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🌱 Ann Arbor battery firm to close three sites and cut 82 jobs

Ann Arbor, Michigan Patch AM: a 5 min read

Good morning Ann Arbor! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Ann Arbor battery firm to close three sites and cut 82 jobs
  • Ann Arbor dancers remember Professor Judy Rice’s lasting impact on their lives
  • How a new nearby fire station could speed help to Ann Arbor homes

Also on today's calendar: The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Novi, MI (May 2026) and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the boss deny a raise to the can of paint? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Some clouds, then sunny, with a high of 67 and low of 50 degrees.
  • Saturday: Some sun with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 75, low: 59.
  • Sunday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 78 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 82 workers laid off, 3 locations closed for Ann Arbor energy storage provider (mlive.com) — An Ann Arbor-based energy storage company, Navitas Systems, is closing its three local facilities and laying off 82 employees between July and late October as its parent company shifts its lithium business strategy. The firm previously received state economic development incentives, and the cuts affect locations on Venture Drive, Jackson Road, and South State Road.
   

2. Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dance World Remembers Professor Judy Rice, A Giant in Ballet Education (theunionstar.com) — Ann Arbor’s dance community is mourning Professor Judy Rice, a beloved University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance educator whose teaching shaped generations of local and national dancers. Colleagues and former students remember her technical rigor, joyful energy, and signature “Judy-isms,” with memorial details to be shared in the coming weeks.
   

3. Construction ahead of schedule for new township fire station west of Ann Arbor (mlive.com) — A new Scio Township fire station just west of Ann Arbor is rising faster than planned, with foundations and drainage work already ahead of schedule. Funded by a 2024 voter-approved millage, the Wagner Road station aims to sharply cut response times so firefighters can handle most calls without outside help by its planned spring 2027 opening.
   

4. Scio Twp: Notice of Planning Commission Meeting 6/8/26 (thesuntimesnews.com) — Scio Township’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Township Hall on Zeeb Road in Ann Arbor, with Zoom access available. Residents can weigh in on a proposed conditional use permit for “The Back Nine,” a five-bay indoor golf simulator facility on Jackson Road.
   

5. HFC student Zayneb Ardaini wins 6 awards from MCCPA (hfcc.edu) — A standout Henry Ford College journalist is planning her next academic step in Ann Arbor, transferring to the University of Michigan after earning her associate degree. Zayneb Ardaini recently won six Michigan Community College Press Association awards and will join U-M programs, including a Mellon-funded summer research opportunity, as she prepares for a future career in higher education and writing.
   

📸 Around Ann Arbor

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Ann Arbor

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Ann Arbor Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday May 15
  • DP Math Paper 2
    Washtenaw International High School & Middle Academy Ypsilanti, MI 48197
    8:30 am
  • Friday Afternoon Movie for Adults: Hamnet (2025)
    Dexter District Library Dexter, MI 48130
    1:00 pm
  • Private Rental →
    Ypsilanti, MI Calendar, 100 Market Place, Ypsilanti
    4:00 pm
  • LHS Varsity Baseball Home Games →
    Lincoln Middle School Varsity Baseball Field
    4:00 pm
  • LHS Varsity Softball Home Games →
    Lincoln Middle School Varsity Softball Field
    4:00 pm

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

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Uodate: SiSi has been found and is home ssfe.
    Thank you to all for helping find her. My girl CeeCee ran away from work this morning. She works at Washtenaw Country Club with her dad in… (Nextdoor Mitchell)
  • Is this your cat?
    Gray and black tabby has been coming around our back porch since last week. We have indoor cats and it seems interested as we've caught it peering… (Nextdoor Mitchell)
  • Goodwin Recruiting posted a job opening for Upscale Dining Sous Chef in Ann Arbor. Apply here.
  • First Hospitality posted a job opening for Hotel Housekeeper 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: Because he didn't apply himself. (Thank you Rita S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

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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.