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The original cast of "Cinema Chat" is back together. Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins, returned from vacation to talk with WEMU's David Fair about the latest films and special screenings for the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

When a new academic year starts in the fall, the Lincoln Consolidated Schools will begin celebrating its 100-year anniversary, and the preparations are already underway. Such occasions are a good time to reflect and look ahead. WEMU's David Fair does exactly that with the district's superintendent, Robert Jansen.

The City of Ann Arbor wants to move away from natural gas. In 2020, the city declared a climate emergency and noted the need to get off of fossil fuels. For the most part, that means a shift to more electric appliances, including the manner in which we heat the spaces where we live and work. Is it possible to make the transition? Some say yes. Some say no. John Mirsky is a member of the Ann Arbor Energy Commission,. He says it is absolutely possible and, in fact, has done it at his own home. He shares his perspective with WEMU's David Fair.

There has been an intensified effort to invest in Michigan’s infrastructure. Certainly, you’ve noticed all of the road and bridge construction. There is much more work on being done on various kinds of infrastructure. Zach Kolodin is the state's chief infrastructure officer and the director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. He discussed the ongoing efforts with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.

June is Pride Month, and it is be celebrated in a number of ways throughout Washtenaw County. It is also an opportunity for education and awareness. There is a good deal of conversation around the country about the use of pronouns and about how members of the LGBTQ+ community identify themselves. Joe Halsch is president of the Jim Toy Community Center in Ann Arbor. He joined WEMU’s David Fair to share the kinds of conversations he and the center are creating around these issues.

Public art in Ann Arbor says a lot about the character and identity of the city. The Ann Arbor Public Art Commission chooses to celebrate those who add to that dynamic, and the Golden Paintbrush Awards is one of the ways it does that. The nominating periods for the 2025 awards will close on August 1st. WEMU's David Fair talked about public art—and the awards—with the commission’s special projects committee member, Sophie Grillet.

When we talk about poverty in Washtenaw County, we often divide the county into east and west. Ann Arbor is the haves on the west side of US-23, and Ypsilanti is the have-nots on the east side of the county. But that is an oversimplification. There are people in poverty throughout the county, include further south along US-23 in the Milan area. The organization Aid in Milan is helping meet the needs of over 100 families a week with needs like housing, transportation, employment, childcare and cost of living. WEMU's David Fair talked with its executive director, Andrew Felder, about Aid in Milan’s work and the prospects for a better future.

It can be difficult to ask for help. For some, there is needless and harmful stigma or shame. And that should never be the case. Michigan Ability Partners continues to work to create pathways of self-sufficiency for veterans and those with disabilities. The transformations for those the organization work with are self-directed and, therefore, personal and more rewarding. Learn more in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Disability Partners Chief Executive Officer, Jan Little.

If you live in Northeast Washtenaw County, you know about living with a with an unpleasant odor. Residents in Salem and Northville Townships have long complained about the smell emanating from the Arbor Hills Landfill. WEMU's David Fair checked in with the District Supervisor for Air Quality at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) on the matter. Scott Miller discussed the ongoing efforts to address odors and air quality in the area.

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.