| July 2, 2026Can you guess what’s pictured above? Click the image to find out! |
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| | Welp, the new splashpad at Bicentennial Park was worth the wait.
It is a fabulous new attraction for the city and was clearly very well-thought-out. A few weeks ago, I sang the praises of Milan’s splashpad at Wilson Park, but this one is better for a particular reason: the nearby playgrounds all have soft turf surrounded by soft grass. That means wet, barefoot kids can go back and forth without needing to put shoes on; in Milan as well as at Quirk Park in Van Buren Twp., the playground equipment is undergirded by woodchips.
Check out my son’s pure joy here.
I bet it’ll be jammed this holiday weekend and, oh, by the way, happy Fourth of July. That’s why this a2view comes to you a day early, of course. I usually try to avoid the whole fireworks thing because it’s so late (for the kids) and loud (for me and the kids and especially our dogs). But this year with the whole America250 thing falling on a Saturday night, it’s going to be super-hard to be the cranky neighbor kvetching at celebrants. Might have to lean in and go see something. Any suggestions?
Your news is here. Below you’ll find breaking news that Don Wilkerson, who quit the AAPS board in May, is running to reclaim his seat. Beyond that, the Supreme Court didn’t let Trump fire longtime Ann Arborite Lisa Cook from the Fed; the national press thinks Dusty May’s departure has broader meaning; and the Observer turns fifty this month but doesn’t look a day over thirty-nine, #amrite?
This is last week’s most-clicked link.
– Steve Friess, editor |
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| | | Tuesday over Tree Town. Credit: Steve Winchester |
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| | | | | | Charge dismissed, Wilkerson files to reclaim seat: The former Ann Arbor Public Schools board member, elected in 2024, resigned on May 4 while facing accusations of domestic violence against his wife at their home in late March. Court records show the charge was dropped on May 28 after “the parties agreed that a dismissal is in the best interest of justice.” His wife’s personal protection order preventing him from contacting her or being in her vicinity remains in place and, the record says, “This dismissal should not be used as evidence that violence did or did not occur.”
In an interview with a2view, Wilkerson confirmed he wants to win his seat back in November’s nonpartisan special election to finish the term. He insisted the allegation, which he declined to detail, was untrue and leveled amid a bitter divorce proceeding. Prosecutors not only dropped the charge against him but agreed to “destroy the arrest record and all corresponding documentation and information,” he said – although the court records remained readily available for public review on Tuesday at the courthouse.
“Clearly, those allegations were false, I refuted them, and the charges were dismissed prior to trial,” Wilkerson said. When a2view noted that victims of domestic violence often recant or refuse to cooperate for a variety of reasons, he said that wouldn’t matter: “Washtenaw County doesn’t just drop cases. Once something like this is filed, it is no longer a case against someone and a defendant, it is the county prosecutor versus the defendant. They don’t just drop those charges because somebody does or doesn’t want them to continue on. They take cases for merit.”
John Benson, one of six people who applied to be appointed for Wilkerson’s vacancy, is the only other candidate who has filed to run for the partial term, which ends in 2028. Steven Norton, whom the board appointed in a 4–2 vote on June 3, has not filed; candidates have until July 21 to do so. Asked about the unusual development, board president Torchio Feaster texted: “I respect the justice system. He was innocent until proven guilty and given that the case against him was dismissed he has every right to attempt to run and regain his seat if he chooses.” |
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SCOTUS prevents Trump from firing Lisa Cook for now: The Biden-appointed Federal Reserve governor, whom the White House accused of mortgage fraud involving her longtime Ann Arbor home, was spared dismissal this week as the high court said she could only be fired for cause. That ruling came even as the Supreme Court gave Trump permission to fire members of several other boards including the FCC and FTC; justices said the Fed is a “uniquely structured, quasi-private entity.” Still, the New York Times writes, “The justices did not clearly articulate the full legal criteria that would allow Mr. Trump to fire Ms. Cook, who denies any wrongdoing and has never been charged with a crime. Nor did they wager an opinion on the exact allegations against her. And the court majority did not even prescribe the exact venue in which Ms. Cook should be allowed to respond to the allegations.” The White House claimed when it first tried to fire her last fall that she obtained loans on her Ann Arbor home as well as one in Atlanta by declaring both her primary residences. Reuters cast doubt on the allegation by reporting on documents that undermine the claims against her. |
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| | | Fifty years of observing: To commemorate the golden anniversary of the launch of the Ann Arbor Observer, avid readers, contributors, and even past employees share their thoughts about and connections with the magazine. There are so many wonderful stories, but my favorite is probably just the industriousness of Abby Brown, who uses our covers to wrap holiday gifts. A close second: Jerri Jenista’s tale of using Observer calendar listings for talks at her kids’ schools entitled “Fun and Weird Things to Do With Kids in A2.” Also, if you don’t get the print edition of the magazine, don’t miss this Instagram post about the absolutely wonderful fiftieth anniversary cover by Nicole Ray of Sloe Gin Fizz.
The hottest seat on campus: With the surprise withdrawal of president-elect Kent Syverud because of a cancer diagnosis, the U-M is again looking far and wide for a new leader at a time when the job keeps getting tougher, Micheline Maynard writes. Newly installed EMU president Brendan Kelly says potential presidents typically come from academia or other public service, but warns anyone interested: “When I say these jobs are hard, they are impossibly hard. These are just incredibly complex organizations in a really unstable environment.”
Poet Tree Town: In a change of pace, the latest entry in this series is a compilation of contributions from visitors at Ypsi’s recent Juneteenth Celebration in which participants were asked to finish sentences “in any way that the line spoke to them in the moment.” The result, taken from the responses of eighteen people, is intriguing and evocative. |
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| | | Heads up! The state’s health department warns our region is experiencing an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasite that causes severe diarrhea and other fun symptoms. Read up on how to protect yourself this holiday weekend!
Huron High principal (and alum) Ché Carter is leaving to head up Washtenaw International High School and Middle Academy.
Dusty May’s abrupt departure – and U-M’s response to it – is a harbinger of the downfall of college sports, the Athletic’s Austin Meek argues.
May offered some thoughts on why he left at a press conference on Monday.
Meanwhile, stars Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney will remain Wolverines despite their former coach’s move.
Gulp! The Big House soon may not be the biggest house. Maybe we can keep up by adding repulsorpod seating! Probably wouldn’t count, I’m guessing.
A U-M alum has a very funny take on the fancy new campus gym that opened last month.
Fifteen months after trying to poach Santa Ono from U-M and then casting him aside in humiliating fashion, the University of Florida has found someone sufficiently un-woke for their presidency.
The U-M nurses’ union has authorized a strike, the latest twist in bitter labor negotiations.
MLive mapped out which Ann Arbor neighborhoods have the most “short-term rentals,” aka Airbnbs.
If you see turkeys waddling around in July or August, the DNR wants to know.
Lodi Twp. residents won their battle against Consumers Energy’s planned power plant. Data center foes, take note!
EMU’s 2.5 percent tuition increase is the smallest in a decade and keeps it the least expensive state university. U-M, meanwhile, hiked in-state tuition by 3 percent.
Weather forecasting and AI, perfect together.
Old-timers probably know all about JFK conspiracy theorist and anti-war activist Carl Oglesby of Ann Arbor, but I didn’t. This fascinating piece dubs him the “Grandfather of Rational Paranoia.”
U-M has a little-known lab that looks and feels like a fast-food restaurant where they research the psychology of eating. As a person who is a frequent subject in medical research, I want to know where to sign up.
Washtenaw County prosecutor and Democratic attorney general nominee Eli Savit is lurching to the middle.
An Ypsi couple’s vintage recreational motorhome is about to get a prestigious second life.
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| | | The Den opens at Wolverine Pickleball: The indoor/outdoor playground and lounge for grown-ups is now serving up some elevated fare, Dave Algase writes in this month’s Observer. CEO and cofounder Christy Howden says the concept replaces food trucks at the multisport complex in Scio Twp. Customers can order takeout online or use QR-coded menus throughout the facility. They’ve partnered with the culinary team behind the now-closed Lady of the House, a James Beard Award–nominated Detroit restaurant led by chef Kate Williams.
Hide and Seek to close: The café on South Industrial, where parents could relax while their kids played, will have a farewell party on July 26, according to a Facebook announcement. “While we wish we could keep this venture going for you, it’s clear at this time that we can’t maintain the business with increasing expenses, the high cost of rent in Ann Arbor, and unpredictable seasonal income,” the owners, Stephanie Miller and Krista Parker, wrote. Most of the merchandise at the café, which opened last year, is now available at 40 percent off. Shelley Daily wrote about Miller and Parker in the April issue of the Observer.
“Barcade” coming to downtown Ypsi: High Score Social expects to open in spring 2027 in the space vacated by Haab’s Restaurant, according to a social media post by partner Stewart Beal. Beal tells What Now Detroit: “High Score Social is a modern entertainment venue combining arcade gaming, redemption games, retro gaming, esports, social gaming attractions, lounge environments, beverage service, memberships, birthday parties, private events, and restaurant partnerships into one immersive destination experience.” |
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| | | Free legal advice available Tuesday: The Michigan Advocacy Program and Legal Services of South Central Michigan are accepting online sign-ups for time with an attorney from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 15 S. Washington in Ypsi. According to posters, low-income individuals can receive advice on food assistance, cash assistance, Medicaid, and other benefits offered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Free youth basketball through August 13: The program, Ballin’ Summer ’26, is put on by the nonprofit CLR Academy, and rotates through five Ypsi-area parks from 5–7 p.m. on weeknights on a schedule found here, Concentrate reports. CLR works with Real Agape, the Corner Health Center, Ypsilanti Community Action Network, Supreme Felons, and Washtenaw My Brother’s Keeper to staff the events. Each session includes a conversation about “social-emotional skills and sportsmanship” as well as basketball coaching, drills, and an hourlong game.
Euchre tourneys benefit Haitian children: Card fans can play tournaments at HOMES Campus from 6:30–9 p.m. on July 10 and 14, with proceeds from entry fees going to Haitian Christian Outreach. It’s $15 a person to enter or $10 for HOMES members. For more information, click here. |
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| | | Friday: The Manchester Men’s Club Annual Fireworks Show includes musical entertainment and a beer tent. Rain date: July 4.
Independence Day: Ann Arbor Jaycees 4th of July Parade features floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and more. As always, it’s followed by the Firefighter’s Spray Park on Maynard.
Sunday: The AADL Warehouse hosts Classic Arcade Week 2026 where all are invited to play Donkey Kong, Frogger, Galaga, Space Invaders, and more on vintage arcade game cabinets July 5–9. No quarters required.
See the Observer’s online calendar for many more local events. |
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