1/3/2025

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute - proof that starting the year off right doesn’t have to involve kale smoothies or 6 AM yoga. 🧘‍♂️

What’s on tap for today:

• Drone drama: Thermal tech tracks down local suspect. 🚁

• 11-year-old Ann Arbor baker hits the big leagues! 🍰

• Frigid temps coming to AA ❄️

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

🚁 Police Drone with Thermal Camera Aids in Domestic Assault Arrest  

Ann Arbor police used a drone equipped with a heat-detecting camera to catch a suspect in a domestic assault case on New Year’s Eve. Officers responded to a report of a man assaulting a woman at a home on Pauline Boulevard. No shots were fired, and the man fled before police arrived. With support from Northfield Township and University of Michigan police drone teams, the suspect’s heat signature was located in a backyard on Ardmoor Avenue. He was arrested around 12:18 p.m., and the case will now head to the Washtenaw County prosecutors.

(Source)

🏗️ New Businesses and Moves Shaping Ann Arbor This January  

The local business scene is buzzing with openings and relocations! Planet Fitness has launched a 24/7, 17,560 sq. ft. gym at Briarwood Circle, marking its second Ann Arbor location. Slim Chickens—the first full-service one in Michigan—opens January 6 on Arbor Chase Drive. Coming soon to Main Street: Echelon Kitchen & Bar (early 2025, with wood-fired, veggie-forward menus), Asian fusion eatery Tabe (February), and downtown’s new Eat Thai restaurant. Meanwhile, Avalon Café is on the move, reopening January 13 at 224 S. Main St., after closing its Liberty Street location in December. Stay tuned for these fresh additions!

(Source)

🍪 Ann Arbor 11-Year-Old Takes on National Baking Stage  

Forsythe Middle School student Ella Hayek is living her dream, competing on Season 13 of the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship. The 11-year-old, inspired by years of watching the show with her family, earned a spot among a dozen young bakers from across the U.S. After navigating nerve-racking challenges in a jungle-themed kitchen—complete with parrots—Ella honed her efficiency and time management under pressure. The season premieres Jan. 6, and the winner will take home $25,000 and a feature in Food Network Magazine. Ella, who practiced tirelessly leading up to filming, says baking is a family affair that connects her with her mom and grandma. Her family is now gearing up for a watch party as they celebrate her journey alongside her new baking friends from the show. Catch it Mondays on Food Network and streaming on Max!

(Source)

❄️ Lake-Effect Snow Brings Chilly Start to 2025  

Lake-effect snow is sweeping across Michigan to kick off the new year, with northern areas like Whitefish Point and Sault Ste. Marie bracing for up to 6 inches by Thursday morning. While Southeast Michigan, including Ann Arbor, will only see scattered snow showers and minimal accumulation, the real story is the cold snap following this system. Expect temperatures to drop into the teens by the end of the week. Overpasses and bridges could be slick, so drivers should stay cautious as snow bands create touch-and-go conditions. Weather alerts are in effect for 17 counties in West Michigan, with heavy snow zones concentrated along the lakeshore and up north.

(Source)

🏈 Sherrone Moore Steers Underdog Michigan to Upset Wins 

After a rocky start to the season, Michigan football ended with a bang under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, securing back-to-back upset victories over Ohio State and Alabama. In the ReliaQuest Bowl, Michigan—missing key players due to injuries and opt-outs—topped Alabama 19-13. Moore’s defense shone, holding explosive offenses like Ohio State to just 10 points and Alabama to 260 total yards. Despite struggles on offense, Michigan’s grind-it-out style proved enough to salvage an 8-5 season. With five-star recruit Bryce Underwood on the horizon, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for the Wolverines.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

☁️ High: 26°F, Low: 17°F

Cloudy throughout the day with a wintry mix possible. Overnight, skies will be partly to mostly cloudy.  

Tomorrow

⛅ High: 23°F, Low: 15°F

Mostly cloudy skies during the day, with partly cloudy skies overnight. Cold temperatures persist.

AROUND TOWN

🍔 Try Ann Arbor's Top Dishes for 2024

If you're looking to spice up your foodie adventures in Ann Arbor, this list of top restaurant dishes from 2024 is a must-read. Highlights include the mouthwatering Bacon Jam Burger and duck pasty at Michigan Stadium's revamped concessions, perfect for game day. Culantro on Main Street offers the tender Seco a la Norteña, a Peruvian dish featuring melt-in-your-mouth beef, beans, and rice. Over at Dimo’s Deli, their thick-cut tuna salad sandwich paired with perfectly crispy fries will transport you straight to a New York deli. Saline’s Bone Heads BBQ wins with its piled-high BBQ Burger, and Pilar’s Tamales wows with its Salvadoran tamales and pupusas, crafted with love and history. Ann Arbor’s restaurant scene is serving up something for every palate this year!

🎭 Jeff Daniels Brings Humor and Folk Tunes to Purple Rose Theatre  

From Dec. 31 to Jan. 4, catch Jeff Daniels, Purple Rose Theatre Company founder and Hollywood veteran, as he performs his signature blend of folk music and comedic storytelling. Daniels will take the stage for a series of intimate concerts—including numbers from his latest album, Alive and Well Enough. Known for his prolific acting career and love of songwriting, Daniels delivers a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Shows at the Chelsea-based theater tend to sell out quickly, so snag your tickets starting Dec. 3 ($100–125) at PurpleRoseTheatre.org or by phone. Perfect for a post-holiday evening of laughs and heartfelt tunes.

🧘‍♀️ Stretch & Sip Sundays

Start your Sunday right with yoga and cider at Bløm Meadworks (100 S. 4th Ave, Suite 110) from 1:00–2:00 PM. Whether you’re a yoga pro or can’t quite touch your toes, this all-levels class is the perfect mix of stretching, mobility, and strength. After class, reward yourself with a 12oz pour of mead or cider—included in the $16 ticket price! Doors open 15 minutes early, so bring your mat, water, and ID, and get ready to flow and sip your way to relaxation. 🍎✨

🚴 Pedal Through Dirt Roads with a Weekly Bike Adventure

If you’re up for a scenic challenge, the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society’s “Tour de Dirt” might be your new favorite Tuesday night activity. This free, weekly ride covers 20 to 35 miles of Chelsea-area dirt roads. Cyclists meet at Aberdeen Bike in Chelsea (1101 Main) at 6:15 p.m., and routes change each week to keep things fresh. It’s a great way to explore Michigan’s countryside, meet fellow riders, and shake up your usual routine. Email [email protected] for the week’s course details and be ready to roll, rain or shine.

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

SMARTER EVERYDAY

Memento mori - remember you must die. 

Far from being morbid, this Stoic practice is a reminder to live fully and focus on what truly matters.

When we accept life’s impermanence, every moment becomes more precious and every decision more intentional. ⌛🌿✨

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