News

After a week off, Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins is back behind the mic with a lot of big announcements.  He joins WEMU's David Fair to talk about the latest movie news and this weekend's upcoming films in this week's "Cinema Chat."

The four Republicans running for governor last night all met for the first time on a debate stage.  The candidates sparred on Flint, marijuana, and President Trump.

A state board is starting to move faster to finalize business licenses to grow, transport, test, and sell medical marijuana.  The marijuana board added three meetings to its schedule between now and the end of the year.

The First Congregational United Church of Christ in downtown Ypsilanti has been a part of our community's history since the 19th century.  It was put up for sale about a decade ago, and its potential recently caught the eye of local entrepreneurs.  In this week's "On the Ground-Ypsi," WEMU's Patrick Campion and Concentrate Media's Brianna Kelly talk to Steve Pierce and Yen Azzaro, who plan to make the old church into Ypsilanti's next community center.

The brown marmorated stinkbug is in Washtenaw County and seems to be here to stay.  The bugs are now an established nuisance.  They invade homes in the winter and wreak smelly havoc the rest of the year.  What can you do about it and other damaging invasive species?  WEMU’s David Fair searches for answers with EMU Biology Department Professor and renowned entomologist Dr. Jamin Eisenbach on this week’s edition of "Issues of the Environment.” 

A study commissioned by an independent research group says term limits in Michigan have not met many of the expectations set when voters adopted them 25 years ago.  

Legislation to lengthen the amount of time victims of sexual assault have to file complaints continues to get pushback.  The bills are part of a response to former Michigan State University sports doctor Larry Nassar.  He sexually assaulted his patients for years.

There are film and video careers to be had and a living to be made in Washtenaw County.  But, you will have to hustle for it.  Donald Harrison of Ypsilanti has been doing exactly that with his 7 Cylinders Studio.  The former executive director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival shares his expertise on making an impact in the film and video world in Washtenaw County in this week's edition of 'creative:impact!' 

High schools in Michigan might have to add financial literacy to their curriculum.  Schools would have to offer a class on personal finance management skills like spending, saving, borrowing and investing to 11th and 12th graders.  That’s if a bipartisan bill making its way through the state Legislature is passed.

This week, as part of the bi-weekly conversation with the local League of Women Voters, 89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with league publicist Mary Seelhorst and one of the league's newer members, Paige Nong.

There are plenty of opportunities to participate in "Civic Matters" this week.  In this weekly get-together, WEMU's David Fair and Mary Morgan, executive director of the CivCity Initiative, explore what is going on in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.  

Long before we started taking pictures on smartphones, you would see people wearing bigger and bulkier film cameras.  Among the more respected was the Argus camera and, as it turns out, it was made right here in Washtenaw County.  Argus is now out of business, but its legacy lives on.  As 89.1 WEMU’s Jorge Avellan reports, you’ll discover that history in a 1,500 square-foot space at the corner of West William and 4th Streets in Ann Arbor, “Hidden In Plain Sight.”   

Residents in the Ann Arbor Public School district are being asked to vote on a new operating millage Tuesday, May 8th.

The state House Republican leader says it’s still possible lawmakers will vote on legalizing marijuana in Michigan.  But, he says it is unlikely.

From its youth council to serving the growing needs of seniors in Washtenaw County, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization with a broad community focus intending to connect and engage with area residents.

89.1 WEMU'S Lisa Barry talks with foundation president and CEO Neel Hajra about the foundation's annual community meeting taking place on May 7th.

Voters in Ypsilanti Township will be among those hitting the ballot boxes next Tuesday, May 8th.  As WEMU's Taylor Pinson reports, the township is asking voters to approve a new millage on to help pay for the community's fire department.

May 8th is Election Day in Washtenaw County.  The Ann Arbor Public Schools are seeking renewal of a general operating millage.  Ypsilanti Township is asking for tax support for fire department operations  and has a special election for a Parks Commission position.  As WEMU's Taylor Pinson reports, in Sharon Township, the issue is access to broadband internet service. 

Some call it "Fox Guarding the Hen-House" legislation.  Bills under consideration in Lansing would create an oversight panel for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.  It would have the authority to grant and deny permits and overrule decisions made by the MDEQ.  It would also be comprised of people who may represent businesses and industries that have a financial stake in the decisions being made. 

Governor Rick Snyder has signed bills that would make it tougher and more expensive for losing candidates to call a recount of the results. 

There are new developments in the criminal case against a former dean of Michigan State University.  A judge says two women cannot testify against William Strampel at a crucial hearing in June.  Strampel is charged with using his position at MSU to try and get sexual favors from female students.

A democratic candidate for governor in Michigan is speaking to the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti chamber luncheon tomorrow.

Gretchen Whitmer, the first major candidate to file to run for the position, is sharing her vision for the state should she be elected to replace Rick Snyder.

Now that the weather has warmed up there are a lot of outdoor dining options around Washtenaw County. 89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry and Jessica Webster talk about just some of the many places to enjoy a meal or a beverage outside a local restaurant.

Some kids dream of becoming basketball's next superstar, and the East Washtenaw Basketball League may provide a first step.  In this week's "On the Ground-Ypsi," WEMU's Patrick Campion and Concentrate Media's Brianna Kelly talk to Steve Petty, Vice President of Healthy Living and Social Responsibility at the Ann Arbor YMCA, about what the league can offer Washtenaw County's youth.