Michigan Public Wins SPJ Excellence in Journalism Awards
ANN ARBOR, Mich.— Michigan Public has been recognized with nine SPJ Excellence in Journalism Awards from the Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Michigan Public reporters were recognized with seven First Place awards, one Second Place award and one Fourth Place award. The Excellence in Journalism awards were judged by a jury of veteran journalists from an outstate chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Nearly 300 awardees were announced Wednesday night by SPJ Detroit at
140 middle school students to compete in coding hackathon event at WCC Friday
ANN ARBOR, Michigan (May 14, 2025) – An initiative designed to generate excitement around careers in the semiconductor space will come full circle Friday as more than 140 middle school students visit the Washtenaw Community College (WCC) campus for a coding hackathon. Last summer, 15 area middle school teachers spent a week at WCC immersed in semiconductor education as part of the state’s commitment to making Michigan a leader in the semiconductor industry. Teachers were introduced to the Semi
Summer Semester begins next week at Washtenaw Community College
ANN ARBOR, Michigan (May 8, 2025) – Washtenaw Community College (WCC) kicks off the Summer Semester next week, with three start dates being offered through June. Registration remains open until the evening before the first session of each course, with deadlines varying based on the course format and length. Courses with later start dates cover the same material at an accelerated pace. The start dates for the Summer Semester are: Session I, May 12Session II, May 27Session III, June 24 Students can
Michigan Public Announces New Criminal Justice Reporter
ANN ARBOR, Mich.— Michigan Public’s News Director Vincent Duffy has announced that Zena Issa has joined the NPR affiliate as the station’s Criminal Justice reporter. Zena Issa was previously an intern in the Michigan Public newsroom and has also worked extensively with the Stateside and digital teams on special social media and election projects. She is an award-winning journalist, having been part of the Michigan Public team that created “Voter Voices” and “What the Vote,” both winners of Michigan
WCC commencement set for Saturday; approximately 3,000 degrees, certificates to be awarded this year
ANN ARBOR, Michigan (May 13, 2025) – Washtenaw Community College’s (WCC) 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be Saturday, May 17, at Eastern Michigan University’s George Gervin GameAbove Center (formerly the EMU Convocation Center). The ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 9:20 a.m. It will also be livestreamed at wccnet.edu/graduation. This year’s candidates for awards include approximately 3,000 associate degrees and certificates, with 2,200 unique graduates. WCC President Dr. Rose B.
BrightWorks Coworking 777 Building Unveils Partnership with Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN (May 1, 2025) – BrightWorks Coworking is pleased to announce its partnership with locally-founded Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, now bringing premium coffee service to its members at the 777 Building location. Members at BrightWorks' 777 building location can now enjoy daily brewed Sweetwaters coffee, with both regular and decaf options available. The service will feature rotating blends including Safari Sunrise, Red Moon, and French Chicory, providing members with diverse coffee
NORTHSTAR BANK AWARDS $82,500 IN FUNDS TO DAWN FARM THROUGH FHLBANK INDIANAPOLIS GRANT PROGRAM
WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich., May 1, 2025 — Northstar Bank, a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis), awarded Dawn Farm $82,500 in grant funds through the Community Multiplier – Member Match Program. The $82,500 grant will allow Dawn Farm to sustain and strengthen its Strong Roots family recovery housing program. This unique program fills a critical gap by helping families experiencing addiction stay together while receiving the support they need to achieve
During National Travel & Tourism Week
New Report Highlights $226.7 Million Visitor Impact of U-M Football Study underscores the vital role travel and tourism play in Washtenaw County’s economy.ANN ARBOR, MI (May 5, 2025) – This week marks National Travel & Tourism Week, a nationwide celebration of the critical role travel plays in supporting local economies and strengthening communities. In recognition of this celebration, Destination Ann Arbor is releasing a new study that highlights the economic importance of visitor spending in Washtenaw
TheRide Announces Memorial Day Transit Schedule
ANN ARBOR, MI – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will not operate fixed-route bus service, FlexRide East/West, or A-Ride services on Monday, May 26, 2025 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Regular Service will resume on Tuesday, May 27. The Blake Transit Center, Ypsilanti Transit Center, and TheRide’s Main Office will be closed on Monday, May 26 and will re-open on Tuesday, May 27. Passengers may take advantage of FlexRide Holiday Service, which is a shared-ride service on
YPSILANTI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS FREE “POPS IN THEPARK!” CONCERT ON SATURDAY, MAY 24
YSO annual season finale outdoor concert includes patriotic and popular favorites for the whole family - at Riverside ParkMaestro Adam C. Riccinto and the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra (YSO) will celebrate the conclusion of their 26th season with their popular annual “Pops in the Park!” concert over Memorial Day weekend. The free concert will be held at Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park Pavilion at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, with a rain date of Sunday, May 25.Music lovers of all ages are invited to bring a chair
WCC Esports vying for a pair of national championships this week
ANN ARBOR, Michigan (May 6, 2025) – Washtenaw Community College (WCC) is vying for a pair of Esports national championships this week. In its first year of eligibility, the WCC Esports program qualified two teams – Counter Strike 2 and Overwatch 2 – for National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) postseason competition. Both have advanced to the finals of the 16-team, single-elimination tournaments. “The program has built up so fast and we have so much energy around the program right now,” said
Washtenaw Economic Club hosts ‘Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Healthcare’
ANN ARBOR, Michigan (May 5, 2025) – The Washtenaw Economic Club will host a distinguished data scientist this week to speak about “The Current and Future Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Healthcare.” Mohammad Ghassemi, Ph.D., will present at the Thursday luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. in the Morris Lawrence Building on the Washtenaw Community College (WCC) campus, 4800 E. Huron River Drive. Dr. Ghassemi is a scientist and entrepreneur with extensive experience leading AI initiatives. He holds a
WCC hosts Washtenaw County’s Economic Outlook through 2027
ANN ARBOR, Michigan (April 24, 2025) – The 40th annual “Washtenaw County Economic Outlook,” commissioned by Washtenaw Community College (WCC), was presented today at the President’s Leadership Recognition Luncheon. WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca hosted nearly 200 business, industry, government and community leaders to thank them for their support of the college, which educates more than 21,000 students annually, fulfilling its role as a regional economic engine and hub for talent
TheRide Accepts Public Feedback on Preliminary Designs for New Ypsilanti Transit Center Feedback accepted April 17 – May 23
ANN ARBOR, MI – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has launched a public engagement period to provide the community with an opportunity to learn more about and share feedback on preliminary designs for the new Ypsilanti Transit Center in downtown Ypsilanti. The Ypsilanti Transit Center Reconstruction project, which is a part of TheRide’s Long-Range Plan, focuses on constructing a new transit center in Ypsilanti to serve the growing greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. The proposed new
RACE TO TALENT: Livingston Businesses can Unlock the Power of Registered Apprenticeships at New Event.
BRIGHTON, MI – Michigan Works! Southeast, in collaboration with the Michigan Works! Association, the State of Michigan, and local Chambers of Commerce, is excited to announce the first-ever Race to Talent event. Set to take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Oak Pointe Country Club, this event will demystify Registered Apprenticeships and showcase their impact across all industries. “Apprenticeship is the future of hiring and talent development,” says Amber Keyes, Business
Nearly $2 million in state grants, new programs will advance semiconductor, battery education at WCC
ANN ARBOR, Michigan (April 23, 2025) – Nearly $2 million in grants at Washtenaw Community College (WCC), along with new associate degree and certificate programs, will advance Michigan’s mobility sector through semiconductor and battery education and training. New grants totaling nearly $2 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will support an associate degree and several specialized certificates, creating pathways to in-demand careers and seamless transfers to institutions

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