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Recent power outages in Washtenaw County have a good portion of Southeast Michigan outraged. Nearly a million lost power in the last two winter storms. Ann Arbor City Council member Jen Eyer joins WEMU's David Fair to discuss what the city will ask of the state legislature and the Michigan Public Service Commission and the increased interest in establishing a municipal electric utility in Ann Arbor.
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There is increased focus on promoting and highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in Washtenaw County. In fact, Destination Ann Arbor has created a new series called, "Walking the Walk." It puts a spotlight on local businesses living the DEI promise , impacting the local quality of life and making the county a more attractive tourist destination. Destination Ann Arbor's Amy Karbo joined us with all the information on how "talking the talk" is evolving into "walking the walk."
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Historically speaking, women have been undervalued and have lacked equal opportunity and pay. As we mark Women's History Month, we explore the importance of being financially literate and articulate as the quest for equity and equality continue. Melissa Joy from Pearl Planning, in Dexter, joins WEMU's David Fair to discuss running a woman-owned business and helping prepare a generation of women for their financial futures.
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The agricultural industry is a tough business under the best of circumstances. Add in systemic barriers to get underway, and it adds up to a lack of diversity in small, family farming. Kathy Sample is co-owner of Argus Farm Stop and is committed to increasing opportunity for minorities interested in agriculture. Because of her work in that realm, she has been named the United Way of Washtenaw County’s 2023 Power of the Purse Woman of the Year. Learn more in Sample's 'Washtenaw United' conversation with WEMU’s David Fair.
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It is Black History Month, and not everyone is on board. There are some in the Black community that are upset that Black History is relegated to one month a year, noting that Black history is American History. How do you feel about it? We're going to look at that and the historical bias in education. WEMU's David Fair discussed it with activist, poet, and co-founder of "Black Men Read," Yodit Mesfin-Johnson
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We continue to mark Black History Month with a look at overcoming inequities in education by exploring local efforts at improving literacy and accessibility to diverse literature in Washtenaw County. Margy Long is director of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District's Success by Six-Great Start Collaborative. She joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation on progress made and progress yet needed.
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Despite the fact Democrats won control of the state Legislature for the first time in four decades in November, there are ongoing efforts at voter suppression. WEMU's David Fair is joined by first-term state representative Jason Morgan of Ann Arbor to discuss how best to legislatively combat those efforts in the new session.
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U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell was in Ypsilanti Tuesday, touring the city’s transit center. It's a place that will see significant improvement in coming years. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.
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Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and there are a number of events taking place throughout the community. It is also a day that reminds us that the work for racial equity and social justice is a year-round task. On an MLK Day edition of "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair is joined by Ypsilanti District Library community relations coordinator, Sami Killian for a look at what’s happening on the holiday, and throughout the year.
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Washtenaw County residents are getting a chance to learn more about the ways racism, equity, and bias continue to affect the community. WEMU's Taylor Pinson has more.