Jackson County

14th District State Senator Democrat Sue Shink says she's looking at where she should be putting effort to effectively get legislation passed in a divided Legislature. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Land preservation efforts in the greater Washtenaw County area are about to expand. In 2024, The Legacy Land Conservancy received its largest-ever grant. It’s a $24.6 million infusion of money from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. WEMU's David Fair was joined by the Conservancy’s Susan LaCroix to discuss the impact that will have in 2025 and beyond in a New Year’s Day edition of "Issues of the Environment."

The 48th District House race features incumbent Democrat Jennifer Conlin and challengers Republican Brian Ignatowski and Green Party candidate Eric Borregard. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

47th Michigan State House incumbent Democrat Carrie Rheingans is being challenged by Republican Teresa Spiegelberg. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert takes a look at the race.

The closely watched Michigan 46th House District could have a lot of say in which party controls the lower chamber in Lansing come January. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

Did you know there are less than two dozen Black farmers in Washtenaw County? It is another example of inequity, often caused by lack of access. The Legacy Land Conservancy is working to increase access and address issues of agricultural equity, while continuing its work to increase land preservation throughout the region. Conservancy development associate, Krista Jacob, joined WEMU's David Fair to fill in the details.

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.

WEMU's David Fair marks Labor Day with a conversation with the president of the Huron Valley Labor Federation of the AFL-CIO. Ian Robinson offers his insights on what Labor Day really means, the current status of unions, and what the future holds as we continue to deal with wage disparities, inequities, and an ongoing technological evolution that will continue to replace human jobs.

A judge will open a hearing today on whether to continue an order that suspends enforcement of Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban. We have more from Rick Pluta.

As the climate crisis worsens, the drive to more quickly create sustainable, renewable energy systems is picking up steam. But there are barriers slowing things down. For example, Manchester Township recently denied a permit that would have allowed for a 159-acre solar farm. State House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski represents that part of Washtenaw County, and she shares her perspective with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.