U-M President-Elect Diagnosed With Brain Cancer, ICE Detains Driver in Kerrytown
Last week, The Michigan Daily reported on University of Michigan President-elect Kent Syvrud stepping down (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/university-president-elect-kent-syverud-steps-down-due-to-cancer-diagnosis/) due to a cancer diagnosis, an ICE Detention (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/ice-detains-driver-in-ann-arbors-kerrytown-district-without-alerting-local-officials/) in Kerrytown and storm damage (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/storm-tears-through-ann-arbor-damaging-city-buildings-yost-ice-arena/) after two tornadoes hit Ann Arbor.
13 Apr 2026
UMich Research Scientist Dies after Alleged Law Enforcement Questioning, Acker Campaign Ad Criticized by GEO
Last week, the Michigan Daily reported on the death of an assistant research scientist, (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/umich-investigating-engineering-researchers-death-after-alleged-questioning-by-u-s-government/) which the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety and Security is investigating. Also, the Graduate Employees Organization criticized Regent Jordan Acker’s (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/geo-disapproves-of-mention-in-acker-campaign-ad-reviving-2023-strike-debates/) “pro-labor” campaign ad, and an incoming graduate student built an interactive map of Ann Arbor called MGUIDE. (https://mguide.app/transit/stop/:id/)
Additional Sources:
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2026/04/dive-deeper-into-university-of-michigans-ann-arbor-campus-with-students-new-digital-map.html (https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2026/04/dive-deeper-into-university-of-michigans-ann-arbor-campus-with-students-new-digital-map.html)\
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQp8R4ZpUL8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQp8R4ZpUL8)
6 Apr 2026
Pinball Pete's Returns, Blue Bus Collision Sparks Safety Concerns, CSG Election Results
Last week, The Michigan Daily reported on Pinball Pete’s soft opening (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/business/pinball-petes-launches-soft-opening-of-new-liberty-street-location/) at its new Liberty Street location, and two Blue Buses collided (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/public-safety/recent-blue-bus-collision-sparks-discussion-about-umich-bus-system/) at Fuller and Maiden Lane on March 10, causing a conversation about bus safety and routes. Also, CSG elections wrapped up (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/student-government/louth-and-perez-of-human-rights-party-projected-to-become-csg-president-and-vice-president/); news editor Sarah Palushi joins to break down the full election results, including amendment votes and a UMPD Oversight position.
Interview with Ellie Azzato provided by Daily News Reporter Adelaide Ellis.
30 Mar 2026
U-M Dearborn Faces $7M Shortfall, BCBS–Michigan Medicine Contract at Risk, U-M Considers Concordia Land Purchase
Michigan Medicine set a deadline for negotiations (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/michigan-medicine-sets-deadline-for-blue-cross-blue-shield-of-michigan-contract-negotiations/) with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan due to a large discrepancy in reimbursement expectations. U-M Dearborn’s Campus discussed preparations for a financial shortfall (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/u-m-dearborn-facing-budget-shortfall-amid-declining-international-student-enrollment/), and the University of Michigan entered negotiations (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/umich-in-preliminary-discussions-to-purchase-concordia-universitys-ann-arbor-campus/) with Concordia University to purchase its Ann Arbor campus land.
Additional reporting by Bridge Michigan referenced in this episode:
https://bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/blue-cross-michigan-medicine-dispute-leaves-300000-patients-in-lurch/ (https://bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/blue-cross-michigan-medicine-dispute-leaves-300000-patients-in-lurch/)
https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-may-lose-millions-as-universities-see-drop-in-international-students/ (https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-may-lose-millions-as-universities-see-drop-in-international-students/)
23 Mar 2026
Ann Arbor Passes Housing Plan, U-M Buys Land for Data Center
Last week, the Ann Arbor City Council passed the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/ann-arbor/this-vote-is-the-turning-point-city-council-unanimously-adopts-comprehensive-land-use-plan-2050/) to increase housing affordability. Also, the University of Michigan finalized the purchase (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/umich-finalizes-purchase-of-textile-road-parcel-for-planned-ypsilanti-data-center/) of land for its planned Data Center in Ypsilanti, and Moka and Co employees secured concessions (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/moka-co-workers-move-toward-agreement-over-unpaid-tips-after-sit-in-community-pressure/) from management after striking for unpaid tips.
26 Feb 2026
Former Michigan Medicine Dean Omitted Pharma Ties, UMich Considers Exclusive Beverage Contract
Last week, Michigan Daily reporters uncovered that former Michigan Medicine dean Marschall S. Runge failed to disclose financial ties (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/former-michigan-medicine-dean-omitted-multimillion-dollar-pharma-ties-in-multiple-publications-daily-investigation-finds/) to pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly across multiple publications. Also, the University hosted a town hall on a proposed exclusive pouring rights contract (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/a-partnership-that-pours-more-than-just-drinks-umich-hosts-town-hall-breaking-down-proposal-for-exclusive-pouring-rights/) with PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, or Red Bull. Also, a SACUA survey revealed (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/academics/sacua-survey-reveals-30-7-of-professors-have-been-censored-or-self-censored-in-their-teaching/) nearly one-third of U-M professors have experienced or self-imposed censorship in the classroom.
17 Feb 2026
UMich Flint Relaunches Student Newspaper, 24-7 Cameras on Construction Sites Raise Surveillance Concerns
Last week, Detroit Street Filing Station launched its salon series (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/business/detroit-street-filling-station-launches-salon-series-with-imagine-doing-better/), a space for community discussion of important issues, and The University of Michigan - Flint’s student newspaper began reporting after a nearly year-long shutdown (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/academics/umich-flints-student-newspaper-relaunches-after-yearlong-hiatus/). Also, cameras at U-M construction (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/academics/umich-flints-student-newspaper-relaunches-after-yearlong-hiatus/) sites raise questions about privacy, artificial intelligence risks and policy gaps.
9 Feb 2026
Ann Arbor Expands ICE Non-Cooperation, Yousef Rabhi Enters Mayoral Race
Last week, the Ann Arbor City Council unanimously passed (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/ann-arbor/it-should-be-abolished-city-council-expands-city-policy-on-non-cooperation-with-ice/) a resolution limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and Washtenaw County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi announced his bid for Ann Arbor mayor (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/government/democratic-socialist-yousef-rabhi-announces-bid-for-ann-arbor-mayor/), challenging incumbent Christopher Taylor. Also, the University of Michigan is incorporating AI into academic advising (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/academics/lsa-newnan-academic-advising-center-incorporates-ai-chatbot-maizey-into-advising/). What concerns is Maizey AI raising among students?
Additional sources:
Michigan Advance (https://michiganadvance.com/2026/02/02/rabhi-challenges-ann-arbors-democratic-establishment-with-socialist-mayoral-bid/)
MLIVE (https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2026/02/ann-arbor-expands-city-policy-to-mitigate-erratic-lawless-tactics-by-ice.html)
26 Jan 2026
U-M staff protest low raises as president-elect Kent Syvrud may earn up to $3M
Last week, The Michigan Daily reported that University of Michigan President-Elect Kent Syvrud is set to earn up to $3 million (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/university-president-elect-kent-syverud-may-earn-up-to-3-million-will-face-significant-oversight-from-regents/) annually, the highest base salary of any public university president. As his contract went public, University Staff United members protested proposed wage increases (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/university-staff-united-hosts-work-in-across-umich-campuses-to-protest-low-wages/). Also, student organization SolidariTEA hit a fundraising benchmark (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/student-organized-aid-group-solidaritea-raises-45000-for-families-in-gaza/) of $45,000 in aid to families in Gaza.
Additional sources:
Congress’s Economic Joint Committee (https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/republicans/inflation-update)
U-M's (https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/republicans/inflation-update)annual salary report (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/management-administration/hr-data-analytics-services/find-existing-or-standard-report#)
MLIVE (https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2026/01/university-of-michigan-president-elects-contract-a-c-minus-at-best-experts-say.html)
19 Jan 2026
UMich Names New President, Gilchrist Exits Governor’s Race
Last week, the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents appointed Kent Syverud as the University’s 16th president (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/board-of-regents-appoints-umich-alum-kent-syverud-as-16th-president/), Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist dropped out of the race for Michigan Governor (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/lt-gov-garlin-gilchrist-ii-exits-race-for-michigan-governor-and-launches-bid-for-secretary-of-state/) and a new Thai restaurant (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/business/new-thai-restaurant-eat-thai-opens-in-ann-arbor/) opened downtown.
9 Dec 2025
Trump Threatens Michigan SNAP Benefits; Residents Debate DTE’s Plan for Saline Data Center
Last week, President Donald Trump’s administration threatened to withhold SNAP funding (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/trump-administration-threatens-to-withhold-snap-funding-from-michigan/) in most Democratic-controlled states, community members discussed the University of Michigan’s surveillance measures (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/academics/political-speech-and-the-public-square-evaluates-the-consequences-of-campus-surveillance/) and residents spoke out (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/ann-arbor/a-betrayal-of-public-interest-michigan-public-service-commission-hosts-virtual-meeting-to-discuss-saline-data-center-application/) about DTE’s application to power a Saline data center.
Also, this is our last episode of the semester. We will see you in January!
24 Nov 2025
Artists Accuse UMich of Censorship, Michigan Researchers’ New Traffic Signal System
Last week, artists accused the University of Michigan of censorship following changes to the Visual History of the Unions (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/out-of-the-public-eye-artists-accuse-university-unions-of-unprofessionalism-and-censorship/) exhibition. Additionally, the Central Student Government narrowly passed an act (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/csg-narrowly-passes-divest-for-humanity-act/) urging the Board of Regents to divest from the Israeli government and Michigan Researchers designed a traffic signal system (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/umich-designed-traffic-light-system-reduces-oakland-county-congestion-plans-expansion/) to reduce unnecessary stops in Oakland County.
17 Nov 2025
Stabbing Suspect Pleads Guilty, U-M Sends Some Employee Reports to Trump Administration
Last week, The Daily reported that the University of Michigan shares many Equity, Civil Rights & Title IX reports (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/umich-mandatory-reporting-policies-stir-anxiety-among-faculty-staff/) with the federal Office for Civil Rights. Also, a man pleaded guilty to a September 19 stabbing (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/public-safety/stabbing-suspect-pleads-guilty-to-ann-arbor-attack/), and an ADHD medication shortage (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/research/ann-arbor-residents-grapple-with-adhd-medication-shortages-and-recalls/) was exacerbated following a recall of Vyvanse.
11 Nov 2025
Three UM Researchers Arrested for Smuggling, Washtenaw Millage to Raise $25 Million for Education
Last week, three University of Michigan researchers from China were arrested on federal smuggling charges (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/additional-umich-researchers-arrested-on-federal-smuggling-charges/), the Barton Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel opened (https://engage.a2gov.org/barton-bandemer-pedestrian-tunnel) and Washtenaw County voters voted yes on a property tax to support WISD’s Career Technical Education (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/washtenaw-county-residents-approve-millage-to-fund-career-technical-education-programs/) programs.
Additional sources:
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-chinese-national-scholars-university-michigan-laboratory-charged-conspiring-smuggle (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-chinese-national-scholars-university-michigan-laboratory-charged-conspiring-smuggle).
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/11/05/feds-charge-three-more-um-scholars-from-china-in-smuggling-probe/87104767007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z118042p116250c116250d00----v118042b0047xxd004765&gca-ft=170&gca-ds=sophi (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/11/05/feds-charge-three-more-um-scholars-from-china-in-smuggling-probe/87104767007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z118042p116250c116250d00----v118042b0047xxd004765&gca-ft=170&gca-ds=sophi)
3 Nov 2025
1.4 Million Michiganders Lose SNAP Benefits, UMich Enrollment Hits Record High
Last week, Ann Arbor launched a new open data portal (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/ann-arbor/ann-arbor-introduces-updated-data-portal-in-effort-to-increase-transparency/), the University of Michigan announced a record fall enrollment of more than 53,000 students (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/academics/u-m-hits-record-fall-enrollment-of-more-than-53000-students/) and the SNAP benefit suspension (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/michigan-residents-will-lose-snap-benefits-nov-1-amid-government-shutdown/) placed 13% of Michiganders at risk of food insecurity and poverty.
27 Oct 2025
Former U-M Prof Wins Nobel Prize, Ann Arbor Resident Celebrates Housing Lawsuit Win
Last week, The Michigan Daily covered a former U-M professor winning a Nobel Prize (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/research/umich-research-on-metal-organic-frameworks-receives-nobel-prize-in-chemistry/) for building “nanoscopic sponges.” Ann Arbor resident Megan Morse won a first-of-its-kind lawsuit (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/ann-arbor/ann-arbor-resident-awarded-for-winning-fair-housing-lawsuit/) against housing discrimination. Also, three pro-Palestine activists were arrested during a campus protest (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/three-pro-palestine-activists-arrested-for-protesting-speech-given-by-former-israeli-soldiers/).
20 Oct 2025
OSCR Denied Student Activist's Request for Student Panel, AADL to Buy Ann Arbor Observer
Last week, The Michigan Daily reported Rackham student Jared Eno was denied the right (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/oscr-denies-pro-palestine-activist-right-to-have-case-heard-before-student-panel/) to a student panel in his disciplinary case, the AADL announced plans (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/ann-arbor/aadl-announces-plans-to-acquire-the-ann-arbor-observer/) to purchase the Ann Arbor Observer, and OSU fought the Brown Jug's efforts to trademark a tap beer (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/business/osu-fights-to-block-brown-jugs-buckeye-tears-trademark-request/) called "Buckeye Tears."
12 Oct 2025
Ann Arbor Requires Sobriety Tests for Scooter Rentals & UM's New Backup Care Program
Last Week, the Ann Arbor City Council unanimously approved a new contract with Spin (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/ann-arbor-to-require-sobriety-tests-for-late-night-scooter-rentals/) requiring sobriety tests for electric scooter rentals; The Michigan Daily reported on the University of Michigan's new backup care program (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/umich-expands-backup-care-services-to-students-through-bright-horizons-partnership/), a partnership with Bright Horizons, and SAFE launched a week of action (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/we-will-not-be-silent-while-gaza-burns-pro-palestine-activists-mark-second-year-of-israels-military-campaign-in-gaza/) to mark two years since the start of Israel’s military campaign.
6 Oct 2025
UMich Updates SSRR; Students Push Back on AI in Art
Last week, The Michigan Daily reported on changes to the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/university-rejects-student-relations-advisory-committee-proposals-to-protect-political-speech-reinstate-appeals-board/), which some students called "undemocratic." Additionally, STAMPS students protested (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/campus-life/art-design-students-boycott-ai-artists-in-penny-stamps-speaker-series/) two speakers who use artificial intelligence in their art and the University of Michigan celebrated (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/campus-life/umich-and-community-groups-inspire-conversations-about-sustainability-at-earthfest/) its annual climate week (https://www.michigandaily.com/news/administration/first-two-maize-rays-solar-arrays-now-operating-on-north-campus/).
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