new year

As we begin to settle into the new year, the economy in America, and right here in Washtenaw County, is facing some uncertainties. On this month's edition of "Washtenaw Business Lens," we explore the issues and potential local impacts. WEMU's David Fair was joined by Andy LaBarre from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber and Eastern Michigan University Associate Professor of Economics, Dr. Amanda Stype for a look at the business year ahead.

Katie Scott has been re-elected as chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Justin Hodge has been re-elected vice-chair. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ann Arbor is expecting progress towards its sustainability goals in 2026. Advancement on the voter-approved Sustainable Energy Utility will continue, and with the 2030 deadline rapidly approaching, more work is to be done to move ahead with the goals and aspirations of the city’s A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality plan. On the first "Issues of the Environment" of 2026, WEMU's David Fair explores the environmental year ahead with Ann Arbor’s Sustainability and Innovations Director, Missy Stults.

The Ypsilanti Bourbon Fest is coming to the Michigan Firehouse Museum on January 17. The event provides a sampling of high-end whiskeys and bourbon from both local and national distilleries, as well as great food and live music. Lee Van Roth gives a preview of the 2026 Bourbon Fest with the event's organizer, Paul Starr.

In 2025, there was a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Washtenaw County. Federal immigration policy has created fear and uncertainty among the community's undocumented and documented immigrants. Federal funding changes have impacted some of the organizations that support immigrant people and families. That includes the Michigan Immigration Rights Center (MIRC) in Ypsilanti. What will the new year bring from ICE in Washtenaw County and Michigan? WEMU's David Fair put those questions before the MIRC's policy engagement and communications manager, Christine Sauve, on the first "Washtenaw United" conversation of 2026.

As Ann Arbor strives to reach carbon neutrality, the city hopes to launch its Sustainable Energy Utility this year. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

While we ring in the New Year, 2026 will see a continuation of many of the same environmental issues we experienced through 2025. But this year is also a mid-term election year, and that could further complicate issues. 48th District State Representative Jennifer Conlin discusses what may come in 2026. The Ann Arbor Democrat joined WEMU's David Fair and co-host Lisa Wozniak to explore current and new challenges.

A final decision on the future of the Saline River, or Mill Pond, Dam is expected in the coming few months. WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The City of Ann Arbor has been working toward an equitable vision for the city’s future. This includes affordable housing, carbon neutrality and neighborhood resilience projects, in addition to embracing values that reflect the city’s commitment to human rights. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talked to Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor, who takes a look back at his time in office over the past year while offering a glimpse into the city’s future projects and aspirations as we enter 2026.

Happy New Year from WEMU and from Marquee Arts! In this special, New Year's Day edition of "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair and Marquee Arts cinema programming director, Nick Alderink, look back on 2025 and ahead to what this year will bring.