway to change that in our area with WEMU's David Fair.

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.

Peter "Madcat" Ruth and his harmonica have delighted music fans here and across the world for decades. A Grammy Award winner, Madcat includes Dave Brubeck and his sons Chris and Danny Brubeck, as well as his longtime partner Shari Kane, on the list of those with whom he’s made music. Madcat receives a Lifetime Achievement Medal on February 27 at THE pARTy!, Creative Washtenaw’s signature benefit event. He joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich and they talk about his life and career.

As the new session in Lansing gets underway, Democrats find themselves in control of both chambers of the Legislature for the first time in 40 years. Governor Gretchen Whitmer sees that as a path forward on a number of issues. The governor joins WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, to lay out her priorities for the next two years.

Historically speaking, women have been undervalued and have lacked equal opportunity and pay. As we mark Women's History Month, we explore the importance of being financially literate and articulate as the quest for equity and equality continue. Melissa Joy from Pearl Planning, in Dexter, joins WEMU's David Fair to discuss running a woman-owned business and helping prepare a generation of women for their financial futures.

Some conversations require more time. In the first of a two-part series, Leslie Sobel, an artist whose work is deeply focused on climate change and our disconnect from the natural world, joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich to give her the lowdown on artists' residencies. Next week, in part two, Leslie will take us to the site of her most recent residency: The Arctic Circle!

The Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti, or iFFY, kicks off its 4th season tonight. On this week's edition of "On The Ground Ypsi," WEMU's Cathy Shafran, Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale, and iFFY's program director, Micah Vanderhoof, bring you details on the four-day festival that includes plenty of affordable films, interactive workshops, and engaging activities for the community.

James Parry Eyster – AKA Jason – knows Frank Porter Glazier – perhaps Chelsea, Michigan’s most prominent and notorious resident. In fact, Jason found Glazier’s life so fascinating, he was compelled to write a musical to tell the tale. Meet Jason and hear all about the drama and intrigue when he joins Deb Polich, WEMU's "creative impact" host.