The Art Of Zinn

For anyone who spends much time walking around downtown Ann Arbor, it's hard not to have stumbled across one of David Zinn's whimsical sidewalk chalk drawings. They often depict the adventures of a little green guy named Sluggo, who might be found playing in a pile of leaves, hanging out with a flying pig, or simply taking a coffee break. In the artist's own words, they're lighthearted and trivial, and soothingly self-destructing. That is, they're meant to be temporary, to wash away with the next rain. Zinn and two other local artists were announced as this year's winners of the Public Art Commission's annual Golden Paintbrush Awards. Read the story.

Judging Jim

Jim Fink was put in the hot seat Saturday afternoon at the Washtenaw County Democratic Party's judicial candidate forum in Pittsfield Township. Fink, one four attorneys competing for an open Circuit Court judge seat, was asked to explain his Republican leanings, while the three other candidates made it known they're Democrats. Before the forum started, someone anonymously distributed dozens of copies of a homemade attack flier carrying the headline "What Washtenaw Democrats should know about Jim Fink," calling him anti-gay and anti-choice. Read the story. "If you look at my website, you will find that I am supported across the board, which is what a judge should be," Fink said. "I've been practicing law for 18 years and I've spent those 18 years pursuing justice for my clients in the court," Carol Kuhnke said. "I've been in private practice now for the past five years," Erane Washington said. "In a room full of Democrats, you can trust that I share your values," Doug McClure said.

Funny Faces Asians Make

The Squirrel Club

University of Michigan student Ashley Hastings, a member of the Squirrel Club on campus, attempts to feed an evasive critter on Tuesday afternoon. There's a long history of squirrel feeding on the Diag dating back at least 100 years. Check out the club's website. From the site: "The Squirrel Club was founded by Jason Colman and Justin Hyatt in 2002 after a late-night dorm conversation about squirrels. Although only five students attended the first meeting in October of that year, by the following Spring the club had over 100 members. By 2004, the Squirrel Club was one of the largest student organizations at Michigan with over 400 members—and our ranks continue to grow."

618 South Main

Ann Arbor developer Dan Ketelaar assures his newest apartment complex on South Main Street won't be geared toward University of Michigan students. "This is not a student project. This is designed specifically for young professionals," he said just before the Ann Arbor City Council voted 8-2 to approve the project Monday night. The complex, officially called 618 South Main, is expected to break ground by next spring, bringing 231 more bedrooms to downtown Ann Arbor. Read the story.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere A Sign

The gloves were off before the debate even started Wednesday night between 1st Ward Ann Arbor City Council candidates Eric Sturgis and Sumi Kailasapathy. The two Democrats, who will face off in the Aug. 7 primary, engaged in a heated verbal sparring match outside the Arrowwood Community Center after Sturgis' mother took down a handful of Kailasapathy's campaign signs that were on the property. "You don't have a right to remove my signs," Kailasapathy said, yelling at Sturgis, who argued Kailasapathy was violating city ordinance by having the signs up. Read the story.

Plugging In

Are you ready for an electric car? Ann Arbor officials now say they're at least ready for you to venture downtown and plug in. With the help of the local Clean Energy Coalition, city officials are celebrating the installation of 18 electric vehicle charging stations at six parking locations downtown. This was the scene Tuesday at the Forest Avenue parking structure. Read the story.

Life's Short, Eat Cookies

Knight's Market has operated for decades at the northeast corner of Miller Avenue and Spring Street in a cozy neighborhood just west of downtown Ann Arbor. Its owners are now looking to expand. Read the story.

Theo Katzman Rocks The Deuce

Former Ann Arborite Theo Katzman was back in town for Summer Festival by way of Brooklyn on Saturday and rocked a crowd of familiar faces. If you haven't seen the new video for his song "Brooklyn," check it out here. And of course, download his new album.