News

Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival at the Grand Hotel

Patrik Holubik — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:01:13 +0000

Every contribution of $150 or more to WEMU received between June 18 and June 25 (on-air, through the mail, or online) goes into a drawing for a trip for two to the Grand Hotel Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival (held August 30-September 2) on Mackinac An Eastern Michigan University professor is undertaking a 450-mile cycling trip starting June 29 in order to raise $4000 dollars to support Study Abroad programs at Eastern.

Even more amazing, he will making the 12-day journey at age 70, something many people in their 70's could not undertake.

EMU Regents Approve Budget, Set Tuition & Fee Rates

Bob Eccles — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:06:11 +0000

Full time undergraduate students at Eastern Michigan University will spend about $340 more in tuition and fees next school year.

The board of regents today approved a 3.75 percent increase in tuition and fees.

Greenway Along Western Edge Of Ann Arbor Moves Forward

Bob Eccles — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:23:22 +0000

Ann Arbor City Council has adopted a resolution committing to funding a project at 721 North Main. As WEMU's Andrew Cluley reports, the move means a proposed greenway along the city's western edge takes a couple of steps forward.

No New Digital Billboards or Conversions in Ann Arbor

Andrew Cluley — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:16:43 +0000

Ann Arbor City Council has amended the city's signs and outdoor advertising ordinance to prohibit new digital billboards, or conversions of old billboards to digital. WEMU's Andrew Cluley has the story.

Ypsilanti New Tech High School Hires New Principal

Bob Eccles — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:33:22 +0000

A principal has been named for Ypsilanti New Tech High School beginning with the creation of Ypsilanti Community Schools on July 1st.

Kelly Mickel most recently served as Health and Wellness Facilitator with Willow Run New Tech High School. She has a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health from Eastern Michigan University, along with a masters degree in Educational Leadership.

Mickel fills a position left open when Cory McElmeel accepted the position of principal at Ann Arbor's Skyline High School.

ACLU says Ann Arbor Schools Should Not Charge For 7th Hour Classes

Bob Eccles — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:52:43 +0000

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan wants Ann Arbor Public Schools to to re-think charging high school students for seventh hour classes. WEMU's Andrew Cluley has the story.

Michigan Researcher Suggests Shifting Greenhouse Focus

Bob Eccles — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:49:54 +0000

A University of Michigan professor says improving the fuel efficiency of cars is a good thing, but he warns that alternative fuel vehicles are not the greenhouse gas "silver bullet" some make them out to be. WEMU's Bob Eccles has the story.

13th Annual Mayors Green Fair in Ann Arbor

Andrew Cluley — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:36:41 +0000

The latest innovations in "green" products will take over Ann Arbor's Main Street tonight. As WEMU's Andrew Cluley reports, the 13th annual event runs from six to nine tonight.

Progress in Ypsilanti- Willow Run Consolidation

Bob Eccles — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:31:09 +0000

The unified, Ypsilanti-Willow Run school board continues the march towards the July 1st, official launch of the district merger. As WEMU's Bob Eccles reports, the board on Thursday night took care of some contract business.

Ann Arbor Mayor Addresses State of the City

Andrew Cluley — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:24:17 +0000

The Mayor of Ann Arbor says the city has turned the corner on recession. As WEMU's Andrew Cluley reports, John Hieftje yesterday gave an unofficial "State of the City" address at the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Headline Lunch.

Cinema Chat: Frances Ha, Before Midnight, Man of Steel and More!

David Fair — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:22:58 +0000

Michigan Theater Executive Director Russ Collins paid his weekly visit with David Fair for this week's installment of Cinema Chat, and began the conversation discussing the return of one of the University of Michigan's most successful exports to Hollywood.

AAPS Sets 2013-14 Budget at 183.5 Million Dollars, Eliminates 30 Teaching Jobs

Andrew Cluley — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:16:28 +0000

Ann Arbor Public Schools will use almost one-point-two million dollars in reserves to balance next year's budget. as WEMU's Andrew Cluley reports, the School Board early this morning approved the district budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year.

Interim Superintendent for Ann Arbor Schools Named

Andrew Cluley — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:02:44 +0000

The Ann Arbor School District is turning to the head of its Human Resources and Legal Services

Departments to lead the district for the next few months. As WEMU's Andrew Cluley reports, the Board of Education last night named Dave Comsa to serve as Interim Superintendent.

Remembering Mulgrew Miller

Patrik Holubik and Becca Pulliam — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:03:13 +0000

The whole keyboard was Miller's canvas. His left hand could stride and swing with great authority, and when the two hands got together, he sent the train down the tracks. Hear music from WBGO's 25th-anniversary party, the Detroit Jazz Festival and the Kennedy Center Jazz Club.

Freddy Cole Gets Better and Better

Linda Yohn — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 02:21:13 +0000

Pianist and singer Freddy Cole gets better and better. If it’s possible, there is greater warmth and depth in his husky voice. His phrasing is even more subtle and sly. His sense of rhythm – just slightly behind the beat feels more suspenseful yet playful than before. His chemistry with the band seems to be more organic, tighter and empathetic.

Street Performances Encouraged In Ann Arbor

Bob Eccles — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:16:35 +0000

Downtown Ann Arbor sidewalks may become low-key concert venues more frequently. WEMU's Andrew Cluley has more on a proposal to encourage street musicians.

Local Motorists Talk About High Gas Prices

Bob Eccles — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:13:30 +0000

With gas prices soaring, local motorists are as baffled as anyone else as to why we're paying so much to fill up our tanks. WEMU's Bob Eccles has the story.

Cinema Chat: Cinetopia Film Festival Special Edition

David Fair — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:19:20 +0000

The 2nd annual Cinetopia Film Festival kicked off in Ann Arbor Thursday night and will run right through the weekend. With so much to cover, a second installment of Cinema Chat this week seemed appropriate and needed! In this bonus edition, WEMU's David Fair is joined by Michigan Theater Executive Director Russ Collins and Michigan Theater Program Director Amanda Bynum. Additionally, there is a special appearance by Richmond Arquette! Richmond is the co-star of the film, "This is Martin Bonner." The film will be shown twice at Cinetopia, the first of which is 9:30 tonight.