Hurricane Helene flooded the Weissmans' home last month.

Downtown Detroit is growing as a massive new upscale convention hotel will soon line the Riverfront.

Two paths at Barton Dam will be impacted by remediation work now through Aug. 19.

A project to resurface Orchard Lake Road in Oakland County starts Monday and it expected to last through the fall.

A new gift has brought EMU one step closer to constructing its brand-new arts complex.

A team of researchers at the University of Michigan plans to develop a lightweight exoskeleton that could be a game changer for people with mobility disabilities.

Half of the large-dog area of Swift Run Dog Park has closed for repairs.

Small business owners in Ann Arbor are asking: What's up with the benches around town?

A group of U-M students is looking for feedback on Ann Arbor parks from residents and visitors.

ANN ARBOR – The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s Just Futures Initiative has awarded the University of Michigan two $5 million grants. Led by professors Stephanie Fryberg and Earl Lewis, the grant money will be used over the next three years to fund projects that address racial inequity. Fryberg is a professor of psychology and a University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor. Lewis is the Thomas C. Holt Distinguished University Professor of History, Afroamerican and African Studies and Public Policy. In total, the Mellon Foundation awarded more then $72 million in grant funding for 16 arts, humanities and social sciences projects across the U.S.

DETROIT – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will hold a virtual outreach event and in-person public hearing regarding the Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed changes on I-375 in Detroit. MDOT said the project extends from Mack Avenue to Atwater Street and “transforms the urban below-grade freeway into a street-level boulevard.” The virtual outreach event and public hearing will allow interested parties the opportunity to view potential changes and make formal documented comments. Virtual outreach event details:6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021Register here for virtual eventIn-person public hearing details:4-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021The 4-5 p.m. hour is reserved for senior citizens or individuals at high risk for COVID-19. All state guidelines for public health and safety will be followed, including wearing a mask, social distancing and not attending if feeling ill.Register in advance online or by calling 517-335-4381 to reserve a time. Additional information is available on the project website at www.Michigan.gov/I375study.”

ANN ARBOR – Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit announced Tuesday the launch of the “Prosecutor Transparency Project” in partnership with University of Michigan’s Law School and the ACLU of Michigan. The project, which begins immediately, aims to uncover possible racial inequities by analyzing data surrounding decision-making by the prosecutor’s office. “We know systemic racism exists in all facets of society, and the Prosecutor’s Office is no exception. Finally, in consultation with researchers, the Prosecutor’s Office will identify metrics to track to ensure equitable treatment. He has spent years compiling and analyzing data from Michigan’s criminal justice system, was the data consultant for the CREW report and has served as Data Administrator for Michigan’s Criminal Justice Policy Commission.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – A Plymouth high school student is getting national attention for a project spotlighting the dangers of distracted driving. The project earned second place in a major national competition. Joel Feldman lost his daughter after a driver struck and killed her while she was walking in a crosswalk. He founded the End Distracted Driving, a nonprofit. He has used his grief to encourage young people to send a message to others.

ANN ARBOR – Planning an outdoor project this fall that involves wood chips? The city of Ann Arbor announced it will be offering residents free wood chips for pick up on Saturday at five locations. The wood chips will be available through November, or until supplies run out. Wood chips are a great versatile material for outdoor use, including as mulch, path material, a base for playgrounds, chicken runs and more. Here are the locations for pick up:Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Ave.Southeast Area Park, 2901 E. Ellsworth RoadAlmendinger Park, 655 Pauline BoulevardFurstenberg Park, 2626 Fuller Road721 N. Main St.✉ Like what you’re reading?

DETROIT Restoration work is moving ahead at the Michigan Central train station in Detroit despite the economic fallout from the coronavirus. Work on the project stopped for seven weeks due to a statewide stay-at-home order aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. But crews are now in the middle of Phase Two of the project, which involves fixing the street structure and repairing masonry, the Detroit Free Press reported. Ford Motor Co. bought the iconic building just outside downtown in 2018 for research and development of self-driving vehicles. Reid said explicitly that, theres been no change to our plans involving the train station.