Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
Good morning, Ann Arbor.
A new public park is being built at the old Federal Screw Works site in Chelsea, and it will include an 8,000-square-foot skatepark, climbing structures, sports courts, and a mural—proposals for which are due by Nov.
30. Construction will finish next year with funding from a state grant, local match, and community donations.
OpenAI announced on Oct.
30 that it will build a 2.2 million square-foot data center in rural Saline Township with construction set to begin early next year—its design uses a closed-loop cooling system to lower water use and secure power from DTE Energy. The project is expected to create 2,500 union construction jobs, over 450 permanent high-skill roles, and 1,500 local jobs while township officials continue to voice concerns about the impact on the area’s rural character.
A presentation at the Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library in Bay City on Oct.15 reviewed Michigan’s connections to notorious serial killers—including figures like John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer and the Ypsilanti Ripper—and examined how these cases tie into the state’s troubled past.
Ann Arbor residents are divided over Morgan Wallen’s upcoming concerts at Michigan Stadium set for July 24-25, 2026 where he will perform with country artists Thomas Rhett and HARDY on different nights.
Some locals expect the events to boost revenue while others oppose his appearance because of past offensive remarks.
Country singer Morgan Wallen will headline Michigan Stadium's second-ever concert on July 24-25 — he announced his 'Still the Problem' tour on Oct.
30 and will perform with Thomas Rhett, HARDY, Hudson Westbrook, and Blake Whiten.
A new documentary titled A Ripple in Ann Arbor will premiere at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov.
9 at the Michigan Theater; the free screening is followed by a panel where local leaders will offer an apology and discuss the racial profiling that occurred during the 1994 DNA dragnet—an investigation that questioned over 600 Black men.
Employees at Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor have reported strange sounds and falling glasses in the Wolverine Room of the historic 1886 train station that once stored WWII bodies, and management said the noises may come from old equipment.
The restaurant opened in 1970 as a fine dining venue and now hosts private events, drawing diners who are curious about its eerie past (no ghosts have been confirmed).
Angell Elementary in Ann Arbor was named one of Michigan's top 16 Blue Ribbon Schools by the Michigan Department of Education on Oct.
30, recognizing its academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps. The school, which also earned the honor in 2015, will be celebrated at a State Board ceremony on Nov. 13 — a nod to its dedication to student success.
The NCAA delayed the rule change that would let college athletes bet on pro sports until November 22, and Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore said he has not discussed the rule with his team and will address it later.
Critics such as SEC commissioner Greg Sankey voiced concerns over the threat to competition integrity.
Pop Open A Party: Great Sparkling Wines
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. — Total Wine & More — Free entry — Celebrate with bubbly as you learn to pair wines and explore sparkling styles from around the world.
The Sunday Artisan Market
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Ann Arbor Farmers' Market — Free access — Explore creations from over 30 local artists and artisans every Sunday in Kerrytown.
Josh Ritter Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Ark — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of music with Josh Ritter and his new album.
An Evening with Boz Scaggs
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Hill Auditorium — Starting at $30 — Experience the timeless grooves of Boz Scaggs as he transports you back to the musical vibrancy of the 1970s.
NAMIWalks Washtenaw County
12-2 p.m. — Gallup Park — Donations appreciated — Walk to support mental health awareness and community building.
Mon Rovîa Concert
7-9 p.m. — The Ark — $30 — Experience Mon Rovîa's powerful storytelling through music inspired by a life of resilience and empathy.
Washtenaw Region Owner2Owner Networking Event
4-6 p.m. — Venue by 4M — Free entry — Connect with fellow small business owners and enhance community relations in Ann Arbor.
Sam Grisman Project Live Performance
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — Tickets not specified — Experience the heartfelt melodies of Sam Grisman and his talented ensemble honoring traditional American acoustic music.
Stucchi and The Shepherd
7:30-9 p.m. — The Ark — Tickets starting at $126 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Stucchi and The Shepherd in Ann Arbor.
Shovels and Rope Live
7-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — $40 — Experience the energetic Charleston duo stirring up Americana sounds with guitars and an eclectic drum kit.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Ann Arbor.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.