Good morning, Ann Arbor.

The University of Michigan board selected Vanderbilt Provost Cybele Raver as its 17th president; her approval is set for Sept.

1 with a December start. In other news, a Meijer grocery opened in Livonia on Aug. 19 and six new stores will launch at a West Michigan mall.

A new trading card store — Trading Cards Factory — opened mid-July at 401 E.

Liberty St. in downtown, owned by Lawrence and Andrea Savoy. The shop offers Pokémon and sports cards and hosts tournaments Tuesday through Saturday to build a community for local collectors.

UM’s Wolverine Village will open next week at the former Elbel Field, adding 2,300 undergraduate beds to central campus and offering modern features such as a computer gaming room, makerspace and smart laundry rooms – details shaped by student input.

A U.S. News report released on Aug.

18 found that five local high schools, including Washtenaw International, Saline, Pioneer, Skyline and Chelsea, rank in the nation’s top 1,000 while six schools remain among Michigan’s top 50.

Residents near the border pressed local officials at the county planning meeting about a proposed Arbor Hills Landfill expansion in Salem Township, citing safety and environmental concerns.

GFL will present on Sept. 9 and commissioners will vote on the proposal in December (community opposition has grown).

Michigan Wolverines coach Mike Boynton Jr. previews the team's European trip with three exhibition games scheduled in Lithuania and Croatia later this week.

Boynton noted extra summer practices will build chemistry and that Jaylen Reed and Lincoln Cosby will miss the trip (their recovery continues).

Michigan Wolverines wide receivers coach Micah Simon is emphasizing a physical approach by focusing on blocking and dependability as part of his strategy for the upcoming season+ He said the competition among receivers, including freshmen making strong impressions, underscores the team’s promise to run and pass effectively.

Michigan Wolverines safety Rod Moore made history as he was named team captain for a third time on Monday, marking the first time any player has earned the honor.

New captains Trey Pierce, Bryce Underwood and Jordan Marshall will help lead the 2026 team.

Ypsilanti Lincoln coach Andrew Dillon stressed that complacency is not an option after a 6-4 season, and the team will rely on returning seniors plus new players as it opens its schedule against Okemos on Aug.

27 to chase a conference championship.

Michigan Wolverines coach Larry Black praised the defensive tackles’ progress over the first three weeks of preseason camp in Ann Arbor, highlighting improvements in technique and strength among players like Trey Pierce and Bobby Kanaka.

The group will seek to limit opponents to fewer than 85 rushing yards per game.

Michigan has inked new in-stadium advertising deals with Coca-Cola, Meijer and Google Gemini for 2026 football games at Michigan Stadium — adding to Allstate’s sponsorship initiative.

The university said the clean, uniform signage reflects its fan-first approach and commitment to tradition.

The University of Michigan announced Wednesday it signed deals with Coca-Cola & Meijer & Google Gemini to bring in-stadium ads to Michigan Stadium during fall football games.

The move aims to boost athletic revenue and mirrors similar changes at other large programs.