Good morning, Ann Arbor.

Mott Children's Hospital hosted its annual toy store on Wednesday and Thursday, turning its renovated Michigan Game Day Experience space into a North Pole that delivered about 10,000 holiday gifts to patients and families from local donors.

State regulators approved special power contracts on Thursday for a new AI data center planned on farmland in Saline Township to serve OpenAI and Oracle without extra cost to other customers.

Developers will start construction early next year, pending DTE’s formal commitment within 30 days (conditions set by the commission).

Ann Arbor’s first bus-only lane on State Street opened last week after an April city council vote on an $8 million project, allowing UM and TheRide buses to use dedicated markings and a bus-priority traffic signal at State and William.

More transit upgrades and a Fourth Avenue redesign will cause brief service disruptions in early 2026.

MLive journalists collaborated with national reporters over several months to investigate paraquat, a weed killer used on Michigan farms that thousands of farmers allege contributed to Parkinson's disease.

Syngenta defends the product's safety when used as directed.

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.

Heywood Banks Live Performance

8-11 PM — The Ark — $40.00 — Experience the unique humor and musical styles of cult icon Heywood Banks.

G. Love & Special Sauce Live

7-10 p.m. — The Ark — $51.50 — Enjoy the Lemonade 20th Anniversary Tour featuring the unique hybrid sounds of hip-hop blues by G. Love & Special Sauce.