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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!

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.

There are difficult jobs and there are really hard jobs. Imagine working every day to try and find quality, accessible and affordable child care for single parents and low-income families. It isn’t easy and, in many regards, is getting more difficult. Annette Sobicinski and her team take on that job every day. Annette is executive director of the Child Care Network, and she joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the growing challenges and where success is being found.

The Bird Center of Michigan continues to grow in scope and impact. It was created as the Bird Center of Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor back in 2004 but changed to the Bird Center of Michigan and moved to Saline in 2021. The center not only aids birds, wildlife and the environment, it creates educational and personal growth opportunity through some unique programs. WEMU's David Fair talked with Clinic Manager Marissa Jardine about the center's impact.

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.

Students will gather at Eastern Michigan University on March 16 for this year's Generative Artificial Intelligence Spring Summit. With the theme "Learning Together at the Forefront of Change," the summit will explore applications of generative AI, ethical considerations, environmental impacts, and strategies for responsible use across sectors. Lee Van Roth shared more about the summit and its overall goals with the director of EMU's Office of Campus and Community Writing, Dr. Ann Blakeslee.

While we work on big, community environmental initiatives and goals, we have to remember that sometimes it’s the small, everyday choices we make at home that add up to a big difference. Washtenaw County has robust reuse and recycle programs. With the growing amount of electronics in our lives, we are often left with decisions to make about how best to get rid of those items. WEMU's David Fair talked with Washtenaw County Public Works Director Theo Eggermont about our options and the kind of difference our choices can make.

The 2026 Oscars are just days away now! WEMU's David Fair and Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink talk about what to expect for this year's ceremony. Plus, they chat about the new films opening this weekend and Marquee Arts' next batch of special screenings.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently gave her final State of the State address. Politics and policy most certainly have an impact on the health and well-being of the business community. Rich Chang is the Chief of Staff of Blumira, a Washtenaw County-based cyber security firm. He joined WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre to talk about how the business community is faring through political uncertainty.

Ann Arbor City Council recently approved contributions to its first project in its innovative Bluebelt initiative. The Bluebelt program is a supplement and extension of the city’s Greenbelt land preservation program. It aims to improve area water quality. Now, in partnership with Washtenaw County and Scio Township, Ann Arbor is purchasing the Davenport Property just west of the city, along Mill Creek. That will add 79 acres of woods, wetlands and farmland. WEMU's David Fair got an update on the Bluebelt program with Ann Arbor Land Acquisition Specialist, Rosie Pahl Donaldson.