new year

Changes are coming as we mark the start of the New Year.  A new presidential administration, Congress, and state Legislature will be sworn in later this month.  Democrat Donna Lasinski is the new minority leader in the state House.  The 52nd District Representative from Scio Township is the first guest of the New Year on "1st Friday Focus on the Environment."  Along with WEMU’s David Fair and Lisa Wozniak of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Lasinski discussed the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in protecting our air, land, and water in a pandemic economy.

The year 2020 is almost behind us, and the movie industry is among those looking to a fresh start.  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair talks to Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins about what industry trends are likely to continue after a pandemic year and the changes it could bring to how we receive and consume movies. 

The Washtenaw Chapter of Families Against Narcotics, also known as FAN, says, now more than ever because of the pandemic, it’s important to reach out to friends and family who are battling addictions like alcohol or drugs.  

The Ann Arbor Main Street Area Association is encouraging residents to consider having their New Year’s Eve dinner catered this year to support local businesses during the pandemic.  

To say that 2020 was a challenging year would be an understatement.  The coronavirus pandemic combined with political unrest and reinvigorated calls for racial justice and equity proved difficult for everyone. The United Way of Washtenaw County had to adapt to new work restrictions, launch new fundraising programs, and adapt to changing and increasing needs in the community.  UWWC vice president for impact and advocacy Bridget Herrmann joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the year in review and a peek into what 2021 may bring. 

Due to the pandemic, the City of Ann Arbor is wrapping up the year with some serious budget challenges and community concerns.  WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with Mayor Christopher Taylor for their annual "year-in-review" interview about the year coming to a close and what lies ahead for 2021.

We are now in the final weeks of 2020, and Congress is on the verge of passing another COVID-19 stimulus package.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell says she'll stay in Washington D.C. until the measure is passed.  The Dearborn Democrat joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the negotiations, President-elect Biden's cabinet nominations, and to reflect on 2020 and look ahead to 2021. 

This week, "Art and Soul" is about the visual arts in our community.  WEMU’s Lisa Barry is joined by state and local arts leader Omari Rush and special guest Chrisstina Hamilton from the Penny Stamps Speaker Series, who outlines a number of unique theatre events they have planned for the new year.

Deb and David don’t have New Year’s resolutions themselves, but they can get behind The Arts Alliance’s 2020 project goals.  In addition to ongoing programs and services, Deb gives David the highlights on a few projects for the year, including Creative Washtenaw Counts, an Arts + Creative Advocacy Training program, and a Board Matching initiative on this week’s edition of "creative:impact."

A new year--in fact, a new decade--has begun.  So what does your local movie theater have in store?  And what can we expect from the upcoming awards season?  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair and Michael Jewett meet up with Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins to talk about what the world of cinema has to offer in 2020.

The holidays can be a difficult time of year for many people.  WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with local author, speaker, and co-host of the TV show "MI Healthy Mind" Elizabeth Ann Atkins about how we can cultivate our own personal style of wellness and feel peaceful within.  

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell says she looks forward to going into the New Year and next decade with "civility and hope."  Dingell said she didn't want to politicize President Donald Trump's recent comments about her following her pro-impeachment vote and her late husband John Dingell.  The congresswoman talked with WEMU's Lisa Barry about the past year both politically and personally.    

After the November election, there was fast and furious action in Lansing, as lawmakers made a harried run through the lame duck session.  Some of that action could impact the environment in 2019.  In this month's "1st Friday Focus on the Environment," WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak discuss these New Year's challenges  Joe Schwarz, a former state lawmaker and current board member with both Voters Not Politicians and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

Eating healthier is usually among the top New Year’s resolutions as the holiday season comes to an end.  So, to make a bit easier for you, we spoke with local health and food experts to provide you with tips.   89.1 WEMU’s Jorge Avellan has the story.

2019 has officially begun, and it's time to make some resolutions on how to handle dangerous chemicals, like PFAS.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks to Gillian Miller, senior scientist at healthystuff.org, about some tips to make 2019 a more ecologically friendly year.

With continuing growth in student enrollment, 2018 was a good year for the Ann Arbor public school district. 

89.1 WEMU’s Lisa Barry spoke with superintendent Dr. Jeanice Swift about the first half of the school year and what they're looking forward to moving into 2019.

As 2018 comes to a close, 89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with Ann Arbor mayor Christopher Taylor, who was recently re-elected to another term.  They reflect on what happened in the past year and look ahead to what's coming up for what the mayor calls "a university city" in 2019.

We all make resolutions for the New Year, whether it's improving our health or our finances. But, what resolutions can we make to improve the environment?  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks with Melissa Cooper Sargent, Green Living Resources Director for the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, about ways to make 2018 more environmentally friendly.

The end of a calendar year is typically a time of deep personal reflection for a lot of people.

89.1 WEMU'S Lisa Barry spoke to a local psychologist about the mentally healthiest way to look back but keep moving forward into the New Year.