David Fair

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.

We’ve been through a stretch of bitter cold and wintery conditions. It has been inconvenient for most of us. For the unhoused, it has been potentially deadly. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Shelter Association of Washtenaw County executive director Nicole Adelman about the work and increased costs of helping those in need.

A new documentary called "Resurgo Detroit: The Rise from Within" is about make its world premiere in downtown Ann Arbor! Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink joined WEMU's David Fair today. They discussed that event, other film openings and the list of movies just added to the National Film Registry.

Invasive plants are not just a backyard nuisance—they’re one of the biggest drivers of long-term habitat loss in the Huron River Watershed. Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor have become a local model for tackling the problem through coordinated stewardship and public engagement. WEMU's David Fair found out what they’re doing with Natural Areas Specialist, Steven Parrish.

It's going to be a very, very cold weekend, so get ready to warm up with some new movies! WEMU's David Fair and Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink cover the latest films and next round of special screenings coming to your favorite Ann Arbor movie houses!