News across Greater Ann Arbor

1st Friday Focus on the Environment: A review of the projects and actions being taken to protect the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes hold one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water, but they're facing growing pressures from invasive species, pollution, aging infrastructure and new demands for water. Rebekah Warren and Lisa Wozniak took a closer look at the challenges facing our Great Lakes…

GEO rallies for allyship among University employees ahead of October contract negotiation
More than 100 attendees gathered on the Diag Thursday afternoon for a rally with University of Michigan’s Graduate Employees’ Organization as part of the Week of Action — GEO’s response to ongoing negotiations with the University over 2026-2029 employee contracts. In addition to…

Chelsea Heritage Home Program Puts History Right at the Front Door
Chelsea is often promoted as “historic Chelsea”. Signs around town tell Chelsea’s history due to the efforts of the Chelsea Area Historical Society (CAHS), Preservation Chelsea, and the Chelsea Depot Association. In 2011, the downtown was recognized by the National Register of…

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation launches community survey
Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation has launched a new community needs survey and assessment. It seeks comment on the future of the city’s recreation programs and open spaces. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

North Lake United Methodist Church Celebrates 190 Years
North Lake United Methodist Church recently celebrated a remarkable milestone—190 years of ministry with a joyful anniversary celebration on September 20th that honored the church’s deep roots while looking toward its future. The special worship brought together members and…

UMich awards Wallenberg Medal to Haitian American activist Guerline Jozef
The University of Michigan presented Haitian American activist Guerline Jozef with the 31st annual Wallenberg Medal Tuesday evening at the Rackham Auditorium. Jozef — who co-founded the Haitian Bridge Alliance and is recognized for her advocacy work with Haitian and Black…
Join the Dexter Wellness Coalition to Support Dementia Friendly Dexter
The Dexter Wellness Coalition, led by co-motivators Anna Pekrul and Marianne Wendt, invites all community members to join their efforts to make Dexter a dementia friendly city. In partnership with Dementia Friendly Services, a nonprofit organization based in Saline, the coalition…

Beyond Business: How the Chelsea Chamber Became a Community Builder
B Sounds & Sights on summer evenings. Curling in the winter. Chocolate, wine walks, Halloween celebrations, public art, trails and late-night shopping. A surprising number of the events and experiences that give Chelsea its year-round energy have something in common: the Chelsea…

Washtenaw United: United Way for Southeastern Michigan presents Power of the Purse 2026
The "Power of the Purse" fundraiser is one of the United Way of Southeastern Michigan's most anticipated events. It has raised more than $450,000 to fund organizations focused on advancing the economic success of women. Decky Alexander talked about this year's Power of the Purse…

Huron River mussel relocation project prevents danger posed by Peninsular Dam removal
The pending removal of the Peninsular Dam later this year has caused concern for specific animals in its ecosystem. A group of local volunteers have concluded an effort to relocate mussels around the dam this summer. WEMU’s Joshua Nieman reports.

A Sweet Celebration for Milan Resident’s 104th birthday
Milan resident Dorothy Hall (center) celebrated her 104th birthday with friends new and old at Life Is Sweet on Sept. 25. Hall, who turned 104 earlier in the week, enjoyed a cannoli as customers joined in singing “Happy Birthday” and offering their congratulations.

Stay Strong, Stay Steady: Chelsea Senior Center Offers Many Ways to Prevent Falls
September is Falls Prevention Month, an opportunity to remind older adults, their families, and caregivers that falls are not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, there are practical steps people can take to reduce their risk. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) emphasizes a…