News

Governor Rick Snyder is pushing for quick approval of a controversial tax break to help lure large employers to the state. 

Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley is getting pushback for his big announcement earlier this week.  Calley says he’ll push for a ballot proposal that would make Michigan’s legislature part-time. 

Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley is raising his profile ahead of an anticipated run for governor next year. 

Michigan’s congressional delegation is getting ready to fight for a big piece of federal spending on infrastructure.  They want roughly a billion dollars to upgrade the shipping lanes of the Soo Locks.

As Ann Arbor’s reputation as a “foodie city” continues to grow, this week’s Art and Soul is about the culinary arts in the area.  89.1 WEMU’S Lisa Barry talks with local writer and food expert Jessica Webster about the many food related events and changes currently taking place.

The 2017 Cinetopia Film Festival officially starts today!  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair talks with Michigan Theater executive director Russ Collins about what to expect from Cinetopia this year.  Plus, learn about the new movies coming to your local theater this weekend.

Some businesses are set to get millions of dollars in tax incentives -- if Governor Snyder signs a package of bills.  Around the time those bills were going through the legislature, business groups were giving big political action committee donations to some key lawmakers.

Governor Rick Snyder spoke out against a toxic political culture that he says it’s getting in the way of practical problem-solving.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette says his office is treating cases of fatal drug overdoses as murder investigations.

Whether it’s a journey or a struggle or a fight, dealing with cancer is tough on everyone.  There is a special “cancer survivors celebration” taking place this coming Sunday, June 4th organized by the Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, and there will be a special guest, therapist and author Mike Verano.

89.1 WEMU'S Lisa Barry spoke with him about his own cancer journey and his thoughts on coming out on the other side of a cancer challenge… and finding peace in yourself and for your friends and family.

The city of Ann Arbor continues its push to remain an environmental leader.  There are ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and better remediate a 1,4 dioxane plume.  Many of the environmental initiatives and local opportunities will be highlighted in the upcoming 17th Annual Mayor’s Green Fair.  David Fair covers these topics with Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor in this week’s edition of "Issues of the Environment." 

Lawmakers in the state House and Senate are once again calling for more legal protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. 

The job of state lawmaker would be part-time under a ballot campaign launched today by Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley. 

A controversial Grand Rapids police procedure can continue, for now.  A Michigan Court of Appeals chose to not decide if the so-called P and P procedure is constitutional. 

A state House bill would make it easier for people to sue their local government to repeal a gun ordinance. 

Two cards with messages implying a need to return to a more "white" America were found today at Eastern Michigan University.  They carry a logo of "Alt-Right" and links to websites associated with that movement.

In addition to remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces, Memorial Day also kicks off the unofficial start of summer, and that means picnics and barbecues.  So it never hurts to be reminded of holiday food safety tips.

Controversial legislation surrounding license plate fundraising is on its way to Governor Rick Snyder’s desk.

Because natural burial has environmental benefits over conventional burial, it is often favored by those who like to “go green.”  But it also can appeal for other, more conservative reasons.  It’s the choice of some independently-minded rural folks, and to many religious traditionalists.  Additionally, it can help out the local businesses that serve the growing demand.  In this installment episode of WEMU’s “The Green Room,” Barbara Lucas looks at natural burial benefits that go “beyond green.” 

This week’s Art and Soul is about the performance arts in our community.  89.1 WEMU’s Lisa Barry sits down with local journalist and A2 Addict blogger Jenn McKee and Neutral Zone Adult Music Coordinator Charlie Reischl to talk about the “Live on Washington” event in Ann Arbor that is going on Saturday June 3rd from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Part of the purpose of the event is to give teens at Neutral Zone an opportunity to put together a major music event.

In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair catches up with Michigan Theater executive director Russ Collins and covers all the movies you can check out this Memorial Day weekend.  Plus, you'll get the latest on the Cinetopia Film Festival, which is only a week away!

A state House committee held its first hearing Wednesday on legislation that would outlaw “sanctuary cities” in Michigan.  The bills would ban local ordinances and rules that police officers says cannot ask about the immigration status of a suspect or a witness unless it’s tied to their investigation. 

If you want to take your favorite dog out to eat with you, you might soon be in luck. 

The LPGA Volvik Championship is in full swing at the Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor.  We spoke with one of the golfers who is from Washtenaw County.