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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.

'Tis the season, as they say—tax season, that is. For many, it’s a stressful time of year, particularly if you can’t afford assistance in getting those taxes filed accurately and on time. That’s why the Volunteer Tax Assistance Program was developed, and it has more than 80 volunteers to help those in need in Washtenaw County. This year, there are some tax changes as some of the pandemic programs end and new tax breaks are offered. WEMU's David Fair discusses the program and how to access it with the United Way of Washtenaw County's vice president of development, Susan Smith.

In November, Ann Arbor voters will decide the Community Climate Action ballot proposal. It's a broad plan aimed at helping the city achieve its carbon neutrality goals and set a foundation for building a city run entirely on renewable energy. But it comes with a hefty price tag. It asks voters to agree to a 20-year tax levy that, if approved, will raise about $140 million over its lifetime. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, explore the proposal and its implications with Jason Frenzel. He serves as a member of the ballot proposal's steering committee.

The aging Ann Arbor water treatment facility is going to change. The 10-year project is one of the most substantial infrastructure improvements Ann Arbor has undertaken and is estimated to cost $100 million. Where are we in the process, and what comes next? Glen Wiczoric is Senior Utilities Engineer at the facility. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss progress and the ongoing challenges of keeping the drinking water supply safe and free of contamination.

As a recording artist and music producer, Dr. Rod Wallace amplifies hip hop. He is an educator who applies the study of music technology to ignite and inspire youth. Rod is busy planning the March 2nd Detroit Electronic Music Conference at Washtenaw Community College. Meet him when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

It was a sad day when Go! Ice Cream closed its doors in Ypsilanti. Now, there is some happier news to report. Four new business will occupy that building, Rylee Barnsdale spoke with one them. Colleen Kennedy is the owner of Investors Realty Group, which will also serve as the new property manager for the building on North Washington Street.

WEMU's David Fair presented a special edition of "Cinema Chat" this week. He was joined by Leslie Raymond, executive director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival. They discussed what you can expect for the 2025 edition of the longest running experimental film festival in the country!

Earlier this year, Eastern Michigan University chemistry professor Dr. Ruth Ann Armitage and her students presented groundbreaking research on mummies at the World Congress on Mummy Studies in Peru. They're now back at EMU continuing to further the work. Dr. Armitage joined Lee Van Roth to discuss her South American experience, as well her ongoing studies.

Brownfield projects in Washtenaw County are paying off. WEMU's David Fair explored the environmental and economic benefits these projects are providing with Nathan Voght from the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

In 2025, there was a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Washtenaw County. Federal immigration policy has created fear and uncertainty among the community's undocumented and documented immigrants. Federal funding changes have impacted some of the organizations that support immigrant people and families. That includes the Michigan Immigration Rights Center (MIRC) in Ypsilanti. What will the new year bring from ICE in Washtenaw County and Michigan? WEMU's David Fair put those questions before the MIRC's policy engagement and communications manager, Christine Sauve, on the first "Washtenaw United" conversation of 2026.