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🌱 How new I-94 flex lanes could change your Ann Arbor commute

Ann Arbor, Michigan Patch AM: a 5 min read

Hi Ann Arbor! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new I-94 flex lanes could change your Ann Arbor commute
  • How Ann Arbor’s new fiber backbone could change your internet options
  • Planning to attend this three-day faith conference on Stadium Boulevard?

Also on today's calendar: Free Coffee for Michigan Students and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A stray afternoon t-shower, with a high of 80 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny; pleasant, less humid, temps: high: 79, low: 55.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 82 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. MDOT plans to add flex lanes to I-94 through Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. and State St. (wemu.org) — Drivers in Ann Arbor should expect big changes on I-94, as MDOT plans to add flex lanes between Ann Arbor-Saline Road and the US-23 interchange within its 2027–2031 program. The project aims to ease rush-hour congestion and reduce crashes without widening the highway, though environmental and noise studies will come first and construction isn’t expected until around 2031.
   

2. Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti now linked by 18-mile fiber optic network (mlive.com) — Ann Arbor has switched on a new 18-mile fiber backbone linking the city with Ypsilanti, expanding the existing A2 I-NET and downtown Technology Park network. The city owns and operates the underground system, offering excess capacity as dark fiber for businesses, institutions, and telecom providers. Officials say the redundant routes are built for long-term growth and stronger broadband competition.
   

3. Invitation: Tapestry of Promise Conference Saint Francis, Ann Arbor (dioceseoflansing.org) — St. Francis of Assisi Parish on E Stadium Blvd is hosting the three-day Tapestry of Promise conference in Ann Arbor from November 19–21, 2026. The event will explore how Old Testament events prefigure Jesus, with talks from several well-known Catholic speakers. Discounted early-bird tickets, including student and clergy rates, are available through September 5.
   

4. White student enrollment at Ann Arbor Open at Mack School in 2024-25 (annarbortimes.com) — Ann Arbor Open at Mack School’s white student enrollment dipped to 355 in 2024-25, making up about 70% of its 508 students. The story tracks a decade-long decline in the share of white students at the school and compares enrollment with other Ann Arbor Public Schools, while noting statewide funding levels that support local classrooms.
   

5. Eligible SNAP recipients can use benefits at these Ann Arbor area restaurants (mlive.com) — SNAP recipients in the Ann Arbor area who are seniors, disabled, homeless, or spouses of eligible participants can now use their Bridge Cards for hot meals at eight local restaurants. Washtenaw County health officials and restaurant owners say the Restaurant Meal Program tackles food insecurity while supporting small businesses. More eateries are being recruited, and eligibility details are available through MDHHS and county websites.
   

📸 Around Ann Arbor

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Ann Arbor

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events
    Thursday August 27
  • CHS Jazz Camp
    Community High School Ann Arbor, MI 48104
    7:00 pm
    • Saturday August 29
  • 2-Year BOGO Anniversary Party →
    MilkShake Factory Ann Arbor, 326 S Maple Rd, Ann Arbor
    11:30 am
    • Tuesday September 1
  • Senior Night
    Huron High School Ann Arbor, MI 48104
    6:00 pm
    • Wednesday September 2
  • Staff Meeting - Library
    Ann Arbor STEAM Ann Arbor, MI 48104
    3:30 pm
    • Tuesday September 8
  • Capsule Night
    Huron High School Ann Arbor, MI 48104
    6:00 pm
  • CET Auditions
    Community High School Ann Arbor, MI 48104
    7:45 pm

📣 Ann Arbor Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday August 27
  • Freighthouse Closed for Maintenence →
    Ypsilanti, MI Calendar, 100 Market Place, Ypsilanti
    8:00 am
  • Administrative Hearings Bureau →
    Ypsilanti, MI Calendar, 1 S Huron St, Ypsilanti
    9:00 am
  • Gentle Restorative Yoga for Stress and Anxiety Relief
    Dexter District Library Dexter, MI 48130
    9:30 am
  • Meet-the-Teacher Night
    Ypsilanti International Elementary School 503 Oak St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, USA
    5:00 pm
  • Erickson Back-to School Welcome for Parents & Students
    Erickson Elementary School, 1427 Levona St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
    5:00 pm
  • Marching Band
    Dexter High School Dexter, MI 48130
    5:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Ann Arbor PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello, people - I'm teaching a free writing workshop on the first Thursday of every month in the basement of the Argus Farm Stop Cafe on Packard.
    7-8:30pm, starting Thursday 9/3. Come on down! (Nextdoor LoBuPa)
  • I have baby clothes to donate 0-3 months.
    Is there somewhere in the area that I could take them to. I don’t want to take them to a resale shop. Thank. (Nextdoor Maple - Joy)
  • TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Lead Medical Support Assistant in Ann Arbor. Apply here.
  • The Salvation Army in the Midwest posted a job opening for Part-Time Donation Processing Associate in Ann Arbor. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ann Arbor here.

Ok Ann Arbor! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Ann Arbor

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Ann Arbor

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.