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2024 is a presidential election year, and Michigan's primary is earlier than ever before. What role will the environment play in this year's election cycle? How are climate issues playing among Michigan's voters? Will the state remain blue or turn red? And what role do the green issues play in forecasting outcomes? WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak explore the latest polling with Andrew Baumann from Global Strategy Group on the January edition of WEMU's "1st Friday Focus on the Environment."

It took 40 years and a Facebook page to make Steve Girbach’s and John Mooneyham’s dream to open a music club come true. Together, they launched Manchester Underground Music and Art to bring live music to downtown Manchester. We meet Steve and hear the origin story about the club when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

There is a long and storied history of African American farmers in Washtenaw County. Its impacts are often overlooked and underappreciated. Bringing the stories to light is the mission of the Ypsi Farmers and Gardeners Oral History Project. The project is headed by University of Michigan-Dearborn Assistant Professor of Human Services Dr. Finn Bell. He not only joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the project but brought Patricia Wells with him. She is a master gardener with a rich history of her own. This is the first in a series of Black History Month editions of "Washtenaw United" for 2024.

The theme of Black History Month this year is African Americans and the Arts. The Ann Arbor-based Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale is celebrating 50 years of sharing the legacy of African American spirituals in 2024. It has spent five decades combatting the lack of inclusion for Black composers in chorale and classical music spaces. WEMU's David Fair talks all about it with the president of the chorale, Sharon Vaughters, in advance of some special performances in Ann Arbor on another Black History Month edition of "Washtenaw United."

Earth Day 2024 is right around the corner, and this year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” Advocates are calling for a global reduction of 60% in plastics manufacturing to protect the environment and human health. The Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center has been advocating for the introduction and passage of five bills in Michigan that will add teeth to plastic regulation in several important areas. Ecology Center director Mike Garfield joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss our future with plastics.

In the year 2024, right here in Washtenaw County, there are still racially restrictive covenants written into thousands of property deeds. These property deeds are dedicated to preventing people of color for buying or renting homes. Exposing and combatting these provisions is the mission of the group Justice InDeed. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Justice InDeed co-leads Justin Schell and Jessica Letaw about the effort to eradicate these covenants and fight segregation and economic inequality.

Despite uncertainties at the state and federal level, the City of Ann Arbor continues the push toward a more sustainable energy future. Back in November, voters approved creation of a Sustainable Energy Utility. The municipally owned utility will supplement the existing services from DTE Energy and seeks to use 100% renewable power. There is a lot of work to be done, but the city is moving the project forward. Where does it stand now and what comes next? WEMU's David Fair found out in a conversation with Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director, Missy Stults.

The cannabis business in Washtenaw County has been rather robust since the legalization of recreational use. Now, the state is putting an additional 24% tax to help fund road repair and construction. WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre spoke with Mike DiLaura about potential business impacts in Washtenaw County. Mike is the Chief Corporate Operations and General Counsel at House of Dank, which has stores in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

Gas prices are skyrocketing; there is also raging debate over data centers and the shift to a more renewable energy future is being set back. Jennifer Granholm has helped shape energy policy as the former Governor of Michigan and as the U.S. Energy Secretary in the Biden Administration. She shared her perspective in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters CEO and President, Lisa Wozniak.

Last month, Morning Edition invited listeners to share stories about "good deeds" they had witnessed or heard about. NPR's Susan Stamberg reports on some of the many responses that came in. And npr.org offers a few stories that did not make it on the air.