Farmington, MI – May 2025 — The Xemplar Club of Farmington & Farmington Hills welcomed two dynamic voices from Fox 2 News — meteorologist Stephanie Mead and reporter Dave Kinchen — for a lively and thoughtful conversation about weather, journalism, and the changing face of Detroit.

A Life Shaped by Weather

Stephanie Mead opened with a personal and passionate overview of her career in meteorology. Originally from the Chicago area, Mead developed a fascination with weather early on, especially the dramatic lake-effect systems and severe conditions common near Lake Michigan. She studied meteorology and journalism at Northern Illinois University, then began her career forecasting in the mountains of Idaho.

After stops in Green Bay and Indianapolis, where she covered major events like the Indy 500 and tracked numerous severe weather systems, Mead made her way to Detroit. “You’re not quite Tornado Alley,” she told the room, “but you’re close.” She noted that Southeast Michigan is seeing a shift in storm activity, with more tornadoes recorded already this year than usual for the entire season.

Asked if she ever chased storms, Mead smiled: “I love the science, but I’m not looking to get too close. I’d rather appreciate a tornado from a safe distance — preferably indoors.”

Covering Detroit’s Comeback

Dave Kinchen, a Detroit native and seasoned Fox 2 reporter, followed with his own homecoming story. His interest in journalism was sparked in middle school after meeting TV legend Frank Turner. That encounter launched a lifelong passion for storytelling, leading Kinchen through jobs in Flint and Philadelphia before returning to Detroit — just in time to witness the city’s remarkable revival.

“We’ve dreamed of this moment since the 1967 riots,” Kinchen said. “Now, the question is: how do we sustain it?”

He highlighted encouraging signs: population growth in the city, young professionals returning, booming redevelopment in areas like Corktown, and a renewed focus on mass transit and infrastructure. He’s especially interested in telling stories that capture the city’s momentum without ignoring its challenges — like housing debates in Royal Oak or crime prevention efforts through youth programs.

From Breaking News to Deep Roots

When asked about memorable stories, Kinchen mentioned both triumph and tragedy. The NFL Draft brought over 700,000 visitors downtown and ran smoothly — “that felt like winning a Super Bowl,” he said. But he also recalled difficult reporting, such as child neglect cases that shook the community.

As a journalist, Kinchen emphasized the importance of integrity: “Detroit is a ‘big small town.’ Everyone knows someone, so we walk a fine line — reporting honestly while staying grounded in the community.”

Questions, Weather Warnings, and the Detroit Spirit

Club members asked questions ranging from tornado trends and meteorological contracts to media ethics and the future of Detroit’s mayoral race. Mead and Kinchen offered thoughtful, informed answers — with humor and humility woven throughout.

Mead shared her professional love of forecasting winter storms (“so much detail, so much science”), but personally prefers fall for its mild beauty. Kinchen discussed the challenge of balancing shorter interviews with meaningful soundbites — and the joy of storytelling when a source says something truly powerful.