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Affordability is one of the major issues in 2026, and it has exacerbated food insecurity throughout the country and here at home in Washtenaw County. There are resources to help, but not everyone knows what is available. That is particularly true when you move beyond the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas. One such support service organization is the Manchester Community Resource Center. WEMU's David Fair spoke with executive director Carol Wotring about what is available and how increasing demand is impacting that part of our community.

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!

As we continue the process of mapping out our energy future, there are a number of issues to address, from energy generation and storage to how our electric grids are developed, secured and controlled. State Senator Jeff Irwin is a proponent of virtual power plants as a part of the comprehensive solution. It would divert control of the grids away from the major, centralized utilities. The 15th District Democrat believes virtual power plants can give power to communities in determining their energy futures while saving ratepayers money. Learn more in his conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

The Ypsi Performance Space has hosted many community gatherings and musical performances over the years. Now, the venue is more eco-friendly, thanks to the recent installation of new electric vehicle chargers. Lee Van Roth talked all about the chargers and how they’ve created a better connection to the community with Ypsi Performance Space manager Steve Pierce.

WEMU's David Fair got together with Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink to chat about the new films arriving in theaters this weekend and the latest round of special screenings coming to downtown Ann Arbor! Plus, they took time to remember actor Robert Duvall and filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, who both passed away this week.

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.

It's Thursday, which means we have another edition of "Cinema Chat" for you! But there's a slight change in hosting for this week. WEMU's Mat Hopson fills in for David Fair to talk about the newest flicks and the next batch of special screenings—some related to Valentine's Day—coming to downtown Ann Arbor with Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink!

Young Black men face many challenges in their lives, and that can take a toll on their mental health. Plus, there’s a high level of stigma concerning Black men and their mental health. So, Packard Health in Ypsilanti established the "Healing Brothers United" program, which brings these young men together and provide mental health resources. Lee Van Roth discussed the program and what it hopes to achieve with Packard Behavioral Health Program Manager Santinio Jones.

Tax season is in full swing now. Not many people love paying taxes, but for low-income individuals and families, it can be a hardship just finding the money for someone to prepare the taxes. Here in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan, there is expert, IRS-certified tax preparation assistance available, and there is no cost to any individual or couple earning less than $69,000 a year. Last year, in Washtenaw County alone, it saved residents over $2 million. WEMU's David Fair got the details in this conversation with the United Way’s Megan Tybos.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Republicans agree: Enhancing literacy needs to be a greater statewide priority. While they negotiate how best to support literacy efforts, there are strong programs available through our libraries. WEMU's David Fair explored the underdiscussed and appreciated role of these institutions with the director of the Ann Arbor District Library, Eli Neiburger.