Governor Gretchen Whitmer says the top priority of her final year in office will be improving Michigan’s dismal student literacy scores. We have more from Rick Pluta.

The 2025 Blacksmith Shop Concert Series in Manchester takes place in the historic site of a former wagon factory. Built in 1877 by a group of stonemasons, the building was turned into a blacksmith shop. Eventually purchased by the Manchester Area Historical Society, it now operates as a museum where blacksmiths still practice their craft. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talks to violinist Grant Flick about the Blacksmith Shop Concert Series.

Ypsilanti-based Growing Hope imagines a future where everyone has the power to shape their own food system, and no one has to go hungry. Call it “food sovereignty.” In a year when food insecurity is increasing, the Growing Hope family continues to work to empower people and communities. WEMU's David Fair talked with executive director Julius Buzzard about this year and what comes in the New Year to create pathways from soil and dirt to health and wealth.

A major Ann Arbor affordable housing project gets a boost at tonight’s City Council meeting. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ann Arbor’s Neighborhood Watch program is long defunct, but more than 600 signs remain installed. As WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports, two City Council members want them to come down.

Prospective business entrepreneurs can get a head start on turning innovative ideas into a robust business strategy at Washtenaw Community College’s Winter Startup Bootcamp. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor has more.

Juicy Kitchen’s recovery from a freezer fire that shut down the establishment in September is moving along steadily, thanks to community support. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the update.

Ypsilanti Community Schools is looking to customize its own AI action plan as the school considers the responsible use of AI in education. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor has more.

Depot Town has been designated as a "Social District" by the Ypsilanti City Council. It gives the area the opportunity to apply for special permits from the state. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The holiday shopping season is well underway. For many small business owners and retailers, the month of December can determine whether they finish the year in the black. That’s where the notion of “Think Local First” can make a difference. How will it turn out in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti this year? WEMU's David Fair and A2Y Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre find out in their talk with Ypsilanti DDA director Elize Jekabson and Ashley Schafer, the Executive Director of Main Street Ann Arbor.

A big crowd packed into the Van Buren Township Hall Thursday night looking for answers on a proposed data center. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Democrats in the Michigan Legislature are figuring out their next move following a sudden, unilateral action by the House Republican majority to cut $645 million out of the state budget. Rick Pluta has more.