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The City of Ypsilanti has elected a black woman Mayor for the first time in city history. Nicole Brown received 76% of the vote in defeating nonpartisan challenger Amber Fellows and Libertarian Mark Alan King. WEMU’s Josh Hakala has more.

The results are in, and incumbent Democrat, Jeff Irwin, will serve another term as State Senator. Irwin currently represents the 18th district, but redistricting moves him to the newly drawn 15th district. Irwin joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss his plans for the next four years.

Democratic state House Representative Felicia Brabec defeated Republican challenger Robert Borer III for a two-year term in the new 33rd state House district. She spoke with WEMU's David Fair about her victory and her thoughts on how this week's elections will impact American democracy.

The chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners will soon be working in Lansing. Democrat Sue Shink was elected in the 14th district State Senate race. Shink joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the wins and priorities as she prepares for a new job.

It's Thanksgiving week, and in a holiday edition of "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins, discuss the new movie openings and special screenings taking place over the holiday weekend. Additionally, find out who Russ and David picked to win Saturday's rivalry contest between Michigan and Ohio State!

The nature of transportation in America is changing. There is a strong move toward electric vehicles with the major automakers committing to the change. Most of that is about personal transportation. But the public transportation sector is adapting and evolving, too. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority recently conducted a study looking into how best to create a fleet of zero emission buses. There are choices to be made and challenges to overcome. WEMU's David Fair explores those issues with AAATA CEO, Matt Carpenter.

The opioid epidemic is growing worse, nationally and here at home in Washtenaw County. In the first six months of this year, 36 people have died of overdoses. That follows a 28% increase in such deaths in 2021. Washtenaw County is investing in comprehensive ways to address the problem that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Washtenaw County Health Officer Jimena Loveluck joins WEMU's David Fair for a look at the problem and the manner in which it is being addressed.

Sometimes, a small grant can launch a public service group or organization to new levels of community impact. That’s the mission behind the United Way of Washtenaw County’s Opportunity Fund—to be an incubator of sorts. And it's working. WEMU's David Fair checked in with UWWC president and CEO, Pam Smith, to gain better understanding of how the fund has impacted Washtenaw County so far, with an eye towards $200,000 more investment in the 2023 grant cycle.

As we move towards a more sustainable energy and transportation future, one of the methodologies is an increased focus on hydrogen. The University of Michigan has created a hydrogen roadmap meant to help the state's response to new funding opportunities because of Michigan's climate action plan. WEMU's David Fair takes a look at what that means now and moving forward with the director for the Center of Sustainable Studies in the U-M's School for Environment and Sustainability, Greg Keoleian.

When the state Legislature reconvenes in January, Democrats will be in control of both chambers for the first time in 40 years. Democrats have a laundry list of priorities in the new legislative session. We’re going to take an initial look at what environmental priorities are on that list in the final edition of 1st Friday for 2022. WEMU’s David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, went straight to the top of the incoming leadership ladder. Detroit Democrat, Joe Tate, will discuss environmental priorities as he prepares to become the next Speaker of the House in Lansing.