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On Tuesday, November 5th, voting concludes, and decisions will be made about our elected leadership. Locally, there are a number of ballot issues to be decided as well. In Ann Arbor, one of the ballot questions is whether to create a publicly-owned Sustainable Energy Utility. It would be an opt-in, renewable energy source to further move the city towards it's carbon neutrality goals. Ann Arbor director of Sustainability and Innovations, Missy Stults, joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, for a review of the proposal and its implications for the future.

The Ypsilanti-based residential real estate company Yarrow hopes to uplift local business in downtown Ypsi with its recent purchase of 114 West Michigan Avenue. This building was formerly occupied by the Unicorn Feed and Supply Gift Shop and is currently home to the event venue Yours Truly. Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale was joined by Yarrow co-founder Dylan Cinti to talk about this expansion and what it means for both his company and for Ypsilanti's downtown spaces and small business owners.

There are any number of organizations and programs aimed at increasing equity in Washtenaw County. Literacy is foundational to a sustainable and successful community. Washtenaw Literacy is an organization working to enhance the opportunities, particularly for those who have been traditionally marginalized and underserved. Carole McCabe is executive director of Washtenaw Literacy and joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation on overcoming the barriers to a better life and better community.

When we hear the term "technology-based arts," it always seems like a brand new artform. Truth is, it’s been around for decades, though it is constantly evolving. On this edition of "creative:impact," alvin hill, an Ann Arbor-based techno-artist, joins host Deb Polich. They talk about his work and how he has extended his practice through Media Ensemble, a program that offers middle schoolers an opportunity to explore the art of technology.

The University of Michigan is forging ahead and working towards being a leader in generative artificial intelligence with its U-M-GPT program. As it does, there are environmental concerns to be addressed. The initiative is part of Michigan’s broader effort to integrate AI into its academic and administrative infrastructure, enhancing learning, teaching, and research. But, AI consumes a great deal of energy. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at U-M, Dr. Ravi Pendse, about how U-M is dealing with the environmental ramifications of AI.

After serving thirty-five years of a life sentence, the only thing Leroy Harris wanted to do was teach children how to avoid making the same kinds of mistakes. But he didn't have the confidence to set his goals in motion. He later turned to occupational therapy through the Ypsilanti-based organization “Life After Incarceration: Transition & Reentry,” or LAITR (sounds like “later”). Today, Leroy is not only starting his own business to help troubled youth but also sits on LAITR's board of directors. Leroy shared his story with Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale.

Absentee ballots continue to roll in. Nine days of early-in person voting will conclude on November 3rd. And then, Election Day hits on Tuesday, November 5th. There are still a good number of people who have yet to vote, and getting out the vote and making sure voters are informed is at the heart of the mission of the League of Women Voters of Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair checked in with the League’s voter services director, Rebecca Shiemke, on where we are and what’s left to be done.

What's your favorite scary movie? WEMU's David Fair and Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins meet up to inform you of tonight's special screenings for your Halloween viewing pleasure! Plus, you'll get details on some new films opening downtown and at the multiplex, too!

November is National Adoption Month, and there are so many children that need families and homes. It is about human connection that provides support and a sense of belonging. Hands Across The Water is an adoption and foster care agency that has been in Ann Arbor for 25 years now. WEMU's David Fair talked about the importance of adoption and fostering kids with executive director Katie Page Sander.

WEMU's David Fair meets up again with Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins to chat about everything going in the cinema world, including the new films and special screenings coming to Ann Arbor! Plus, get some details on a special event celebrating the work of Ann Arbor's favorite arts couple, Russ Collins and Deb Polich!