Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of May.
Good morning, Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor activist Shirley Beckley, who worked to preserve Black history and fight for affordable housing, died unexpectedly from natural causes on April 15 at 82.
City officials honored her at a City Council meeting on May 5 (her friend Curtis Davis called her a true warrior) and her legacy lives on in projects like the planned Jones School marker (a sign of her lasting impact).
Ann Arbor chef Ji Hye Kim and Zingerman’s are preparing to open Little Kim — a fast-casual, vegetarian eatery — at 407 N.
Fifth Ave in Kerrytown; the restaurant will focus on lunch and offer indoor seating for 24 and outdoor seating for 12. The menu will rotate with the seasons and feature dishes inspired by Asian cuisine and local farms as it opens by summer.
Dexter voters approved a nearly $242M bond on May 6 to fund major upgrades at all school buildings over the next 30 years, while keeping the millage rate at or below 8.5 mills.
The bond will support new academic and athletic facilities and includes plans to issue bonds in several series over the coming years.
A UM faculty leader said outgoing President Santa Ono did not stand up for the university when outside pressure led to closing the diversity office — and he often chose to follow outside demands over protecting core values.
Although he expanded programs like the Go Blue Guarantee, faculty say he will be remembered more for not defending UM at key times — with Ono set to lead the University of Florida this summer.
UM librarians, archivists and museum curators reached a tentative four-year contract on Monday, May 5 that offers a 3% annual raise, $1,500 lump-sum payments in the first two years, restored extended sick leave, shortened promotion timelines and an extra paid holiday+ union members will vote on the proposal soon.
A $500M lawsuit filed in Washtenaw County Circuit Court alleges that officials at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility instructed guards to record women during strip searches — the suit claims that recordings began in January and continued after a policy change in March while attorneys seek injunctive relief, the destruction of recordings, mandatory training, and damages. Twenty women are currently represented with nearly 500 expected to join the case.
Ann Arbor City Council voted 7-0 on May 5 to rezone the downtown library site—located at Fifth Avenue and William Street—for high-rise development that will include a new library, housing, and open space.
The rezoning is set for final council approval on June 2 and voters will decide on the adjacent property on Aug 5—while some residents have raised concerns about losing a community commons space.
Immigrant rights advocates and some county officials are concerned that turning over I-9 forms may put workers at risk and are urging the county to consider fighting federal demands for information on the county ID program; residents voiced these concerns at a recent packed meeting. During a closed session today (at 7 p.m.), county officials will consult legal counsel (advised by the D.C. law firm Williams and Connolly LLP) to decide their next steps.
Ink Flower Painting Workshop
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Gutman Gallery — $25 — Create a beautiful ink and marker flower still life in time for Mother’s Day.
Babies & Brews at Bløm
4-6 p.m. — Bløm Mead + Cider — Food and beverages available — A community gathering for parents and caregivers to relax and socialize while enjoying refreshments.
Joan Shelley Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — $25 — Experience the melodic storytelling of Joan Shelley inspired by traditional folk roots.
Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Wolverines Baseball
6-10 p.m. — Ray Fisher Stadium — Cost info not specified — Catch an exciting college baseball matchup featuring the Hoosiers and Wolverines.
Coffee, Coworking, and Cocktails
2-5:30 p.m. — Dozer Coffee — Free entry — Get work done amongst others while enjoying social interactions before and after the coworking session.
Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Wolverines Baseball
1-5 p.m. — Ray Fisher Stadium — Cost info not available — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup between Indiana and Michigan.
Jacob Jolliff Band Performance
8-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — $25 — Experience the cutting-edge sounds of one of today's premier contemporary mandolinists and his band.
Ann Arbor SPARK Annual Meeting
The Ann Arbor SPARK Annual Meeting celebrates the region’s economic development successes, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and innovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. The event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to recognize impactful collaborations and share insights on the future of the local economy.
Ann Arbor SPARK Annual Meeting
The Ann Arbor SPARK Annual Meeting celebrates the region’s economic development successes, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and innovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. The event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to recognize impactful collaborations and share insights on the future of the local economy.
Sake Tasting with Chris Johnson
6-7 p.m. — Everyday Wines — Ticket required — Experience high-end sakes paired with delightful appetizers under the guidance of a Sake Samurai.
Glass Cannon Live
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Ark — $48.50 — Experience live gaming hilarity with your favorite nerds showcasing off-the-wall comedy and epic storytelling.
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