Internet

Each month, we partner with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber to look at how the news of the day impacts the local business community. On this month's "Washtenaw Business Lens," WEMU's Caroline MacGregor was joined by Andy LaBarre, Executive Vice President and Director of Government Relations for the Chamber, and Cybersecurity expert, Detective Kevin Parvize to explore how emerging cyber security issues are increasingly posing a threat to the local business community.

The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has launched an updated website. The redesigned site, launched at the end of July, allows businesses and nonprofits to create and manage their own profiles, improving their visibility in online searches while contributing directly to a community calendar, job board, and volunteer listings. Lee Van Roth talked about the DDA's new online endeavor with the authority's coordinator, Danya Youssef-Agha.

A team of botanists at the University of Michigan developed a phone app capable of identifying native plants that works without an internet connection or cell service. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

A large majority of adults over 50 look for health information on the internet, but many report having little to no trust in themselves to detect misinformation. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

A bill package to change how state agencies write rules for things like elections or fertilizer storage passed Tuesday in the Michigan House of Representatives. Colin Jackson has more.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer says more interstate action is needed to better protect children from online exploitation. We have more from Rick Pluta.

The City of Ypsilanti is working with several community stakeholders to install fiber optic cables throughout the city. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Michigan could see the creation of a “cryptocurrency bill of rights” under legislation recently introduced in the state House of Representatives. Colin Jackson has more.

Elementary school students are improving their reading skills faster with an interactive, digital-learning platform compared to those using conventional, pen-and-paper lessons. That’s according to a combined study from the University of Michigan, Saginaw Valley State University and Ypsilanti Community Schools. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor chatted with Professor Elliot Soloway, co-director for the U-M Center for Digital Curricula, where the "Roadmap" platform was developed.

Online gambling revenue in Michigan was up by over 25% last month compared to the month before. Colin Jackson has more.