transparency

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says there is a firewall between her and decisions regarding this year’s gubernatorial election while she is running for governor. We have more from Rick Pluta.

A Michigan Court of Claims judge says the Michigan Bureau of Elections can’t deny access to public records on what method voters use to cast their ballots under the state’s Freedom of Information Act. We have more from Rick Pluta.

A bill to make state records easier to find is working its way through the Michigan House of Representatives. Colin Jackson reports.

The City of Ann Arbor is working with the urban development group Strong Towns to give residents a closer look at how it responds to traffic crashes. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

A Michigan Senate bill stalled in committee would expand who can access some confidential information regarding child abuse. Colin Jackson reports the bill’s sponsor is trying to build support.

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 Washtenaw Sheriff’s Office has released 911 calls and dashcam video of an officer-involved shooting of what turned out to be an unarmed suspect. The incident occurred earlier this month in Ypsilanti. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports. (NOTE: The audio in this report may be disturbing to some listeners.)

The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled the University of Michigan does not have to share research videos of experiments on mice with an animal rights group. We have more from Rick Pluta.

One issue that earned plenty of attention in 2025 in Washtenaw County was data centers. That's not likely to change in 2026. As WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports, area lawmakers are already working on legislation.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says she still has many questions regarding the Michigan Public Service Commission approving DTE’s deal to power the Saline Township data center. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.