David Fair

Before you sit down for your turkey dinner, listen to what's going on in the world of cinema! WEMU's David Fair met up with Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins to talk about the cinematic servings coming your way this Thanksgiving weekend and in time for the holiday season!

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, food insecurity is on high in Washtenaw County. Eileen Spring is president and CEO of Food Gatherers, and she says, since the pandemic, the demand for food assistance has skyrocketed and continues to go up. What is being done to address this glaring community need? Part of the solution also provides some rather amazing environmental benefits. Eileen joined WEMU's David Fair for a discussion on dealing with food insecurity and how food rescue also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

There are a great number of organizations working in Washtenaw County and southeast Michigan to combat unequal power dynamics and systemic racism. These social sector organizations have become increasingly important amid rising inflation and a divided political climate. Nonprofit Enterprise at Work (NEW) has always put these issues at the fore. Now it is working to build collective power in the social sector to more effectively create the visions and strategies to better provide needed services and to remove the barriers to change. NEW president and CEO Yodit Mesfin-Johnson and Vice President of Strategy Will Jones III joined WEMU's David Fair for a look at how to build that infrastructure.

WEMU's David Fair meets up again with Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins to chat about everything going in the cinema world, including the new films and special screenings coming to Ann Arbor! Plus, get some details on a special event celebrating the work of Ann Arbor's favorite arts couple, Russ Collins and Deb Polich!

There are some new faces in office in Washtenaw County government following the November general election, and that includes a new Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner. Former Saline Mayor and Democratic State Representative Gretchen Driskell won election to the office after Evan Pratt decided against running for reelection after three terms in the position. WEMU's David Fair talked with Evan about his 12 years in office and the challenges his successor will face in her first term.

November is National Adoption Month, and there are so many children that need families and homes. It is about human connection that provides support and a sense of belonging. Hands Across The Water is an adoption and foster care agency that has been in Ann Arbor for 25 years now. WEMU's David Fair talked about the importance of adoption and fostering kids with executive director Katie Page Sander.

There are any number of organizations and programs aimed at increasing equity in Washtenaw County. Literacy is foundational to a sustainable and successful community. Washtenaw Literacy is an organization working to enhance the opportunities, particularly for those who have been traditionally marginalized and underserved. Carole McCabe is executive director of Washtenaw Literacy and joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation on overcoming the barriers to a better life and better community.

The 2024 election season has concluded, and there's no better way to unwind than catching a movie! WEMU's David Fair met up with Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins to talk about some new films and special screenings that are on the way for your viewing pleasure!

Voters in Ann Arbor had four ballot proposals to decide in the general election. Two passed. Two failed. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor about the results and his perspective on what the decisions mean to the city.

Washtenaw County has elected its next Water Resources Commissioner. Evan Pratt decided against running for re-election after serving four terms. Former Saline Mayor and State Representative Gretchen Driskell won the race. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the priorities and challenges of the new job.