Is Ann Arbor accessible for people with disabilities?
Ann Arbor has done quite a bit for residents with disabilities, but people with disabilities and their advocates say there is still room for improvement.
Patti F. Smith's Latest Articles
How Thomson-Shore beat the Great Recession and a publishing industry in turmoil
The recession marked the end of an era for the Dexter-based publisher. But it also sparked fresh innovation that's moved Thomson-Shore into an entirely new era of success.
Cool Jobs: Chuck Warpehoski pursues peace and justice in the Trump era
Warpehoski may be best known to locals as an Ann Arbor city council member, but his day job is heading up the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice.
The Backstory: How Ann Arbor’s libraries went public
Funded by private dues and donations, libraries arose in Ann Arbor almost as soon as the city was founded. But government-sponsored public libraries took more time, trial, and error to get going.
Cool Jobs: Donald Harrison on filmmaking and his new Ypsi event space
Since moving on from his position as executive director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, the Ypsi resident has made an award-winning video for the Ann Arbor District Library and cofounded the Ypsi Experimental Space.
The Backstory: “Seductive wooden balls” (or, the controversial history of bowling in Ann Arbor)
The popular sport has prompted several bowling alleys – and some surprisingly restrictive legislation – in town since the late 1800s.
Cool Jobs: AADL board member Victoria Green on the future of Ann Arbor’s libraries
Ann Arbor rejected a 2012 bond proposal to renovate the downtown library, but one of the library's newest board members says the community is still open to rejuvenating the space.
The Backstory: Hot holiday gifts of 19th-century Ann Arbor
While holiday-season consumerism may be overwhelming, it's also nothing new. A look back at early Ann Arbor newspapers shows that local retailers were just as hungry for the Christmas rush over a century ago.
Cool Jobs: On air with WEMU’s Lisa Barry
The Ypsilanti public radio anchor discusses her long history in Detroit radio, public radio's uncertain future, and her close connection to her listeners.
The Backstory: Ann Arbor’s founding mother, Ann Allen
She gave Ann Arbor its name, but had precious little love for the city.
