David Fair

WEMU's David Fair got together with Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink to chat about the new films arriving in theaters this weekend and the latest round of special screenings coming to downtown Ann Arbor! Plus, they took time to remember actor Robert Duvall and filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, who both passed away this week.

As we continue the process of mapping out our energy future, there are a number of issues to address, from energy generation and storage to how our electric grids are developed, secured and controlled. State Senator Jeff Irwin is a proponent of virtual power plants as a part of the comprehensive solution. It would divert control of the grids away from the major, centralized utilities. The 15th District Democrat believes virtual power plants can give power to communities in determining their energy futures while saving ratepayers money. Learn more in his conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Today is what many refer to as “Fat Tuesday” or Paczki Day. These rich, deep-fried Polish doughnuts are traditionally eaten to use up sugar and fat before Lent, and Southeast Michigan celebrates as much or more than any city in the country. The Dingell family has a long history with Paczkis and has created its own traditions around the day. WEMU's David Fair was joined by 6th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell to talk all about it and caught up on what is going on politically in the nation’s capital.

There is a long tradition of teenagers and young adults getting summer jobs to save up some money while school is out of session. It has seemingly become more difficult to land one of these jobs. That’s where SummerWorks comes in. Through partnership and collaboration, the SummerWorks summer youth employment program works with area employers to find paid internships and mentorship to area young people. It can go beyond a few summer dollars and be a pathway to self-discovery, an educational path and/or a career. WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre talked with program manager Kathleen Clancey about the program and how your kids and grandkids can get involved.

This winter in Washtenaw County has been notably colder and snowier than most of the past decade. It has created inconveniences and hardships. But there may be some benefits to all of the snow and cold. Snowier winters play an important ecological role beyond what we experience at the surface. WEMU's David Fair was joined by U-M Biological Station researcher, Dr. Olivia Vought to explore this winter’s environmental benefits and how it all works.

Research shows that having early childhood education produces better outcomes. Access and affordability are still issues for a great number of families. For parents of infants and toddlers, finding high quality and affordable day care has become increasingly difficult. Foundations Preschool of Washtenaw County has been working in this arena since 1934 and is the oldest, continuously running childcare center in Michigan. Here in 2026, it is still working through these issues with local families. WEMU's David Fair talked about access and affordability and the future of early education with executive director Sandy Williams.

The federal administration is cutting environmental programs and funding and further reducing regulations on polluting. The political environment in Washington, in and of itself, is toxic. On the February edition of WEMU’s "1st Friday Focus on the Environment," WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak were joined by Democratic Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin to discuss policy and politics.

We are now into February, and we got plenty of cinematic surprises in store for you! WEMU's David Fair meets up with Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink to chat about the new films landing on the big screen this weekend and the latest special screenings coming to Ann Arbor—many of which are free and open to the public!

Data centers continue to be a major topic of discussion and community concern. Right here in Washtenaw County, there are at least four data center projects proposed or in development. Washtenaw County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi opposed tax incentives while he was a state legislator and even more have passed since his departure. WEMU’s David Fair caught up with Rabhi to discuss his positions on AI and the need for data centers.

We are a country divided. The tone and tenor of political discourse is divisive, mean-spirited and the business of effectively legislating is being compromised. An event in Lansing on Wednesday will bring together the four living former Michigan governors to call for a more civil approach to governing and in how we interact in our communities. Republicans John Engler and Rick Snyder will join Democrats Jim Blanchard and Jennifer Granholm to ask that we turn the political temperature down, so problems can be solved in a civil manner. WEMU's David Fair was joined by one of the organizers of the event, Rebekah Warren. She is a former Ann Arbor State Senator, who now co-leads a bi-partisan group called Michiganders for Civic Resilience.