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Large-scale data centers are increasing in number. They can use a lot of land, water and energy. In the meantime, wind and solar farms are part of the renewable energy future. Where to put them, and how to responsibly deal with land use issues, is difficult. Thes decisions can have a particular impact on our rural communities and the people who live there. Are we prepared for that future? WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters CEO and President, Lisa Wozniak, wanted to know, about potential benefits and consequences. They talked it over with Dr. Sarah Mills, the Director of the University of Michigan’s Graham U of M Graham Sustainability Institute's Center for EmPowering Communities.
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The Washtenaw County Health Department is releasing its 2025 annual report. This report summarizes local public health efforts to protect the community’s health and well-being in 2025. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor spoke health department spokesperson, Beth Ann Hamilton, and discussed environmental health services, WIC, and community health data reporting. -
The Michigan Senate passed a $25 billion budget proposal for schools, colleges and universities Thursday. Colin Jackson has more. -
An education omnibus package has moved onto the state Senate floor that would slash funding from colleges across the state. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports. -
The Dexter City Council has voted 4-2 to approve a resolution opposing a package of zoning bills in the state House. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details. -
The weather is warming up, and the same can be said about the movie world! WEMU's David Fair meets up with Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink to discuss the newest films landing on the big screen, what to expect at this year's Cinetopia Film Festival, and the special screenings that are coming to Ann Arbor! -
The Michigan Senate okayed around $63 billion in department spending for the next state budget Wednesday. As Colin Jackson explains, the bill that passed does not include funding for K-12 schools. -
The land purchase deal south of Ann Arbor that was planned to be a data center has fallen through. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details. -
Doctors at the University of Michigan may soon be able to diagnose a difficult to spot form of heart disease using AI. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports. -
Bills meant to keep kids safe online passed in the Michigan Senate Wednesday. Colin Jackson has more. -
Ann Arbor’s Sustainability Commission is considering possible deer management methods as the deer population grows and raises concerns within the community. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more. -
Environmental concerns continue to surround data centers, and there are a number either approved or planned in Washtenaw County. Supporters of these centers contend there are ways to ensure environmental health while improving the local economy. We’ve explored environmental concerns on WEMU’s "Issues of the Environment." This time around, we’ll get a business perspective on it. Phil Santer is Chief Operating Officer for Ann Arbor SPARK, and he joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the economics of these data centers. -
The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) has secured funding for its plan to build a roundabout in Scio Township. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.
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