rural areas

Large-scale data centers are increasing in number. They can use a lot of land, water and energy. In the meantime, wind and solar farms are part of the renewable energy future. Where to put them, and how to responsibly deal with land use issues, is difficult. These decisions can have a particular impact on our rural communities and the people who live there. Are we prepared for that future? WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters CEO and President, Lisa Wozniak, wanted to know about potential benefits and consequences. They talked it over with Dr. Sarah Mills, the Director of the University of Michigan Graham Sustainability Institute's Center for EmPowering Communities.

Rising health care costs are making it harder for Michiganders to stay healthy and hospitals to provide services. That’s the message emphasized during a health roundtable today attended by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has issued a fall deer season driving advisory for the next several months. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

State Representative Jason Morgan has introduced legislation to create a new state fund for public broadcasting in Michigan. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has more on what the Ann Arbor Democrat is proposing.

Michigan 6th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell says passage of the Republicans’ reconciliation of President Trump’s "big, beautiful bill" is dangerous and will have detrimental effects across Michigan. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Democrat lawmakers will review Michigan’s state omnibus budget plan for fiscal year 2026. State Representative Jennifer Conlin is concerned that Republicans are overlooking education funding. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Residents of Western Washtenaw County are invited to an open house on Wednesday to talk about the future of transportation in the Chelsea area. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

A proposal for hundreds of apartments and commercial space off U.S. 23 in Northfield Township is receiving mixed reviews. Caroline MacGregor reports.

Many of us take transportation for granted. We have cars or can pay for Uber or bus rides. There are many who don’t have, or can’t afford, access. In the more rural parts of Washtenaw County, it can be even more difficult. That’s where the Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) steps in. WAVE makes sure people can get rides to medical appointments, job interviews and more. WEMU's David Fair talked about enhancing equity and opportunity through transportation services with WAVE’s Community Relations Coordinator, Shasta Angell.

Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, alongside Texas Republican Congressman August Pfluger, introduced the PROTOCOL Act to the House with hopes of expanding broadband accessibility. Ana Longoria has the details.