WEMU News Podcast

There are film and video careers to be had and a living to be made in Washtenaw County. But, you will have to hustle for it. Donald Harrison of Ypsilanti has been doing exactly that with his 7 Cylinders Studio . The former executive director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival shares his expertise on making an impact in the film and video world in Washtenaw County in this week's edition of ' creative:impact !'

Long before we started taking pictures on smartphones, you would see people wearing bigger and bulkier film cameras. Among the more respected was the Argus camera and, as it turns out, it was made right here in Washtenaw County. Argus is now out of business, but its legacy lives on. As 89.1 WEMU’s Jorge Avellan reports, you’ll discover that history in a 1,500 square-foot space at the corner of West William and 4 th Streets in Ann Arbor, “Hidden In Plain Sight.”

Residents in the Ann Arbor Public School district are being asked to vote on a new operating millage Tuesday, May 8th.

This week, as part of the bi-weekly conversation with the local League of Women Voters , 89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with league publicist Mary Seelhorst and one of the league's newer members, Paige Nong.

There are plenty of opportunities to participate in "Civic Matters" this week. In this weekly get-together, WEMU's David Fair and Mary Morgan, executive director of the CivCity Initiative, explore what is going on in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.

From its youth council to serving the growing needs of seniors in Washtenaw County, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization with a broad community focus intending to connect and engage with area residents. 89.1 WEMU'S Lisa Barry talks with foundation president and CEO Neel Hajra about the foundation's annual community meeting taking place on May 7th.

Voters in Ypsilanti Township will be among those hitting the ballot boxes next Tuesday, May 8th. As WEMU's Taylor Pinson reports, the township is asking voters to approve a new millage on to help pay for the community's fire department .

May 8th is Election Day in Washtenaw County. The Ann Arbor Public Schools are seeking renewal of a general operating millage. Ypsilanti Township is asking for tax support for fire department operations and has a special election for a Parks Commission position. As WEMU's Taylor Pinson reports, in Sharon Township, the issue is access to broadband internet service.

Some call it "Fox Guarding the Hen-House" legislation. Bills under consideration in Lansing would create an oversight panel for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. It would have the authority to grant and deny permits and overrule decisions made by the MDEQ. It would also be comprised of people who may represent businesses and industries that have a financial stake in the decisions being made.

A democratic candidate for governor in Michigan is speaking to the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti chamber luncheon tomorrow . Gretchen Whitmer , the first major candidate to file to run for the position, is sharing her vision for the state should she be elected to replace Rick Snyder .