Daily
Ann Arbor
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Ann Arbor. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 23, an electrical mishap sparked a fire at Maxton Plaza in Ypsilanti that destroyed 10 businesses serving as sanctuaries for healing professionals; owners such as Naomi White and Jess Kilbourn are planning temporary moves and rebuilding efforts. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Ann Arbor saw the permanent closing of The Cellar and The Den, and a new honky-tonk called The Ranch will open on Thursday, Mar. 26 (at the former West Washington space) with options like cocktails, draft beer and 10-gallon hat bowls. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The University of Michigan has warned that marijuana may not be used on campus during Hash Bash, a 55-year tradition set for Saturday, April 4 at the Central Campus Diag — organizers expect police to focus on illegal sales instead of stopping joint smoking. MLive
- ➤ Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor will host 10 concerts in April featuring both local and international artists from jazz to opera & a signature Wine, Women & Song event on April 25. Tickets cost $10 to $75 with student discounts. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washtenaw Community College is accepting applications for its annual Pitch@WCC 2026 business pitch competition — current students can compete solo or in teams until March 27. Six finalists will pitch live on May 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Morris Lawrence Building on campus. MLive
- ➤ Former Michigan star and Detroit native Jalen Rose will serve as the commencement speaker and receive an honorary degree when regents approve the appointments later this week. Commencement is set for Saturday, May 2 at Michigan Stadium (in Ann Arbor). MLive
- ➤ Youth aged 10 to 14 can join a week-long acting camp at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre from March 30 to April 3. Led by local theater teacher Alex Moore, the camp offers daily rehearsals, acting games and a final showcase at 3 p.m. on the last day. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ann Arbor officials plan a new unarmed crisis response program called SPROUT that pairs social workers with police for nonviolent mental health calls and will work with Washtenaw County Community Mental Health to test a co-response model within 90 days — aiming to connect those in crisis to care. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials reported a measles outbreak in Washtenaw County with three linked cases confirmed since March 12. People who visited exposure sites in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor should monitor their symptoms for 21 days and call their provider if signs of measles appear (the MMR vaccine is advised). WXYZ
- ➤ University of Michigan interim president Domenico Grasso said at the March 19 Regents meeting that Blue Cross claims about Michigan Medicine’s contract negotiations are untrue. He added that the university will work with the hospital system to reach a fair renewal before the current contract ends on June 30. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Michigan's Wolverines advanced in March Madness after defeating Howard 101-81 on Thursday, Mar. 19 in Buffalo (Morez Johnson Jr. scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds). They now prepare to face ninth-seeded Saint Louis. All About Ann Arbor
- ➤ Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham, fresh in his role after 2.5 months on the job, praised the team’s winter gains and is set to boost physical play with spring practices, with the spring game scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at Michigan Stadium featuring quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back Jordan Marshall. All About Ann Arbor
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Transfigurations: Han Kang's 'The Vegetarian' in Music and Words
4-6 p.m. — Kerrytown Concert House — $ — Experience a unique musical interpretation of Han Kang's novel showcasing themes of silence and transformation.
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Ann Arbor YMCA Indoor Triathlon
11:45 AM – 4:55 PM — 400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI — Fundraising event — Compete in a fun indoor triathlon while supporting community programs.
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Happy Hour Concert with Kait Bimer
5:30-6:30 p.m. — North Star Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy a free happy hour concert featuring genres from jazz to soul with local talent Kait Bimer.
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Rabbitology
8-11 p.m. — The Ark — $29.00 — Explore eclectic soundscapes and fantastical sonic stories crafted by University of Michigan student Nat Timmerman.
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African Violet Display & Plant Sale
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Matthaei Botanical Gardens — Free entry — Explore beautiful African violets and attend a leaf propagation class.
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Yoga in the Taproom
1-2 p.m. — Bløm Mead + Cider — Cost varies — Unwind with yoga flow and enjoy refreshing mead or cider afterward.
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Le Vent Du Nord Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Ark — $29.00 — Enjoy the award-winning sounds of Le Vent du Nord, a leading force in Québec's progressive Francophone folk movement.
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Babies & Brews at Bløm
4-6 p.m. — Bløm Mead + Cider — Food and beverage options available — A community space for parents and caregivers to relax and connect.
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Mike Marshall & Alessandro Penezzi Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Ark — Free for members, ticketed for others — Experience the virtuosic string performances blending American roots and Brazilian music.
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The Gothard Sisters Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Ark — $35.00 — Experience the captivating sounds of contemporary Celtic folk music performed by three talented sisters.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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