Artificial Intelligence

Students will gather at Eastern Michigan University on March 16 for this year's Generative Artificial Intelligence Spring Summit. With the theme "Learning Together at the Forefront of Change," the summit will explore applications of generative AI, ethical considerations, environmental impacts, and strategies for responsible use across sectors. Lee Van Roth shared more about the summit and its overall goals with the director of EMU's Office of Campus and Community Writing, Dr. Ann Blakeslee.

New regulations would come to AI-based employee monitoring in Michigan under a bill in the state House of Representatives. Colin Jackson has more.

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says any problems regarding the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge between Windsor and Detroit can be worked out quickly. The independent candidate spoke Wednesday in front of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The federal administration is cutting environmental programs and funding and further reducing regulations on polluting. The political environment in Washington, in and of itself, is toxic. On the February edition of WEMU’s "1st Friday Focus on the Environment," WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak were joined by Democratic Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin to discuss policy and politics.

Data centers continue to be a major topic of discussion and community concern. Right here in Washtenaw County, there are at least four data center projects proposed or in development. Washtenaw County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi opposed tax incentives while he was a state legislator and even more have passed since his departure. WEMU’s David Fair caught up with Rabhi to discuss his positions on AI and the need for data centers.

The University of Michigan Board of Regents is hopeful that the newly-selected president, Kent Syverud, will strengthen ties with community stakeholders. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

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.

The Michigan Public Service Commission took public comment Wednesday night on a plan to provide power to a massive data center proposed for Saline Township. Elinor Epperson reports.

Reactions are mixed over the announcement that OpenAI will be moving into the data center in Saline Township. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Registration has opened for Washtenaw Community College’s 2026 winter semester. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.