David Fair

Algal blooms are common in the Great Lakes in the summertime, but they may be more dangerous than originally believed.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks with Dr. Andrew Ault, assistant professor at the University of Michigan's departments of environmental health sciences and chemistry, about a study that determined that algal blooms can become airborne, and, therefore, become a public hazard.

For years, it has been a museum without walls.  In the near future, that is going to change.  Deb Polich, president and CEO of The Arts Alliance, joins WEMU's David Fair to explore the backstory of the African American and Cultural History Museum and look ahead to when the brick-and-mortar iteration of the museum will open.  Museum president and CEO Joyce Hunter joins them to provide the answers. 

Civic engagement opportunities abound in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County!  You may weigh in on the proposals of what Ann Arbor should do with the "Library Lot."  This week, you can learn about the University of Michigan's new budget and potential tuition changes.  Those are just a few of the topics covered by WEMU's David Fair and the CivCity Initiative's Mary Morgan in "Civic Matters!" 

Another Cinetopia is in the books, but there's still plenty to talk about in the world of film.  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair sits down with Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins to talk about the movie business and the newest flicks hitting theaters this weekend.

For the last three decades, Food Gatherers has recovered food that would otherwise be wasted. It has put it to good use by helping feed the hungry in Washtenaw County.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair chats with Food Gatherers president and CEO Eileen Spring. They look back at how the organization has grown, what it has  has accomplished and what the future may hold. 

The English translation of the French word "dessous' is "underneath."  That's where you'll find the one of Ann Arbor's newest downtown eateries. "dessous' occupies an underground space that used to house "Melange." The menu and the space itself have been transformed into an entirely new experience for patrons.  In this week's "creative:impact" on WEMU, you'll hear from co-owner Jay Mullick and consulting chef Eve Aronoff,  on the creative process in creating something entirely new. 

From Monday night's Ann Arbor City Council meeting to finding out how to participate in the upcoming 4th of July parade in Ann Arbor, "Civic Matters" has your engagement opportunities covered! 

The 18th annual Mayor's Green Fair in Ann Arbor is coming up on Friday, June 8th! In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks to Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor about this year's event. 

Over the years, Bank of Ann Arbor has become the 2nd largest bank in Ann Arbor.  As the institution has grown, so has its investment in local music, art and cultural institutions.  There are now more than 30- such entities getting bank support from a pool of more than $5 million.  And, the president of the bank says that number will grow in the years to come.  In this week's edition of WEMU's 'creative:impact,' Tim Marshall explains why he believes corporate giving is vital to the area's cultural vibrancy. 

Government officials, gubernatorial candidates, and business and industry leaders have spent the week on Mackinac Island.  Through the week, some policy decisions have been made and, as we head toward mid-term elections, some issues are taking definitive shape.  Rick Pluta has been covering the Regional Chamber Conference on the island and joins WEMU's David Fair for a look back at the week and a look ahead to what's to come. 

From spills in the Straits of Mackinac, to large-scale water diversions to tainted drinking water, Michigan has plenty of issues to address and remediate.  There are questions as to whether the political landscape will allow for the development of policies to adequetly do so.  Dave Dempsey has authored 10 environmental books and served on the Michigan Environmental Council.  Now, he is Senior Advisor for FLOW.  His perspective is on tap in this month's "1st Friday Focus on the Environment." 

Cinetopia 2018 launches tonight, and we have all of the details, including a few surprises!  That's what's in store for this week's "Cinema Chat" with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins.

For those who experience seasonal allergies, this year could be particularly bad, and climate change may be partially to blame.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair sits down with Dr. Daniel Katz, postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health, and they discuss the implications and where current and future research may lead. 

For nearly 80 years, the Ann Arbor Potters Guild has been serving the needs and interests of some of the community's most creative people. And, those artists have been serving the Guild.  It is a cooperative model that is being copied around the country because of its ongoing success.  In this week's 'creative:impact,'  Maki Lin shares the story of how the Guild is set up and built to last. 

A petition drive aimed at ending gerrymandering in Michigan has turned in it's signatures but, for now, it remains in flux.  We now know how the legislature wants to spend a $315-million dollar windfall in the new state budget.  Those are just a few of the topics covered in 89.1 WEMU's 'The State of Politics' this week. 

Thanks to efforts over several decades, the Kirtland's warbler, a rare bird native to Michigan forests, may be removed from the endangered species list.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair speaks to Juliet Berger, an ornithologist for the City of Ann Arbor and President of the Washtenaw Audubon Society, about what the future holds for this avian species.

For many arts and cultural organizations, May is "grants month."  The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs' annual grant deadline is June 1st, and many are scrambling to gain access to available funding.  Scott Rosencrans makes a living winning access to that grant money.  He is owner of Grants Resource and joins WEMU's David Fair and Deb Polich of The Arts Alliance for a look at the process and importance of grant writing in this week's installment of 'creative:impact.' 

The Ypsilanti Township woman’s ex-husband beat her, stalked her, and finally went to jail.  From there. he tried to hire hitmen to kill Nicole and the children they share together.  That man received a 13-35 year sentence last week.  Even while going through the continual court drama and lack of security and sense of safety, Nicole has worked diligently and publicly to create greater protections for victims and survivors at the local, state and federal level.  Hear Nicole update her personal plight and work with other survivors.

Ann Arbor City Council could pass its 2018-2019 Budget tonight.  It may also vote on a settlement with the current owner of the "Y" lot.  Those are just a few of the civic engagement opportunities in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County this week.  WEMU's David Fair and Mary Morgan of the CivCity Initiative cover you options in this week's edition of "Civic Matters." 

The State of Michigan gets a $315-million dollar windfall.  That money will be used in a budget that should be finalized in early June.  Working out the sticking points on Medicaid reform may take much longer.  Those are just two of the topics covered in 89.1 WEMU's 'The State of Politics." 

In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair sits down with Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins to talk about the all of the new films hitting the silver screen this weekend.  Plus, they talk about the latest news out of Cinetopia!

A Hillsdale couple is suing Eastern Michigan University for violating the Open Meetings Act when eliminating four athletic programs.  Douglas and Mary Willer both have undergraduate and graduate degrees from EMU, are athletic boosters and Doug is a member of the Eastern Michigan University Athletics Hall of Fame after twice being named an All-American wrestler.  Learn more in this conversation with the Willer's attorney. 

Washtenaw County has always taken its environment seriously.  Now, it is the first county in Michigan to be certified as a community wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair chats with Mary Lapp, team leader of the Washtenaw Wilderness Community Wildlife Habitat, about what it takes for a community to receive such an honor.

A lot of people work are working hard to make sure you never know they are there.  They work lighting, costuming, sound, stage maintenance, and projection at the film and live events you attend.  It is an important component of the area's cultural sector and the focus on this week's "creative:impact" on 89,1 WEMU.