Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Ann Arbor. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ann Arbor-based Adrenaline Interactive won a $1M grand prize at the 2026 PitchMI Championship in Lansing on April 8, beating three regional finalists. The gaming ad startup, which places ads in video games like Fortnite + Roblox, secured total PitchMI winnings of $1.375M. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Cinetopia Film Festival will return to Ann Arbor from May 13 to May 17 at the Michigan Theater and State Theatre, showcasing independent and Michigan-made films with workshops and question and answer sessions. The lineup includes ‘Power Ballad’ starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. MLive
- ➤ Pioneer High School students will bring Chicago: Teen Edition to life at Schreiber Auditorium from April 30 through May 3 (co-directed by UM alumni), offering a high-energy production that blends jazz and history while teaching lessons in teamwork and dedication. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, Chelsea lacrosse scored early and dominated their SEC game to beat Jackson United 15-2, with Cody Cox and Jackson Wray leading the offense - a promising start for the young team. MLive
- ➤ Michigan football players recalled the pride sparked last October by the Wolverines’ basketball team winning a national title against Connecticut, and they say it raised the stakes for their 2026 season. Coach Kyle Whittingham is set to build on that excitement as the team prepares for fall competition. MLive
- ➤ The Michigan Wolverines clinched the national title on April 6 with a 69 to 63 win over UConn in Indianapolis. The team built from transfers and young players broke records with 37 wins and an undefeated Big Ten road streak, confirming its place as the best in Michigan basketball history. All About Ann Arbor
- ➤ Ann Arbor will close several streets Saturday, April 11 for the University of Michigan men’s basketball championship parade — closures run from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and the parade begins at 10 a.m. at the President’s House on South U, continuing along State Street. MLive
- ➤ Natasza Dudek, the Ann Arbor Pioneer star runner, signed a historic NIL deal with Brooks Running (after a record-setting sophomore season that earned her state and national titles and the Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year award). MLive
- ➤ Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham returned to play on Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena, recording a double-double (13 points and 10 assists) while receiving support from former Michigan champions and a Fab 5 legend. The team, now 58-22, is poised for a playoff push. All About Ann Arbor
- ➤ Michigan basketball freshman Winters Grady entered the transfer portal after playing nine games this season for the national champions. The 6-foot-6 guard-forward redshirted due to a foot injury and hopes for a larger role next season, possibly following coach Justin Joyner to Oregon State. MLive
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Brian Vander Ark Live
8-11 p.m. — The Ark — $29.00 — Experience the hits of The Verve Pipe with lead singer Brian Vander Ark in an intimate setting.
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Penny & Sparrow Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — $35.00 — Experience the eclectic sounds of Penny & Sparrow as they navigate through rich themes and styles.
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John Gorka Live Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Ark — $35.00 — Experience the heartfelt tunes of folk legend John Gorka in an intimate setting.
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Fantastic Negrito Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Ark — $40.00 — Experience a powerhouse performance blending Delta blues, soul, funk, and rock from a three-time GRAMMY winner.
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Willie Nile Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Ark — $35 — Experience the gifted singer-songwriter hailed as 'one of the most talented' from New York City.
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Mr. B's 29th Annual Blues & Boogie Piano Celebration
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Ark — $35.00 — Experience a night of exceptional blues and boogie piano as local legend Mr. B teams up with top musicians.
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Michigan Wolverines vs. Toledo Rockets
4:30-7:30 p.m. — Alumni Field at Carol Hutchins Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling college softball matchup between two competitive teams.
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Jeffrey Martin Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Ark — $29.00 — Experience the soulful storytelling and music of Jeffrey Martin in an intimate setting.
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Ana Popovic Live Performance
8-11 PM — The Ark — $40 — Experience the electrifying fusion of groove, blues, funk, and soul with Ana Popovic’s latest album release.
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Joshua Grekin Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — The Ark — $18.50 — Experience a soulful and jazzy performance by composer and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Grekin and his all-star band.
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