News
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Trading Card Rewards
Stories fuel passion for collectors and dealers.
A New Bridge Between Ann Arbor and Detroit
U-M leads an innovation strategy to help stem the region's brain drain.
Science Faces a Hostile Takeover
A proposal to give political appointees final say on all federal grants sends chills through the research community.
Keeping Out the Con Artists
Fair directors watch for the kind of resale fraud shown in viral video.
Voters’ Message Is Clear—as Mud
Ann Arborites went to the polls in impressive numbers for a midterm primary. What they said depends on whom you ask.
Everyone Is Invited
Ann Arbor’s high school theater programs build creativity, confidence, and community.Community
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Friendships That Transcend Age
A volunteer program proves the generation gap is only as wide as you make it.
The Purpose and Value of Culture
Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival turned into collective healing for a group of Asian American families.
Barb Schutzgruber
A weaver of fabrics and folklore
Conversation with a Diag Preacher
Meet the evangelists trying to convert the University of Michigan
Mitchell: Keeping Ann Arbor Weird
Plenty of gardens and variety, but never garden-variety.
Dicken: Like Riding a Bike?
Parks, playgrounds, and a gateway to nature.Fun Stuff
Latest
“Walkable City?” (a true story)
The Cube
Minor Landmarks | September 2026
Pinball Pete’s Sign
I Spy Update | September 2026
Tick Talk
Fake Ad Update | September 2026
Barton Dam
Minor Landmarks | August 2026
Roadwork Blues
Uomonuovo
Fake Ad Update | August 2026
Liberty Plaza Mural
I Spy Update | August 2026Business
Latest
Trading Card Rewards
Stories fuel passion for collectors and dealers.A New Bridge Between Ann Arbor and Detroit
U-M leads an innovation strategy to help stem the region's brain drain.
Faster, Higher, Stranger
High-rises and luxury student apartments are transforming Ann Arbor’s skyline, and the streets and neighborhoods below.
Tough Break Hotel
After scathing reviews, Blue Suede’s Exhibit A2 has left the building.
Starry-Eyed
Local chefs hope to draw the Michelin Guide to Ann Arbor
This Year’s Big Health Scare
The public fight between Michigan Medicine and Blue Cross Blue Shield is tormenting the patients and families who depend on them both.
Downtown Dead Zone
Four years ago, S. Main’s 100 block seemed poised for a comeback. What went wrong?
Innovation District?
Unravelling the mystery of the signs on Plymouth and Traverwood roads.Marketplace
Latest
Spending the Golden Years in Treetown
Ann Arbor is touted as a top retirement destination. Some newcomers say they see why.
A Taste of Scandinavia
Sweet Hop Swedish Candy brings trendy treats to E. Liberty.
Stubborn Brother Wills Itself to Ann Arbor
Toledo-bred, New York–styled, and Dave Portnoy calls it “the best.”
If These Glasses Could Talk
The stirring stories behind some of our city’s cocktails
Juicy Kitchen Rises From the Ashes
Ten months after a disastrous fire, the Maple Rd. eatery is reopening.Faster, Higher, Stranger
High-rises and luxury student apartments are transforming Ann Arbor’s skyline, and the streets and neighborhoods below.
Sewing Studio Reinforces the Social Fabric
Marengo favors natural fibers, inclusive patterns, and a community vibe.
There’s a New Shroom Shop Among Us
Psilly and its playful name celebrate Ann Arbor’s openness to entheogens.Culture
Latest
Touché, My Friend
Athena at Theatre Nova
A Fourth Attempt at Forever
Emma’s Wedding(s) at the Purple Rose
Follow the Balloons!
Gallery Night in Kerrytown
Questions Worth Asking
Encore Theatre’s Fiddler on the Roof
People Come and Go, but the Piano’s Always Grand
A monthly jam has been bringing together musicians for a generation.
Country Love for the Bard
Preview: Shakespeare in the Arb’s Love’s Labor’s Lost
Jazz in Ann Arbor: A Vibe Check
How artists view the city’s diverse venues and audiences
“The Whole Show Is Made Up”
Friday Night Improv with 11 Non-BlondesSince 1976
The Ann Arbor Observer has been putting readers in touch with our town. Packed with concise and insightful news of people, politics, education, shopping, dining, and entertainment, our newsprint magazine has a monthly circulation of 53,000.
Ann Arbor Observer City Guides
Guide to Ann Arbor shopping, dining, senior services, health care, and schools. Mailed free to Ann Arbor residents, with a bonus circulation of 500 for retail, real estate offices, and U-M.