Search results for

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.

As we begin to settle into the new year, the economy in America, and right here in Washtenaw County, is facing some uncertainties. On this month's edition of "Washtenaw Business Lens," we explore the issues and potential local impacts. WEMU's David Fair was joined by Andy LaBarre from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber and Eastern Michigan University Associate Professor of Economics, Dr. Amanda Stype for a look at the business year ahead.

We're one week into 2026 now, and some great movies are coming along with it! WEMU's David Fair and Nick Alderink from Marquee Arts discussed the latest films and special screenings available at your favorite movie houses!

As national policy changes continue to reshape access to housing, food, health care, and other basic resources, more people are turning to local nonprofits for stability and support. Here in Ypsilanti, that increased need is being felt every day by organizations working directly with individuals and families in crisis. Tyrone Kelsey is the executive director of Friends In Deed. He joined Lee Van Roth to discuss his organization's ongoing mission to serve the public and the challenges they will face in the near future.

The annual Detroit Auto Show opens to the public on January 17th. Electric vehicles are already embedded in local climate policy as a required component of meeting adopted emissions targets. Affordability has become a significant issue, and these cost pressures affect communities differently within Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair looked at the impact of EV’s in our community with Charles Griffith from the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center.

WEMU's David Fair met up with Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink to chat about the movie awards season and the new films and special screenings coming to the Ann Arbor area!

Grocery prices are higher, the cost of clothes and school supplies is higher, just about everything we buy for our households is more expensive than a year ago. Affordability is a political issue, but for all too many, it’s a personal crisis. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is providing aid for these everyday items through its Community Fulfillment Center. WEMU's David Fair finds out more about the center’s growing role from UWSEM community engagement and outreach associate director Chris Taylor.

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.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that the Gelman Sciences 1,4 Dioxane plume has been added to the federal Superfund National Priorities List. After years of effort toward that end, it seemed as though the designation came suddenly and without notice. With a little time behind us now, we’re looking ahead to what’s next in the slow process of cleanup and accountability in a conversation between WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor.

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.