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A new solar project being built in Washtenaw County is expected to generate enough electricity to power 15,000 to 20,000 homes every year. The White Tail Solar project will be built on farmland in York and Augusta Townships. Not only is the project going to help with Washtenaw County’s carbon neutrality goals, it is expected to generate well over $1 million in local tax revenue. WEMU's David Fair discussed the project and its impacts with Dick Cupka, chair of the York Township Planning Commission.

Steve Ouellette is in the house…the front of the house, that is. Steve has managed theaters in New York City, Lansing and he’s now in the land of Ann Arbor. Following his “yellow brick road” brought him full circle from the opening of "Wicked" on Broadway to the opening of "Wicked" the film at the State Theatre. Meet Steve and hear some wickedly good stories when he joined Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact."

It may be cold outside, but using alternative transportation to get around town is still a vital component of Ann Arbor’s A2Zero Carbon Neutrality plan. That’s the idea behind the “Conquer the Cold” challenge. The challenge is organized by the 'getDowntown' program runs through February 20th. WEMU's David Fair spoke with 'getDowntown' director, Lilliane Webb, to learn more about goals and impact.

When tragedy befalls a family, the grief never goes away. We all deal with it in different ways. Sometimes, loss gives birth to an action plan to spare others similar pain. That is where the Miles Jeffrey Roberts Foundation in Ann Arbor comes from. Kristen and Jeff Roberts are parents who continue to mourn the loss of their son Miles. He took his life in 2017 at the age of 15. Through the tears, and with purpose and dedication, the Roberts began a foundation aimed at empowering youth athletic communities to promote mental well-being and suicide prevention. They talked about their work with WEMU's David Fair.

Incubator kitchens are commercial kitchen spaces for food-based entrepreneurs to rent and share, and they're an integral resource to those with big food ideas but lack of access to specific equipment. They also provide information and assistance both on business matters, like marketing and advertising, and food matters, like food safety and product testing. Ypsilanti nonprofit Growing Hope offers its own incubator kitchen program to any Ypsilanti resident with food business dreams. Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale talks about the program with its manager, Deante Brand.

Among the agencies being hit by federal funding cuts, changes in administration priorities and employee buyouts is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory is in Ann Arbor, and some changes have already taken place. Deborah Lee who, up until her recent retirement, served as director of the lab. She discussed the changes with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.

Foundational support systems can go a long way in determining life outcomes. When there are systemic barriers, the task of growing a successful and happy life becomes more difficult. The Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan continues its work in offering systems to support the emotional and economic self-determination of women and their families. WEMU's David Fair spoke with executive director Hannah Reischl about challenges of achieving greater equity and equality.

Over this past summer, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy named a new chief climate officer. Alessandra Carreon was named to the position over the summer after serving on the Michigan Public Service commission. It is a challenging time to try and follow through on adaptation and resiliency policies. Alessandra will discuss how EGLE is proceeding and what the goal is by the end of the Whitmer Administration at the end of 2026 with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.

At some point, we will all experience grief. How we accommodate and live with loss is different for each of us. For the most mature among us, it remains heartbreakingly difficult. Young people feel it just as deeply but are more likely to lack the tools to deal with and work through it. The vision of Ele’s Place is to ensure no child grieves alone. Its mission is to support children and their families as they cope with loss. WEMU's David Fair was joined by Bereavement Coordinator Olivia Wilder to discuss that work in Washtenaw County and throughout Michigan.

Environmental concerns continue to surround data centers, and there are a number either approved or planned in Washtenaw County. Supporters of these centers contend there are ways to ensure environmental health while improving the local economy. We’ve explored environmental concerns on WEMU’s "Issues of the Environment." This time around, we’ll get a business perspective on it. Phil Santer is Chief Operating Officer for Ann Arbor SPARK, and he joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the economics of these data centers.