David Fair
News DirectorContact David: dfair@emich.edu
Nearly three-quarters of David Fair’s 20+ years in radio has been at WEMU. Since 1994, he has been on the air at 5am each weekday on 89.1 FM as the local host of NPR’s Morning Edition. Over the years, Fair has had the opportunity to interview nationally and internationally known politicians, activists and celebrities. But he feels the most important features and interviews have been with those who live and work here at home. He believes his professional passions and desires fit perfectly into WEMU’s commitment to serving a local audience.
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- News Tip Hotline - 734-487-3363
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The weather is warming up, and the same can be said about the movie world! WEMU's David Fair meets up with Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink to discuss the newest films landing on the big screen, what to expect at this year's Cinetopia Film Festival, and the special screenings that are coming to Ann Arbor!
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Environmental concerns continue to surround data centers, and there are a number either approved or planned in Washtenaw County. Supporters of these centers contend there are ways to ensure environmental health while improving the local economy. We’ve explored environmental concerns on WEMU’s "Issues of the Environment." This time around, we’ll get a business perspective on it. Phil Santer is Chief Operating Officer for Ann Arbor SPARK, and he joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the economics of these data centers.
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It is 2026, and all too often, we continue to see incidents of discrimination in housing. In fact, because of increasing complaints, the Fair Housing Center of Washtenaw County had to rebrand as the Fair Housing Center of Southeast & Mid Michigan about 10 years ago. Why is this still happening? WEMU's David Fair talked it over with the Fair Housing Center’s executive director, Kristen Cuhran.
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In the November 2024 elections, Washtenaw County residents approved a new tax to support the communities’ elders. The Older Persons Millage is a half-mil levy to be collected for a period of eight years. Last summer, the County Board of Commissioners set the framework for how the money is to be allocated and, in January of this year, named Shannon Effler as the new director of the Office of Aging Services. She will oversee the millage and the services it provides to those 60 and over in our community. Shannon spoke to WEMU's David Fair about the plans for the rest of 2026 and beyond.
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Preparations are underway for Marquee Arts' biggest cinematic event of the year! WEMU's David Fair was joined by Marquee Arts' Nick Alderink with a sneak peek at the 2026 Cinetopia Film Festival. Plus, they chatted about the new films of the week and all of the special screenings coming to Ann Arbor!
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Today is Earth Day. The theme for Earth Day 2026 is "Our Power, Our Planet." To mark the occasion, we take a look at the power of natural river flow and the benefits and consequences of man-made dams. There are some legislative reforms under consideration in Lansing, and, in the meantime, there are a number of dams in Washtenaw County in different states of functionality. Huron River Watershed Council executive director Rebecca Esselman joined WEMU's David Fair for a look at where the power of policy and funding will lead us in the years ahead.
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Whenever you go to renew your driver's license, you are asked if you want to become an organ donor, if you are not already. Right now, only 58% of the Michigan adult population has joined the registry. April is National Donate Life Month. WEMU's David Fair got together with Gift of Life Michigan President and CEO Dorrie Dils to discuss all of the issues surrounding organ donation.
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The Willow Run Airport is among those dealing with PFAS contamination. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has placed the airport within the state’s environmental mitigation efforts tied to aviation contamination. Willow Run will get a $250,000 grant to test and monitor for current pollution and to control or reduce additional contamination and to evaluate clean-up strategies. WEMU's David Fair spoke with EGLE Senior Geologist Eric Larson about the problem and potential solutions to aviation PFAS contamination at Willow Run and around the state.
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At some point, we will all experience grief. How we accommodate and live with loss is different for each of us. For the most mature among us, it remains heartbreakingly difficult. Young people feel it just as deeply but are more likely to lack the tools to deal with and work through it. The vision of Ele’s Place is to ensure no child grieves alone. Its mission is to support children and their families as they cope with loss. WEMU's David Fair was joined by Bereavement Coordinator Olivia Wilder to discuss that work in Washtenaw County and throughout Michigan.
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Interest rates, loans and investment strategies—it all plays into the health of individual businesses and the Washtenaw County business community as a whole. How are we doing right now? WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre check in with Erik Bakker from Bank of Ann Arbor for a better perspective on well-being of our local business community, now and in the near-term future.