David Fair

Foundational support systems can go a long way in determining life outcomes. When there are systemic barriers, the task of growing a successful and happy life becomes more difficult. The Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan continues its work in offering systems to support the emotional and economic self-determination of women and their families. WEMU's David Fair spoke with executive director Hannah Reischl about challenges of achieving greater equity and equality.

The business community in Washtenaw County is central to the health of the local economy. WEMU has teamed with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber to take a closer look at local businesses and the people that make them run. On the 2nd Friday of every month, we’ll bring you "Washtenaw Business Lens" and explore the perspectives on how local, state and national news impacts our business community, and ultimately you. The chamber’s Andy LaBarre will be here each month and bring with him a special guest. In this inaugural edition of "Washtenaw Business Lens," Andy and WEMU's David Fair look at federal immigration policy and its impact on the business community. Their guest is Phillis Engelbert. She owns three vegan establishments in Ann Arbor, those being: Detroit Street Filling Station, The Lunch Room Bakery & Café, and North Star Lounge.

Leaves continue to fall, and movies continue to fall into your favorite movie house! WEMU's David Fair gets together with Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink to chat about the newest films and the next round of special screenings coming to Ann Arbor!

An experimental project in Washtenaw County has the potential to change the way road repair and resurfacing are carried out. The pilot project in Pittsfield Township uses a hot-mix asphalt that incorporates ground tire rubber. A study is underway to determine if it is not only better for the environment but more sustainable and resilient as a paving practice. The project is a collaboration between the Washtenaw County Road Commission, Michigan Tech University and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Learn more in a conversation between WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Tech transportation engineering professor Dr. Zhanping You.

In a world in which unity seems harder to come by, one local non-profit has found a way to help people connect in a creative way. The motto of Our Community Reads is, “A community that reads together, grows together.” Its founder and executive director is Kallista Marie. She discusses the work of the organization with WEMU's David Fair.

Running away from problems usually doesn't work. Running through problems can be a game changer. That's where an Ypsilanti-based non-profit comes in. Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan serves Washtenaw and four other counties in empowering young girls by running—literally. The exercise is healthy in and of itself. The connections and relationships created help increase confidence and self-determination. WEMU's David Fair runs through the reasons why this is a program making a difference in our community with Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan's executive director, Danielle Plunkett.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Intimate partner violence will touch the lives in two out of every five women in America. That holds true here in Washtenaw County, as well. For decades now, the issue has been brought out in the open, yet it remains a public health crisis. WEMU's David Fair spoke with SafeHouse Center executive director, Christine Watson, about raising more awareness and activism.

Early this morning, the Michigan Legislature approved a roughly $80 billion budget for the fiscal year. State Senator Jeff Irwin is chair of the Appropriations Committee for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The Ann Arbor Democrat joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak to provide a snapshot of the environmental implications of the budget.

It's officially October, and there's a whole bunch of award-worthy movies arriving with the fall season! WEMU's David Fair met up with Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink to discuss all of your movie options.

Fall has arrived, and the transition towards Michigan’s colder months is underway. Many property owners are already looking ahead and designing spring plans for the lawn. That would include Saline resident Edith Anderson. Edith goes beyond modern landscape design and is “Rebuilding Nature: Yard by Yard.” That’s the title of her recently published book. Edith joined WEMU's David Fair to share why more homeowners are trading sterile lawns for living landscapes that welcome back the birds, bees and butterflies.