economy

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has named Ann Arbor SPARK as one of the first-ever recipients of the Michigan Innovation Fund. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Michigan’s unemployment rate dipped in June for the second month in a row to 5.3%. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Thousands of Michiganders could soon get a letter in the mail saying their medical debt has been erased. Colin Jackson has more.

The Ann Arbor Art Fair kicks off today and is expected to provide an $80 million dollar boost to the local economy. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Michigan’s governor is blaming “massive economic uncertainty at the national level” for a company backing out of a major development project near Flint. Colin Jackson has more.

The annual Ann Arbor Art Fair kicks off Thursday, and hundreds of thousands of visitors will participate in what has become three art fairs in one and the biggest juried art fair in the country. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talked to Frances Todoro-Hargreaves, interim executive director of the Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair, about what to expect for this year’s event.

The City of Saline is considering whether to rehabilitate, replace, or remove the historic Saline River Dam. Dam removal offers long-term ecological benefits but raises concerns about aesthetics, recreation, and economic impact. A final decision on the matter is coming in October. In the meantime, the city has been taking public input and reaching out to neighboring communities for discussion. WEMU's David Fair talked with Saline Mayor Brian Marl about what has been learned so far and what comes next in the process.

The 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair is just about here! Three separate fairs combine into one major event that serves the creative community and the economic interests of all of Washtenaw County. The Ann Arbor Art Fair runs from July 17th through the 19th, and there is a lot to experience in this year's edition. WEMU's David Fair discusses highlights and the fair's community impact with the executive director of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original, Angela Kline.

New federal tax breaks, loans and programs could support the production of key manufacturing materials under a bill from a Michigan congresswoman. Colin Jackson has more.

Ypsilanti Township local officials are questioning how the proposed University of Michigan data center will impact the local community. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.