Very soon, Eastern Michigan University will transform from a quiet campus to a place where over 10,000 students are ready to begin the 2026-27 school year. EMU President, Dr. Brendan Kelly and his team are preparing to usher in the new and returning student body with their new "Weeks of Welcome" program. Dr. Kelly discussed the new initiative with WEMU's Ana Longoria.

The mid-July Canadian wildfires released intensive amounts of smoke, resulting in days of hazardous air quality in Washtenaw County and all across Southeast Michigan. Studies have shown that climate change remains a major factor in these extreme conditions. Dr. Stuart Batterman, Professor Emeritus of Environmental Health Sciences and Global Public Health at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health, joined Rebekah Warren to discuss these studies in detail and what future precautions should be taken.

The Ypsilanti District Library is bringing in new stories for its ongoing Ypsilanti Farmers & Gardeners Oral History Project. Among the storytellers is Shalina Nicohl Rankin, a local herbalist and founder of Fiery Maple Wholistic Healing, Inc. Shalina shared her contribution to the oral history project in a conversation with Lee Van Roth.

Michigan House lawmakers approved a ballot initiative Tuesday to limit political donations from some utilities and government contractors. Colin Jackson reports the move is also an attempt to block voters from deciding on the issue.

The City of Dexter has been getting a lot of false fire alarms recently and is moving to add punitive fines to repeat offenders. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has unveiled its plans to add flex lanes to I-94 around the Ann Arbor area in its 2027-2031 Five-Year Transportation Program. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

With less than a week to go ahead of the new school year, Ann Arbor Public Schools has reached a tentative contract with its teachers’ union. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

A federal judge’s dismissal of a lawsuit against Washtenaw County by the Trump administration is being celebrated by local officials even though the decision could be appealed. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

A proposed state constitutional amendment to tighten Michigan’s voter ID laws barely missed a chance to make it before voters at a state elections board meeting Monday. Colin Jackson explains why.

The veterans suicide awareness organization 22 a Day has returned to Ypsilanti Township. They’re planting white crosses daily on the lawn next to the Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

September is going to be an exciting time for WEMU! New hosts and new programs are coming your way!

For many years, the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County has provided food, shelter and hope for those who need it. And yet in recent months, the number of resources the association provides our community has lessened. Decky Alexander discussed this new reality with the association's chief development officer, Versell Smith Jr.