New COVID strain prompts 2-week pause of Michigan Athletics activities
The university said several people linked to the Athletic Department have tested positive for the highly-contagious strain of the virus. A Wayne County man tested positive for the variant and a total of five people tested positive in Washtenaw County. The University of Michigan confirmed to Local 4 the school issued a two week pause for all University of Michigan Athletics. COVID-19 TestingWashtenaw County Health Department is working with the Michigan Department of Health and local partners to provide additional, no-cost COVID-19 testing opportunities. More: Michigan health officials concerned over COVID variants
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6 total cases of COVID variant reported in Michigan so far
The Washtenaw County Health Department announced Saturday, Jan. 23 that a total of five cases of the virus variant, also known as B117, have been identified in county residents. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) also identified one case of the virus variant in a Wayne County man. The Washtenaw County Health Department is warning residents of potential exposure sites, where patrons may have came into contact with the virus variant. A total of 5 cases of the variant have been identified and additional sequencing continues for other possible cases already positive for COVID-19. The virus variant has reportedly made its way to at least 20 states in the country so far.
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10 most-read All About Ann Arbor stories of 2020 that weren’t COVID related
The Juneteenth March for Change drew hundreds to the Diag on the University of Michigan's downtown Ann Arbor campus. We’re taking a look at the most-read stories on All About Ann Arbor this year, minus COVID-19 related coverage (because we’re making another list for that). Driver killed, passenger extracted after car vaults from ditch into Ann Arbor WalgreensFrom December: On Dec. 24, an 82-year-old Ann Arbor man was killed when the car he was driving “vaulted” from a ditch into a Walgreens in Ann Arbor. The man was killed and an injured passenger, a 77-year-old Ann Arbor woman who was “significantly pinned” in the vehicle was extracted after 45 minutes. Ann Arbor police on scene of barricaded gunman situation at apartment complexFrom February: On Friday, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to multiple reports of shots being fired in the Hidden Valley Club Apartments in Ann Arbor.
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The Sophisticated Lifestyle Boutique opens in Ann Arbor’s Briarwood Mall
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A new women’s clothing boutique has opened in the Briarwood Mall. The Sophisticated Lifestyle Boutique started online in 2019, which then grew into pop-ups. The Sophisticated Lifestyle Boutique opened in early October in Ann Arbor's Briarwood Mall. (Sarah M. Parlette / WDIV)The Sophisticated Lifestyle Boutique will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Sophisticated Lifestyle Boutique is at 294 Briarwood Cir., between Von Maur and Champs Sports.
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Cinnabon, Spirit Halloween among stores returning to Ann Arbors Briarwood Mall
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Ann Arbors Briarwood Mall is welcoming back returning retailers and is set to add a new sweet spot to Ann Arbor in the fall. Spooky costume and decorations retailer Spirit Halloween moved into a nearly 15,000 square foot space in the malls south side on Aug. 20. Cinnabon, a national chain known for its cinnamon buns, returned on Aug. 14 with an updated bakery design next to the Briarwood Mall JCPenney. American Eagle Outfitters unveiled its new conceptual design in the malls east wing as its sister store, Aerie, opened on July 24. Briarwood Mall will also be adding Livonia-based dessert retailer Teelicious Dessert Creations Caf.
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Crowds, lines form outside stores as Metro Detroit malls reopen
At Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, the opening is a work-in-progress. When you come to the mall, they require shoppers to require a mask and there are signs all over demanding social distancing. Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor, Great Lakes Crossing Outlet in Auburn Hills and Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi reopened May 28, 2020. Twelve Oaks Mall’s reopening is a slow roll out with many of the aisle stores -- and even the anchor stores -- remain closed. I would go all the time.”Twelve Oaks Mall general manager Dan Jones said the mall is looking at ways to prevent crowds.
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Metro Detroit malls begin to reopen Thursday with new safety precautions
NOVI, Mich. – Secretary of State offices aren’t the only thing reopening in Michigan -- shopping malls are also starting to serve customers again. Somerset Collection in TroyREAD: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Twelve Oaks Mall reopening: New hours, COVID-19 safety rulesShoppers will need to make an appointment and there will be greeters at the door. The malls are open, but that doesn’t mean all the stores are open. The children’s play area, water fountains and food court at Twelve Oaks Mall is not opened. We’ll be seeing more stores come online but the expectations should be tempered,” said Twelve Oaks Mall general manager Dan Jones.
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Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor reopens with enhanced safety protocols
ANN ARBOR Briarwood Mall announced that it will reopen on Thursday after closing its doors on March 19 over health concerns relating to the coronavirus outbreak. Mall officials published enhanced safety protocols developed with health experts in order to ensure heightened safety standards at the property. Employee safety protections including implementing the CDCs COVID-19 frequent hand-washing protocols, and offering personal protective equipment in addition to other CDC recommended practices. Briarwood Mall provides more than 2,000 jobs to members of the local community and contributes $2.8 million in property tax and $13.2 million of sales tax revenue to the state. According to property officials, these tax receipts fund essential community services, including infrastructure, education and health and safety services.
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Ann Arbor man arrested for shooting person in face near Briarwood Mall, police say
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – An Ann Arbor man has been arrested for shooting someone in the face at an apartment complex near Briarwood Mall, police said. Justin Anthony Heinze, 28, is accused of firing the shot at 9:37 p.m. Friday at the Hidden Valley Club Apartments in the 600 block of Hidden Valley Club Drive, according to authorities. A 25-year-old Belleville resident who knew Heinze was shot in the face, police said. Heinze lives at the Hidden Valley Club Apartments, officials said. He was arrested at 11:22 p.m. Friday by SWAT team members after a standoff, police said.

Family-run 24th CC fills cheesecake void in Ann Arbor food scene
Sean Brezzell of 24th CC holds his maize and blue cheesecake and his son, Sean, at the Briarwood Mall cheesecake shop. Photo | Sarah M. ParletteANN ARBOR, Mich. - Located in Briarwood Mall, 24th CC introduces Ann Arbor to more than just cheesecake. In May, 24th CC took over a vacant spot in Briarwood Mall. The only cheesecakerie in Ann Arbor, 24th CC offers cheesecake by the slice from its coolers full of creative and inspired cheesecakes, as well as its core cheesecakes. The cheesecake shop is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.