David Fair

Michigan Governor Gretchen delivered her third State of the State address from her office in Lansing.  Michigan State House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski particularly took note of the bipartisan tone of the address and hopes the rest of the Legislature will take note as well.  Lasinski shares her thoughts on the speech with WEMU's David Fair.

Ann Arbor's Materials Recovery Facility has been closed for nearly five years due to safety concerns.  In 2020, the city hired Recycle Ann Arbor to handle recycling and charged it with reopening the facility.  Renovation and innovation measures are getting underway, and "The MuRF," as it's called, should open this fall.  Recycle Ann Arbor CEO Bryan Ukena joined WEMU's David Fair to update you on this week's "Issues of the Environment."

A new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus made its way to Washtenaw County earlier this month.  Since then, 13 cases have been confirmed in the county, and all University of Michigan athletic programs have been put on pause.  WEMU's David Fair discussed the latest information with Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Susan Cerniglia.  

Music critics of all stripes had plenty to say about Lady Gaga’s national anthem performance at President Biden’s inauguration.  Deb Polich and David Fair asked Mark Clague, widely recognized as the expert on "The Star Spangled Banner," to share his thoughts on her interpretation.  Mark takes a deep-dive into this storied anthem on this edition of "creative:impact."  Listen here.

The past year has brought a global pandemic, political unrest, and a more concerted effort to combat systemic racism.  Put together, it has created new challenges for leaders in the non-profit sector.  Ann Arbor-based "Career Directions" is dedicated to coaching leaders and organization teams and, it too, has found new challenges to overcome.  On "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair explores challenges and solutions with Career Directions executive coach/principal, David Gruner.

Earlier this week, former President Donald Trump left for Florida, while newly-inaugurated President Joe Biden got right to work.  WEMU's David Fair caught up with 12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, after a whirlwind week, to reflect on the last four years and look at immediate priorities now. 

The Michigan Theater and State Theatre still need more time to open their doors, but there's still plenty going on in the movie world.  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins talk about the theaters' latest plans and the new films becoming available online for your viewing pleasure.

Joe Biden will be sworn in today as the 46th President of the United States.  University of Michigan professor Richard Rood is one of many experts expecting the new administration will undo the damaging environmental policies of the Trump administration and advance the effort to combat the climate crisis.  Dr. Rood discussed his predictions with WEMU's David Fair in this week's "Issues of the Environment."

2020 reinforced that there is still a lot of work to do to achieve racial equality and justice in America.  Numerous acts of police brutality and a pandemic that disproportionate impacted people of color highlight the need for greater investment in equity.  In a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day edition of "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair discusses the state of "The Dream," locally and beyond, with Washtenaw County racial equity officer Alize Asberry Payne.

A week has passed since pro-Trump extremists attacked the U.S. Capitol.  In the meantime, more protests are planned, including one at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing.  Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss local efforts to assure public safety. 

A New Year has arrived, and the Michigan Theater and State Theatre plan on reopening their doors to the public.  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair talks to Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins about the reopening plans and the new flicks you can check out through the Michigan Theater's Virtual Movie Palace.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently expanded eligibility for the COVID 19-vaccine.  The three-day turnaround for health systems and health departments has put a lot of strain on the system.  And, there isn't enough vaccine to meet demand.  Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Susan Cerniglia joined WEMU's David Fair to offer the latest information. 

There has been some progress made in societal acceptance of the trans community, but there is a long way to go.  Most communities still lack adequate support systems for trans people and their families to help navigate through.  In this week's "Washtenaw United," Roz Gould Keith joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss her family's journey and the nonprofit organization it inspired, Stand with Trans. 

Thousands of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Building Wednesday as Congress worked to certify Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election.  Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton Joined WEMU's David Fair to share his thoughts on the racist motivations behind the insurrection and the police response to the mob attack. 

During the certification of last November's presidential election, the United States Capitol came under siege by extremist supporters of President Donald Trump.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell was in Washington at the time and shares her her experience and her reaction to the chaos with WEMU's David Fair.

One of the few certainties about weather is its uncertainty.  So far, the winter of 2021 is off to a rather mild start.  But, the weather phenomenon known as "La Nina" and other factors could bring  serious snowfall to the region.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair explored the possibilities with Dr. Ashley Payne, assistant professor in climate and space sciences and engineering at the University of Michigan. 

A new year has begun, and the number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Washtenaw County remains elevated.  The rollout of the coronavirus vaccine has not been as quick as hoped for, but there is reason to be more hopeful this year.  WEMU's David Fair found out why in his conversation with Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Susan Cerniglia.  

The roller-coaster ride for the arts + creative industries continues.  The deployment of vaccines is underway, and containment of the virus is a plausible reality for the not-too-distant future.  Deb Polich and David Fair discuss how COVID-19 caused the "Save Our Stages" movement to ignite changes and the eventual recovery, reopening, and possible reinvention of the arts + creative business model on this edition of "creative:impact."  Listen here.

The pandemic has created hardships across the board.  For a good number of people, it has been devastating and sometimes tragic.  Many have lost jobs and, coupled with being largely confined at home, are more stressed than ever.  That can be a recipe for child abuse.  WEMU's David Fair spoke about it with Michelle Walters, executive director of the Washtenaw Area Council for Children, whose mission is to prevent child abuse and ensure safe and healthy lives for all children. 

Changes are coming as we mark the start of the New Year.  A new presidential administration, Congress, and state Legislature will be sworn in later this month.  Democrat Donna Lasinski is the new minority leader in the state House.  The 52nd District Representative from Scio Township is the first guest of the New Year on "1st Friday Focus on the Environment."  Along with WEMU’s David Fair and Lisa Wozniak of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Lasinski discussed the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in protecting our air, land, and water in a pandemic economy.

The year 2020 is almost behind us, and the movie industry is among those looking to a fresh start.  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair talks to Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins about what industry trends are likely to continue after a pandemic year and the changes it could bring to how we receive and consume movies. 

Nonprofit organizations have been among those forced to adapt change and overcome survival challenges in 2020.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair called Donna Murray-Brown, president/CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association. to discuss what was learned in 2020 and how that will carry forward in 2021.  

From romance to politics, Dr. Debotri Dhar has studied the culture of love across the world.  Her book "Love is Not a Word: The Culture and Politics of Desire," published this summer, explores the emotion of love and the centuries of cultural habits and influence it carries.  Does she herself believe in romance and love?  Find out when she joins Deb Polich of The Arts Alliance and WEMU's David Fair on this edition of "creative:impact."  Listen here.

To say that 2020 was a challenging year would be an understatement.  The coronavirus pandemic combined with political unrest and reinvigorated calls for racial justice and equity proved difficult for everyone. The United Way of Washtenaw County had to adapt to new work restrictions, launch new fundraising programs, and adapt to changing and increasing needs in the community.  UWWC vice president for impact and advocacy Bridget Herrmann joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the year in review and a peek into what 2021 may bring. 

Since 2007, Rebekah Warren has represented Washtenaw County in the Michigan Legislature.  The Ann Arbor Democrat was first elected to the state House from the 53rd District.  After one term, she won election to the state Senate where she served two terms.  Then, after a move to a different part of the city, Warren won another session in the House, but from the 55th district.  Now, term limits will bring an end to that part of her career.  WEMU’s David Fair spent some time with the outgoing representative, reflecting on a long legislative career and looking to what comes next.

The coronavirus pandemic proved to be devastating for numerous businesses, including the movie industry.  Theaters across the nation, including the Michigan Theater and State Theatre in Ann Arbor, had to shut down.  Plus, studios and distributors had to rethink how to share their films with the public.  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins reexamine this year's cinematic events and trends, as well as discuss this year's highlights in film.

With so many people staying home during the pandemic, levels of outdoor activity have been on the increase.  That includes bird watching.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment,"  WEMU's David Fair speaks to Erin Rowan, conservation associate for Audubon Great Lakes, about the growing popularity of bird watching and its impacts on Michigan's bird conservation and environmental protection efforts.  

Washtenaw County's COVID-19 vaccine program is underway.  While it is a major milestone in the fight against the coronavirus, it's just beginning, and it's hard to know what the new year will bring.  WEMU's David Fair discussed these developments with Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Susan Cerniglia.

Father Christmas takes time out of his busy holiday schedule to talk with Deb and David about Christmas in the time of COVID-19.  Can it stop Ole’ Saint Nick and his sleigh full of toys from visiting the homes of all the little girls and boys?  Or is Christmas 2020 proceeding on schedule?  Find out on this very special addition of "creative:impact."  Listen here. 

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed more young people into the streets.  Ozone House's new facility in Ypsilanti is full up with a waiting list that is the longest in the organization's history.  In this week's "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair talks with Ozone House executive director Krista Girty about helping those in need despite the changes the COVID crisis has created.