David Fair

School safety measures are being debated in Lansing as students grow more vocal in demanding protections from gun violence.  And the race to become Michigan's next governor is heating up in both the Republican and Democratic parties.  Get an insider's look and the latest information in this week's edition of 89.1 WEMU's new feature, 'The State of Politics.' 

In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair talks to Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins about the latest movie news and all of the new films coming to your local movie house this weekend.

The theme of Earth Day 2018 is End Plastic Pollution.  Earth Day comes up this Sunday, April 22nd.  To coincide with the theme, 'Issues of the Environment' focuses on an upcoming initiative in Ann Arbor aimed at reducing plastic waste that typically does not end up in the recycling stream.  Packaging expert and consultant Todd Bukowski discusses the program and what the public will need to know to make it work. 

You never know where a musical journey may take you.  On 'creative:impact' this week, you'll follow the journey of a local woman who has ended up in a different place than expected.  Jennifer Jones, a classically trained piano player and cellist, took up guitar and songwriting and is now running a fully-functioning, music-management machine in Ann Arbor.  From player to entrepreneur, this is the story of the founder of Sadie Madden Music in a modern day “Gig Economy.” 

In addition to deciding the "Y" lot issue, Ann Arbor City Council and the Ann Arbor Library Board will continue budget discussions.  Absentee Ballots are available for the May 8th elections, and the annual Commuter Challenge is about to get underway!  Join WEMU's David Fair and Mary Morgan of the CivCity Initiative to find out all about these topics and more in this week's "Civic Matters." 

For more than two decades, Rick Pluta has been covering Michigan politics in Lansing as chief correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network.  He has his finger on the pulse of what is happening at levels of state government.  Now, he'll regularly share his expertise with you in 89.1 WEMU's new feature, '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 latest movie news and all of the flicks hitting the big screen this weekend.

It may not be a typical path, but there are many roads to travel in a professional life.  An Ann Arbor man's journey has led to acting roles in blockbusters like "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" and directing classic plays like "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "How the Other Half Lives" to creating "an activist documentary" about threats to Great Lakes waters.  The journey, and the result, with independent filmmaker Barton Bund is the focus of this week's 'Issues of the Environment.' 

From the outside, looking in, it may be easy to dismiss industrial design as something less than artistic.  That would be a mistake.  In fact, it is one of the engines driving the creative sector. No one knows that better than Allen Samuels.  He was worked in the field as an inventor, entrepreneur, corporate leader and teacher.  He offers up his expertise in this 'creative:impact' conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Deb Polich, President and CEO of The Arts Alliance.  

Convictions on charges of witness intimidation and extortion on April 3rd will keep Nicole Beverly's ex-husband behind bars, for now.  Kevin Beverly abused Nicole for a period of years, and even while behind bars, allegedly tried to hire people to kill the Ypsilanti Township woman and the two children they share. sentencing on the latest two convictions has been scheduled for May and it could keep Kevin Beverly jailed for up to 20 years.  Hear Nicole's reaction to the convictions, how her children are responding and why she is more determined than ever to win greater protections for victims and survivors of domestic violence. 

The Michigan Department of Quality's decision to grant Nestle a permit to increase large-scale water withdrawals continues to generate controversy. The MDEQ will now allow Nestle to withdraw 400-gallons of groundwater per minute for its 'Ice Mountain' bottled water brand.  That's up from the 250-gallons per minute previously allowed.  Democrat Rebekah Warren says it's the wrong decision and conversations on remedies need to continue.

For more than two decades, Rick Pluta has been covering Michigan politics in Lansing as chief correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network.  He has his finger on the pulse of what is happening at levels of state government.  Now, he'll regularly share his expertise with you in 89.1 WEMU's new feature, 'The State of Politics." 

PFA's are being found in more and more Michigan waterways and the threat to the environment and public health is real.  In this month's "1st Friday Focus on the Environment," you'll hear from attorney, activist and advocate Tony Spaniola about the the existing problems and growing likelihood of worse repercussions without quick and decisive action from the state. 

A lot of big news is coming out of the movie world, especially in downtown Ann Arbor.  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair talks to Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins about the movie business and all of the films you can check out in theaters this weekend.

The UM Center for Sustainable Systems recently published research findings that 46% of total food-based, greenhouse gas emissions in America come  from the diets of just one-fifth of the population.  In this week’s "Issues of the Environment," 89.1 WEMU’s David Fair talks with lead researcher Martin Heller about the research process and his findings. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility.  Since The Americans With Disabilities Act was passed by Congress in 1990, accessibility has fortunately moved beyond a check list of "must meet" requirements to a desire to work towards making arts and cultural facilities and programs accessible to the broadest possible audiences.  And, it has not been by mandate.  The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum's 'My Turn' program is an example of this shift.  In 'creative:impact' this week, you'll meet Larissa Kunynskyj and Gwen Dunlop.  Larissa is the Accessibility Programs Coordinator at the Hands-On Museum.  Gwen is a parent whose personal experience led her to found and operate Aim High School to serve those on the autism spectrum and to help inspire the 'My Turn' program.  

Meet Nicole Beverly.  The Ypsilanti Township woman lives in fear every day that her ex-husband will be released from prison and follow through on his threats to kill her and the two children they share.  In this introductory interview, you'll hear of her ongoing story.  In the future, Ms. Beverly will update the WEMU audience on the court cases underway right now that seek to keep her ex behind bars.  You'll be told of her advocacy efforts to win better protections for women in dangerous situations, in the moment and through the legal process. 

Michigan goes for the national title in men's basketball tonight and there will be a major watch party at Crisler Center.  Ann Arbor City Council will consider buying back the old YMCA lot while the Ann Arbor Public Schools wants input on the future of the district.  Those are just some of the topics In this week's edition of 'Civic Matters.' 

Centuries-old trees have many benefits:  they provide habitat, absorb stormwater runoff, sequester carbon, and beautify the rural landscape.  Many of our largest got their start when buggies or farm tractors were the fastest thing on the road.  Now, in the age of speedy (and often distracted) driving, trees close to the road are being hit by drivers that lose control.  Should they be removed for safety's sake?  In the last few months, there has been much talk about this question in Washtenaw County.  The controversy continues.

In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair talks to Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins about the latest A number of special events available to you and about films hitting the big screen this weekend in our area! 

53rd District State Representative Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor) has recently introduced three bills and a budget amendment related to protecting Michigan’s water.  In this week’s edition of "Issues of the Environment," WEMU’s David Fair discusses the bills and the ongoing challenges our Great Lakes State faces when it comes to the health and safety of our greatest natural resource.

Do you have a fear of public speaking?  Presenting on stage?  In this week's edition of WEMU's 'creative:impact,' we explore performance anxiety issues with Dr. Julie Jaffee Nagel of Ann Arbor.  Dr. Nagel was a Julliard-trained concert pianist with some performance fears.  She now runs a therapeutic enterprise to help others address those same issues and has authored the book, "Managing Stage Fright." 

There are plenty of civic engagement opportunities in our area over the next week.  WEMU's David Fair and Mary Morgan of the CivCity Initiative explore some of them and reflect on the weekend's "March For Our Lives" rally in Ann Arbor.  That and more in this week's edition of "Civic Matters." 

The Spring 2018 Pledge Drive has wrapped up, so let's unwind with some good movies!  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair talks to Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins about the latest movie news and all of the films you check out this weekend.

Eastern Michigan University has announced the elimination of four sports from their intercollegiate athletic program at the conclusion of the spring season as part of the University’s budget restructuring efforts.