This winter in Washtenaw County has been notably colder and snowier than most of the past decade. It has created inconveniences and hardships. But there may be some benefits to all of the snow and cold. Snowier winters play an important ecological role beyond what we experience at the surface. WEMU's David Fair was joined by U-M Biological Station researcher, Dr. Olivia Vought to explore this winter’s environmental benefits and how it all works.

Young Black men face many challenges in their lives, and that can take a toll on their mental health. Plus, there’s a high level of stigma concerning Black men and their mental health. So, Packard Health in Ypsilanti established the "Healing Brothers United" program, which brings these young men together and provide mental health resources. Lee Van Roth discussed the program and what it hopes to achieve with Packard Behavioral Health Program Manager Santinio Jones.

There was one African American regiment from Michigan that fought in the Civil War. Their story is being told in a recently published book. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Michigan will ban smartphones from school classrooms starting next school year under a new law signed Tuesday. Colin Jackson has more.

The City of Ypsilanti is asking the local community for help naming the vehicles in its snowplow fleet. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Reactions to President Donald Trump’s threats to delay the opening of the new border crossing between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, are starting to fall along party lines. As Sarah Cwiek and Colin Jackson state in this joint report, the White House says Trump wants to renegotiate the bridge agreement.

The Saline City Council has a three-year timeline to determine whether conserving the Davenport-Curtiss House is a worthwhile venture or to consider other possibilities for the property. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Jazz vocalist and music/film producer Joan Belgrave present today's Black History Moment about legendary concerto Marian Anderson.

As we celebrate Black History Month, WEMU's Caroline MacGregor continues to talk to people whose stories have inspired us. Today, she celebrates the journey and achievements of Cynthia Harrison. As an Ann Arbor City Council member and Director of Innovative Re-entry at the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Harrison is known and respected for her collaborative leadership, passion for racial equality, and protecting the most vulnerable among us.

With Eastern Michigan University’s Department of Public Safety now in charge of parking, they want to hear from students, staff and faculty on how to improve things. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is planning to propose more base funding for schools and “at-risk” students this week when she unveils her suggestions for the next state budget. Colin Jackson has more.

Representatives of the Ann Arbor Education Association (AAEA) and Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) are extending their contract negotiation period. This comes after an agreement wasn’t met in their initial bargaining sessions. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.