Washtenaw County

11 stories
Questions involving Michigan county government, county community services, Southeast Michigan county governance, and Washtenaw County public health commonly bring Washtenaw County into local or Michigan reporting. Washtenaw County is a Michigan county whose government, services, infrastructure, elections, public health, records, budgeting, and regional responsibilities can affect communities beyond the Farmington area. The place becomes important when the geography and decisions of the named jurisdiction materially shape a Michigan story rather than serving only as a location reference.

The scope can also include Washtenaw County roads and transportation, Washtenaw County property records, and Washtenaw County budgeting.

Nearly 280,000 Lose Power as Severe Storms Hit Southeast Michigan

Tornado warnings and damaging winds swept through southeast Michigan Thursday, toppling trees, halting school dismissals, and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity as utility crews raced to restore service

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Metro Detroit Sees Rise in Respiratory Illnesses and Sports Injuries

Doctors across Metro Detroit are reporting a surge in respiratory viruses, COVID-19 cases, and sports-related injuries as students return to school and fall activities ramp up, prompting renewed calls for prevention and early treatment

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Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Parts of Southeast Michigan

Oakland and Livingston counties face severe thunderstorm warnings until 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, while most other Metro Detroit counties remain under no active alerts. Residents are urged to monitor conditions as storms move through the region.

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Metro Detroit High School Football Zone Rankings Updated for Week 2

Detroit Catholic Central, Warren De La Salle, Saline, and Detroit Cass Tech remain at the top of their respective zones after strong opening-week wins, as Metro Detroit's high school football rankings shift heading into Week 2.

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University of Michigan to Pilot Hiding First-Semester Grades in 2027

Starting fall 2027, the University of Michigan will launch a pilot program withholding first-semester letter grades from transcripts and GPA calculations for new LSA students, aiming to support academic exploration and student well-being.

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Michigan Officials Face Recall Efforts Over Data Center Projects

Local leaders across Michigan say they have little authority to block new data centers, as residents frustrated by recent approvals struggle to get recall votes on the ballot. Only one recall will proceed this November despite dozens of attempts.

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U-M Seminar Trains Scholars to Preserve Ancient Papyrus Manuscripts

The University of Michigan recently hosted a 10-day seminar for nine international scholars, offering hands-on training in the conservation of rare papyrus texts dating back thousands of years. The program is unique in the Americas.

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Ypsilanti Township Considers Power Moratorium for U-M Data Center

Ypsilanti Township officials will vote on a six-month pause for new power transmission projects as they review the University of Michigan's $1.2 billion data center plan, which could reshape local infrastructure and impact residents near Textile Road.

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Michigan AG Candidate Eli Savit Calls for Bans on Bump Stocks, Ghost Guns

Eli Savit, Democratic candidate for Michigan attorney general, is urging the state Legislature to revisit bans on bump stocks and ghost guns in 2027, highlighting public safety concerns and recent legislative hurdles.

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Frog and Toad Monitoring Reveals Species Shifts in Southeast Michigan

Long-term monitoring by Friends of the Rouge shows four frog species declining and several others increasing in the Rouge River watershed, raising questions about habitat changes and climate impacts in southeast Michigan.

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U-M Confirms $1.2B Data Center in Ypsilanti Township Despite Opposition

The University of Michigan will move forward with a $1.2 billion research computing center in Ypsilanti Township, partnering with Los Alamos National Laboratory. Local officials say too many project details remain undisclosed and vow to keep fighting.

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