Good morning, Ann Arbor.

Nearly 3,000 veterans and their families will gather at Vet Fest 2026 on Saturday, Aug.

8 at Lake Trust Stadium at Cleary University in Genoa Township where free admission for veterans + active-duty military members gives access to live entertainment, food trucks, family activities, and resource booths for veteran support.

The Apple Store at Briarwood Mall reopened Friday with a new wooden finish — the update brings accessible layouts and dedicated areas for tech help and Apple Camp.

Located at 100 Briarwood Circle, the store now offers a back-to-school discount until Aug. 27.

In downtown Ypsilanti, a free food festival will run from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.

15, at University Bank Commerce Center at 301 W. Michigan Ave, featuring over 30 local vendors, live music & family-friendly activities including a touch-a-truck, face painting, and a bouncy house.

Washtenaw Community College will launch four new certificate programs (Early Childhood, Paralegal Studies, Public Policy, AI Applications) this fall.

Fall classes start Aug. 31 as the college aims to meet local job demand and keep tuition low.

After the Morgan Wallen concerts on July 24-25, Ann Arbor officials are reviewing an ordinance that would require pedicab operators to get insurance & a permit after several citations for traffic law violations.

Pedicabs coming from distant regions aided tens of thousands traveling between the Michigan Stadium and downtown.

Military aircraft were seen over Ann Arbor as they prepared for the Northern Strike exercise scheduled to begin Aug.

3 at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC); local drivers should expect increased military traffic until Aug. 15.

Oracle and OpenAI filed a permit request with EGLE for treated wastewater (from facility bathrooms) to be discharged into the Saline River near the new data center in Saline Township; residents like Sarah and Jacob Brabbs are watching closely as public comments close Aug.

24.

Washtenaw County health officials reported that overdose deaths fell by 15% from 68 in 2024 to 58 in 2025, including 33 opioid-related deaths and marking a 10-year low.

Officials stressed that every overdose is one too many & urged the community to use free naloxone and harm reduction tools.

Mike Boynton Jr.'s contract for Michigan basketball includes built-in goals like 24 wins, a top-four Big Ten finish, a tournament title and a Sweet 16 run, and he said on the Wolverine Confidential podcast that he remains unfazed by the challenge.

Michigan football coach Kyle Whittingham was hired from Utah to lead the team after a rough off-season.

He said the team will focus on playing football and graduating players using his new coaching group in Ann Arbor.

Bay Faction Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Blind Pig — Ticketed event — Experience lively music by Bay Faction in an intimate venue setting.

Book Launch for When Squirrels Fly by D. E. Carr

When Squirrels Fly is a science-kissed cozy mystery set on the Old West Side of Ann Arbor. A book launch celebration and signing event is scheduled for August 6, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm at 211 W. Washington St. in downtown Ann Arbor.

Moonmill Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Ark — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting folk pop sounds of Moonmill with their rich vocal harmonies and captivating guitar lines.

The High Kings Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Ark — $44.50 — Experience the vibrant showcase of Irish culture with the chart-topping folk group, The High Kings.