12/9/24

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute - the email that’s as smooth as hitting every green light on Washtenaw. 🚦

What’s on tap for today:

• U of M ends DEI 🏫

• Christmas Vacation pop-up bar? Count us in! 🍹

• Homes in AA getting pricey! 💸

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

📚 University of Michigan Ends Mandatory Diversity Statements in Hiring

The University of Michigan has officially stopped requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statements in faculty hiring, promotions, and tenure decisions. This change follows a recommendation from a faculty working group, which argued that such statements might restrict freedom of expression and diversity of thought. While the university chose to discontinue these requirements, other proposed DEI measures, like integrating related content into research and teaching, were not adopted. This move aligns Michigan with other schools across the nation, such as the University of Texas and the University of North Carolina, which have also scaled back or restructured DEI programs following state legislation. The shift highlights an ongoing national debate about the role and future of DEI in higher education.

(Source)

🏟️ Wolverines Headed to Tampa for High-Stakes Bowl Rematch  

Michigan football is set to face Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve in Tampa. This showdown marks a rematch of last year’s Rose Bowl, where the Wolverines triumphed to secure their first national title since 1997. Despite a challenging 7-5 regular season marked by one of the program’s weakest offenses—and a shakeup in the coaching staff—Michigan’s strong finish against Northwestern and Ohio State landed them in this bowl over other Big Ten teams. Alabama, at 9-3, narrowly missed the College Football Playoff after a series of late-season losses. The game will kick off at noon at Raymond James Stadium. While Michigan battles injuries and transitions, this heavyweight clash between two storied programs promises to be one to watch.

(Source)

🎄 Pretzel Bell Turns Into Griswold Wonderland for the Holidays  

The Pretzel Bell’s Down Bar in downtown Ann Arbor has transformed into a “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”-themed pop-up bar through January 4th. With walls covered in wrapping paper, ceilings draped with ornaments, and nods to the iconic movie everywhere—including plush squirrels in Christmas trees—this spot feels like stepping into Clark Griswold’s basement. Themed drinks like “Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog” and “Aunt Bethany’s Jello Shot” add to the festive vibe. Movie scenes play nonstop and fans can sip cocktails served in nostalgia-inducing moose mugs. For those wanting more holiday fun, the pop-up also keeps its usual trivia nights and DJ performances. Head over for a cozy, inside-joke-filled experience with friends or family!

(Source)

🏀 Tough Opener for Huron Boys Basketball Against State Champs  

Ann Arbor Huron’s boys basketball team kicked off their season with a challenging matchup against defending state champions, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, falling short in their opener. Huron, coming off a strong season that ended in the state semifinals, is considered one of Michigan’s top Division 1 teams this year. With Iowa State signee Macari Moore leading the charge, hopes are high for a promising run. While the opener didn’t go as planned, there’s plenty of season left for this powerhouse team to find their rhythm and bounce back.

(Source)

🏡 Ann Arbor’s priciest homes of the week showcase luxury living 

The most expensive home sold in Ann Arbor from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1 was a stunning $1.4 million condo at Whispering Woods Drive featuring 4,273 square feet of space. It tops a list of nine properties sold in the city last week, with an average sale price of $634,153. The lineup ranges from a $249K, 596 sq. ft. condo downtown at 555 E. William Street to a $740K property on Franklin Street boasting a $548 price-per-square-foot tag. Notable deals include a single-family home on Londonderry Road fetching $895K and a 1973 residence on Wagner Road sold for $728K. Whether it’s vintage charm or modern luxury, Ann Arbor’s real estate continues to draw big investments.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

🌦️ High: 50°F, Low: 35°F

Light rain early, then remaining cloudy.  

Tomorrow

☁️ High: 42°F, Low: 29°F

Cloudy with cooler conditions.

AROUND TOWN

🍫 Cozy Up with Ann Arbor’s Top Hot Cocoa Spots 

Winter’s chill is here, and Ann Arbor has you covered with some seriously great hot cocoa options. Detroit Street Filling Station offers a vegan-friendly take with oat milk, cocoa powder, and a dash of cinnamon, while Mindo Chocolate Makers’ award-winning Ecuadorian drinking chocolate is pure, ceremonial-grade bliss. At Cannelle, downtown vibes pair perfectly with rich, foam-topped hot chocolate. For a spicy twist, head to Pilar’s Tamales for their cayenne-infused Mexican hot chocolate. And don’t miss Argus Farm Stop, where you can enjoy a mug of cocoa while watching the snowy world outside. Whether you’re braving the cold or cozying up indoors, these spots provide the ultimate winter warm-up.

🔍 A Whodunit with Dinner: Comedy Mystery Show in Ypsi  

Get ready for a night of laughs and intrigue at “The Dinner Detective,” running on Dec. 7, 14, and 21. Held at the Ann Arbor Marriott in Ypsilanti, this interactive comedy mystery pairs a multi-course meal with a hilarious “whodunit” show. Actors disguised as fellow guests weave a curious tale of murder, and you might even find yourself in the spotlight as a suspect. Tickets are $70, including gratuity, and preregistration is required. Perfect for a unique holiday outing or date night!

🎅🐾 Meet Santa and Exotic Creatures at the Creature Conservancy  

This holiday season, Santa is teaming up with some unique animal friends at the Creature Conservancy on Ann Arbor–Saline Road. Kids and adults alike can visit Santa while meeting a reindeer, Canada lynx, kangaroo, and even a three-banded armadillo! Guests will enjoy storytelling, photo ops with Santa, and holiday treats like cookies, cocoa, and milk. The event runs on December 7 and 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 6:15. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids 5–18, available at the door only. It's a magical evening for the whole family.

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

SMARTER EVERYDAY

“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” –E.E. Cummings.

Today, chase a giggle or a belly laugh.

It’s more than a moment’s joy—it’s a rebel act against life's drudgeries.

Laughter is contagious; spread it liberally! 🤣

THANK YOU!

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