Good morning, Ann Arbor.

Just Play Family Fun Center opened a 28,000 sqft indoor playground in Dexter at 7001 Dexter Ann Arbor Road on Dec.

12, offering kids 11 slides, a ball pit, and other play areas (with spots for parents to relax with coffee and Wi-Fi).

L.L.Bean is set to open its new store in Ann Arbor next fall at Briarwood Mall near Kay Jewelers and Brow Art on Briarwood Circle.

The Maine-based outdoor retailer is expanding as part of a national rollout, and no exact opening date has been announced.

Bev's Bagels announced that it will expand its Detroit location at the intersection of Grand River Ave. and Warren and open a new shop at 115 E.

Liberty St in downtown Ann Arbor in 2026 — adding seating, specialty breads, and an extended pastry program.

Pinball Pete’s began moving its pinball machines to a new downtown space at 500 E.

Liberty St.—a change prompted by the demolition of its longtime South U location—after a delayed start on Dec. 16; the arcade will open in January with a revised layout.

Developers are planning 16 new data center projects across Michigan as AI growth and state tax breaks boost interest; one project near Ann Arbor in Saline Township is in early site preparation for OpenAI & Oracle and will begin full construction early 2026.

The University of Michigan will invest $250 million over five years in a new biomedical innovation institute called Unit X that will merge research in health, engineering, and supercomputing to speed medical discoveries.

UM officials plan to recruit global scientists and seek community feedback as the project develops.

Ann Arbor Public Schools say there is no budget crisis after responsible decisions amid state delays and lower special ed reimbursements, and officials will review mid-year amendments at a School Board meeting today at the Earhart Administration Building — where they will discuss plans to boost long-term financial stability.

Michigan and 19 other states have sued the federal government over a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas that will raise costs for local employers (including the University of Michigan).

Attorney General Dana Nessel said the fee was imposed without proper process and could hurt education, healthcare, and auto services.

Kania Wright secured permanent supportive housing at Alpha House in Ann Arbor last September along with her 8-year-old daughter, as local leaders warn that proposed HUD changes could cut funding for permanent housing services and reduce client numbers by 20% in Washtenaw County.

Ann Arbor public transit is removing the ‘Ride as if Coach Moore is watching’ signs from its buses after officials received social media reports & confirmed that the campaign no longer reflects current guidelines.

The Transportation Authority said it will remove any remaining signs promptly.

Local parents in Ann Arbor are planning holiday gift purchases carefully as the Michigan Retailers Association predicts rising sales from November to January.

Individuals like teacher Rory Hughes plan budgets for meaningful gifts (books, toys, and experiences) while avoiding overindulgence to preserve family values.

City Council approved a property tax waiver and a $4 million allocation from the city’s affordable housing fund on Monday, Dec.

15, for a 20-story, 330-unit affordable housing project at 350 S. Fifth Ave downtown (just under $213M cost) that will break ground in spring.

Alicia Witt Holiday Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the season with Alicia Witt’s festive music from her Christmas album.

Die Hard Screening

9:30–11 p.m. — Michigan Theater — Tickets from $35 — Experience the holiday classic 'Die Hard' on the big screen in a historic venue.

The Minor Piece's Holiday Soirée

6:00-7:15 p.m. — North Star Lounge — Cost not specified — Experience the soulful sounds of The Minor Pieces blending Americana with modern craftsmanship.

It's a Wonderful Life - Film Screening

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Michigan Theater — Tickets starting at $35 — Experience the classic holiday film that's a beloved part of the season.

Little Women - Film

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Michigan Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved story of sisterhood and perseverance in this film adaptation.

New Year’s Eve Jazz Celebration

8:30-10:30 p.m. — Kerrytown Concert House — Check for pricing — Experience an enchanting evening of jazz with drummer Pete Siers and friends as you toast to the New Year.

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan Wolverines Men's Basketball

1-2:30 p.m. — Crisler Center — Check ticket prices — Catch a thrilling Big Ten matchup as the undefeated Wolverines face off against the Badgers.

Amythyst Kiah Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Ark — $29.00 — Experience a captivating alt-rock journey with Amythyst Kiah's new album exploring deep personal themes and connections.

Denitia Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Ark — $24.00 — Experience an evening with Denitia as she brings her Nashville roots to life through evocative storytelling and music from her new album, Sunset Drive.