1/15/2025

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute – the email that’s so good, you might even forward it before finishing your coffee. ☕️ 

What’s on tap for today:

• Over 2 dozen cars hit during Michigan game 🚗💥 

• Mall mystery: What’s being built at Briarwood? 🛍️

• Lost kitty’s epic journey—New Hampshire to Ann Arbor! 🐾 

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🚗 Parking Lot Break-Ins Shake Wolverines Basketball Fans  

During Sunday’s thrilling Michigan Wolverines basketball victory over Washington, some fans returned to a much less exciting scene at the Pioneer High School parking lot. Ann Arbor police say 27 vehicles had their windows smashed and were broken into while their owners attended the game at Crisler Arena. Among the items stolen were cash, purses, and wallets. One fan, Joe Weitz, described the heartbreaking moment of returning to find his car ransacked—his 8-year-old daughter’s first basketball game turning into a lesson in resilience. Police are investigating, but no arrests have been made yet.

(Source)

🌱 Local Activists Shine at Sierra Club Honors  

Ann Arbor’s commitment to environmental action was in the spotlight last month as the Sierra Club’s Huron Valley Group handed out awards to local conservation leaders. Among the honorees was Pioneer High School’s Izzy Sutton, dubbed “Ann Arbor’s answer to Greta Thunberg,” for her inspiring activism. Sutton and other award recipients, including longtime land preservation advocates, were celebrated during a December ceremony at the downtown Ann Arbor District Library. Their efforts reflect a citywide push to protect green spaces, address climate issues, and encourage community involvement in sustainability projects.

(Source)

🚧 Exciting Changes Coming to Briarwood Mall  

If you’ve been near Briarwood Mall lately, you’ve probably noticed all the construction buzz! A new mixed-use development is underway, promising to transform the area. The project will include a blend of residential, retail, and office spaces, complementing the mall’s current offerings. While specific details about tenants haven’t been revealed yet, the construction highlights a growing trend of reimagining mall spaces to create modern, community-focused hubs. It’s an exciting time for one of Ann Arbor’s most well-known landmarks!

(Source)

🐾 Lost Cat’s 800-Mile Journey Stumps and Delights Ann Arbor

Kumiko the cat’s wild adventure sounds straight out of a movie. This black feline vanished from her New Hampshire home eight months ago, only to resurface nearly 800 miles away at the Humane Society of Huron Valley here in Ann Arbor. The microchipped adventurer left her family scratching their heads about how she ended up in Michigan—road trip? College student chauffeur? No one knows. After a quick flight, the Ambler family reunited with Kumiko, who now prefers indoor cuddles over outdoor escapades. Her meow is deeper (like a "smoker," jokes her owner), and while she once taunted the family dog, she’s now wary of canines. Back home with her sister cat Kiri, who initially greeted her with hisses, Kumiko has settled right back in, proving even cats can have epic homecomings.

(Source)

🚨 Teen to Stand Trial for Assault During U-M Football Game  

A 19-year-old named Jarrell Corey Childs is heading to trial after being accused of multiple crimes during a University of Michigan football game at Michigan Stadium. Prosecutors say the teen committed three counts of first-degree sexual assault, along with assault with intent to cause bodily harm, stealing a financial transaction device, and larceny. Childs opted to waive his preliminary hearing in district court last week, moving the case directly to trial. These serious allegations involve events that reportedly occurred inside "The Big House," adding a grim note to what should have been an ordinary game day in Ann Arbor.

(Source)

🏡 Ann Arbor's January Home Sales at a Glance  

Between January 6 and January 12, 19 homes were sold in Ann Arbor, with prices ranging from $160,000 for a cozy one-bedroom condo to $885,000 for a spacious 3,178-square-foot property. The median sale was a four-bedroom, three-bath home on Sedgewood Lane, selling for $490,000. Notable transactions included a $700,000 home on Sheehan Avenue and a $575,000 property on Green Valley Drive. Whether you're dreaming of downsizing or upgrading, Ann Arbor’s diverse market shows something for everyone.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

☁️ High: 22°F, Low: 9°F

Cloudy throughout the day with a chance of scattered snow showers during the night (40% chance).   

Tomorrow

☁️ High: 33°F, Low: 25°F

Cloudy with a few flurries or snow showers possible during the day. Mostly cloudy at night.

AROUND TOWN

☕ Flock Together at Cahoots

Remote work doesn’t have to mean working alone! Join Flock, a free weekly gathering at Cahoots Cafe (206 E. Huron) every Wednesday from 12:00–1:00 PM in the upstairs kitchen. Connect with your Cahoots coworkers over lunch, share your week’s highlights, and enjoy themed chats hosted by friendly faces like Liz, Chelsea, and Quin—or dive into some quiet reading with the Silent Book Club on the fourth week. It’s casual, community-driven, and the perfect midweek pick-me-up! 🦜✨

🎥 Impossible Conversations at Stamps

Explore the power of dialogue and healing at Impossible Conversations, an exhibition and film installation at the University of Michigan Stamps Gallery (201 S Division St), running daily from January 14 to February 8, 2025, starting at 11:00 AM. This compelling project by artists Pratāp Rughani and David Chung focuses on the restorative journey between Arno Michaelis, a former Neo-Nazi, and Pardeep Kaleka, whose father was killed in the 2012 Oak Creek Sikh Temple shooting.

Through film, photomurals, and a dialogue space, the exhibition delves into themes of restorative justice, gun violence, and healing in the aftermath of division and hate. Curated by Srimoyee Mitra, this thought-provoking experience challenges visitors to reflect on how connection can combat extremism and foster collective healing. Don’t miss this profound journey into the possibilities of reconciliation. 🕊️✨

😂 Daniel Eachus Brings the Laughs

Get ready to laugh with Daniel Eachus, making his debut at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase (212 S. Fourth Ave.) on January 16–18, 2025, from 7:15–8:45 PM. This rising star in the comedy world has a Dry Bar Comedy special with over a million views and jokes so relatable they’ll have you crying with laughter. From Kevin Hart’s LOL Network to commercials for ESPN and Oscar Mayer, Daniel’s sharp wit and effortless humor are winning fans everywhere. Don’t miss your chance to see him live—it’s comedy gold! 🎤✨

🎻 KinderConcert: Music for Littles

Introduce your little ones to the magic of music at the Ann Arbor Symphony KinderConcert on January 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM at The 109 Cultural Exchange (109 W. Michigan Ave., Saline). This free concert is specially designed for children from birth to 7 years old, featuring engaging performances by talented members of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. It’s a perfect blend of fun, learning, and toe-tapping tunes to spark their love of music. Don’t miss this delightful morning! 🎶✨

Please verify event details with the organizers before attending, as schedules may change.

SMARTER EVERYDAY

“Man suffers only because he takes seriously what the gods made for fun.” – Alan Watts.

Is your stress a cosmic joke?

Today, let life be absurd, your failures comedic, and your mistakes punchlines.

You might just laugh your way to clarity.

THANK YOU!

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