Federal Government

For many, Monarch butterflies symbolize some of nature's beauty. Yet, you may have noticed fewer of them around in recent years. Erin Zylstra is a postdoctoral researcher in Michigan State University's department of integrative biology. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the human impact that has put the monarch on a path toward extinction. 

The federal government narrowly avoided a shutdown this week after President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep afloat through December 3rd. There are several major hurdles to overcome in Congress and a limited time to get it done. 12th District Representative Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to share her insights on the process, the goals, and the work that remains. 

October 1st kicks off a new fiscal year for both the state and federal governments. As with any new budget, there are many concerns. Among them is access affordability of clean and safe water. Mary Grant is the Public Water for All campaign director for Food and Water Watch. She addresses the issues with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak.

September 11, 2001 is a day that will live in America's memories forever. Terrorists attacked America, toppling the twin towers of the World Trade Center and damaging the Pentagon. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to share her memories and the lessons learned in the 20 years since. 

The state of Texas shocked many across the country when it passed major restrictions on abortions. Many see it as a step toward the dismantling of Roe Versus Wade. 12th District Representative Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the law, the precedent it could set, and what comes next.

Suicide bombers on Thursday hit the airport in Kabul causing injury and death. There has been harsh criticism of the Biden withdrawal plan and its execution. Meantime, a major protest is scheduled for Saturday in Washington D.C. to pressure Congress to pass measures to protect and enhance voting rights. 12th District Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) joined WEMU's David Fair to tackle both topics. 

After 20 years of conflict, the U.S. military has withdrawn from Afghanistan. The Taliban swept in and reclaimed control of the government within a matter of days. 12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to share her thoughts on what is happening and what must happen next. 

This week, the U.S. Senate passed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill with rare, bipartisan support. The U.S. House is expected to pass the bill, but it will not have bipartisan support for a $3.5 trillion budget for the coming fiscal year. 12th District Representative Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss where we are and what happens next. 

On Thursday, President Joe Biden said he wants 50% of all vehicles sold by the year 2030 to be electric. The EPA has set 2026 as the year for automakers to reach a 52-MPG fleet average. 12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss what will be needed to achieve those targets. They also discuss the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic and what the short-term future may hold. 

Washtenaw and Wayne Counties were devastated by heavy rains and flooding during late June storms.  FEMA and the federal Small Business Administration are setting up camp in the area to help those in need. 12th District Congressional representative Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to highlight the  available assistance while pushing for approval of the federal infrastructure bill. 

The buses and heavy trucks that travel our towns and highway system contribute a significant part of the emissions causing climate change. We are in the midst of transition, as manufacturers are moving more toward electric vehicle production. WEMU's David Fair and Charles Griffith, the director of the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center's climate and energy program, discussed the push for Michigan to join others in a commitment to zero out emissions from heavy vehicles by 2050.  

Recent heavy rainfall brought significant flood damage to many southeast Michigan communities, including Washtenaw County. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has declared a state of emergency, but, in order to get further aid, a state of emergency must be declared by Governor Whitmer, as she did in Wayne County. 12th District Representative Debbie Dingell spoke with WEMU's David Fair about the need for immediate help and a massive investment in new transportation and water infrastructure.

President Joe Biden visited the Ford production facility in Dearborn this week, where a new, all-electric pickup truck was unveiled. While in Michigan, there was ongoing conflict and violence between Israel and Hamas. On Thursday night, a cease-fire was agreed upon and has, so far, held up. Michigan's 12th District Congressional Representative, Debbie Dingell, joined WEMU's David Fair to share her thoughts and the work she is doing on these issues and more. 

President Joe Biden, this week, marked 100 days in office with an address to a joint session of Congress.  There, he laid out his arguments for passage of the American Jobs Plan and George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.  12th District Representative Debbie Dingell attended and offered her thoughts to WEMU's David Fair from a Michigan-centered perspective.  

In the wake of the conviction of former Minneapolis, MN police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd, police reform is at the top of local and national discussions.  12th District Representative Debbie Dingell weighs in on the opportunity to make meaningful change on that and other issues in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

What do you get when you connect 13 Michigan members of Congress with 40 Michigan arts + creative industries advocates on Zoom?  Find out as Creative Washtenaw's Deb Polich and WEMU's David Fair discuss the state of the arts + creative industries on this edition of "creative:impact."

Longtime Congressman John Dingell was one of the architects of the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.  His widow is the current 12th District Representative  from Michigan.  Debbie Dingell continues his mission to keep public broadcasting alive in this country.  She joined WEMU's David Fair and Molly Motherwell to discuss John Dingell's legacy and why WEMU is worth supporting on Public Radio Music Day.

President Joe Biden is preparing an extensive bill to improve infrastructure and create jobs.  12th District Representative Debbie Dingell advocates passage of the plan.  The Dearborn Democrat joined WEMU's David Fair and also discussed proposed gun control measures and the alarming surge in the number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. 

Over the past few weeks, there has been a lot of attention on Washtenaw County--most of it positive, but not all.  WEMU’s David Fair and 12th District Congressional Representative Debbie Dingell discuss increased investment in combatting coronavirus in the area and at Willow Run Airport.  The Dearborn Democrat also explains why she has asked the federal Department of Education to look at Title IX allegations leveled against Eastern Michigan University.

In President Biden's first 58 days in office, approximately 100 million coronavirus vaccines have been administered.  In the meantime, legislation towards better access to medicare and more electric vehicle production is in the works.  12th District Representative Debbie Dingell is in the middle of all of this and gives her perspective in a chat with WEMU's David Fair.  

President Joe Biden addressed the nation Thursday night shortly after signing a new, $1.9-trillion-dollar  COVID relief package into law.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell considers it among the most impactful pieces of legislation in U.S. history.  Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the package, the president's address, and what comes next. 

The weather is starting to look good, and the movie world is, too.  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair connects with Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins, to discuss the latest movie news and the new flicks now available at your favorite downtown Ann Arbor theater.

University of Michigan law professor and former US Attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara McQuade recently wrapped up her time as part of the Joe Biden presidential transition team.  She talks with WEMU's Lisa Barry about that, and the frequent NBC and MSNBC legal analyst also shares information about her new podcast and her reaction to recent events at the US Capitol.  

The latest COVID package is expected to pass the U.S. House, but with one omission.  The proposed increase to the federal minimum wage was removed from the package and will possibly be put forth as a separate bill.  12th District Representative Debbie Dingell discusses her support for an increase to $15 per hour.  Dingell also discusses U.S. House passage of the  "Equality Act" in her conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer told a US Senate committee Wednesday that the country needs a national strategy to tackle failing infrastructure and climate change.  We have more from Rick Pluta.

President Joe Biden is visiting Portage, Michigan today to tour a Pfizer facility that produces coronavirus vaccines.  Meantime, 12th District Representative Debbie Dingell is in Washington working on passing the Biden Administration's  COVID-19 relief and stimulus package.  Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair today to update progress on that and other federal initiatives.  

Democrats in the U.S. House have stripped a freshman Georgia Republican of her committee assignments.  Michigan's 12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell explains why she voted in favor of the disciplinary measure.  Meantime, final preparations for Former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial in the Senate are underway, and there's the COVID-19 relief package still to pass.  Representative Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to offer her view from the House floor. 

There has already been a far more progressive position on climate change and the environment in the new Biden Administration.  Michigan Senator Gary Peters has a new leadership role and will be pushing initiatives that could have specific benefits to the environment in his home state.  Senator Peters joined Lisa Wozniak of Michigan League of Conservation Voters and WEMU's David Fair to share his perspective on the environmental agenda and the importance of getting COVID relief into the hands of the people. 

It's been a busy week in the federal goverment.  President Joe Biden has signed several executive orders.  The stock market has seen unusual gains, due to a group of online traders and Congressional hearings are on the way.  WEMU's David Fair caught up with 12th District Congressional Representative Debbie Dingell for her perspective on those issues and more. 

Earlier this week, former President Donald Trump left for Florida, while newly-inaugurated President Joe Biden got right to work.  WEMU's David Fair caught up with 12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, after a whirlwind week, to reflect on the last four years and look at immediate priorities now.