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A part of Ann Arbor's plan in achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 is to create a more robust circular economy. Think and act local first, and become more mindful of how we use, reuse, and dispose of all of our materials at home and at work. Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Manager, Missy Stults, joins WEMU's David Fair with the 2023 plans to grow the local circular economy.
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Raising children is difficult no matter what. Now, imagine trying to do it without secure housing, food or educational resources. Imagine further trying to find assistance in a system that has historically been culturally biased. WEMU's David Fair is joined by Icshia Leatherwood. She is a member of "Trusted Parent Advisors," who are working to empower people of color to access available resources and become greater advocates for themselves and their children.
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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.
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An Ann Arbor doctor is being credited with research that could change the way oxygen levels are registered for people of color. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran explains.
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Eastern Michigan University has announced its keynote speaker for its upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. WEMU’s Taylor Pinson has the details.
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We've known for a long time that chemicals and pollution lead to poor health outcomes, particularly in communities of color and lower income portions of our county and state. With lead, mercury, PFAS, and dioxane, we understand there is a potentially higher risk for cancer. But what if you are exposed to all of them? University of Michigan researcher Justin Colacino is leading a team and a newly launched, $13 million study to find out, and he discusses his project with WEMU's David Fair.
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Helping build equity and opportunity through affordable housing: that is the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley. There are a number of building and renovation projects the organization has underway right now, and, on an annual basis, the local chapter of Habitat leads the state and is among the best in the nation when it comes to number of people helped. The Huron Valley chapter CEO, Sarah Stanton, and senior director of home improvement, Martha Davis, joined WEMU's David Fair for a deeper look at its impact in Washtenaw County.
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Washtenaw County has, what many consider, a surprisingly high rate of poverty. There are day-to-day needs to be met, but the bigger picture is to stop managing poverty in the area and eliminate the systemic barriers to escaping poverty. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Sarah Thornburg, executive director of the Ypsilanti-based service organization, "Friends In Deed," to discuss what that change looks like and the plan to get there.
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We are living in a society in which we are listening less and reacting more. Flipping that, so listening is a priority and actions are co-created, is the mission at the Dispute Resolution Center in Washtenaw County. Learn more about the efforts to build greater equity and provide greater agency for the marginalized in our community as WEMU's David Fair checks in with the center's executive director, Belinda Dulin.
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Washtenaw County is exploring ways to reduce or even eliminate justice system fines and fees. To do that, the county recently joined the national organization Cities and Counties for Fine and Fee Justice. WEMU's Josh Hakala explains.