Daily Digest

May 31, 2020

Hundreds of community members engaged in a protest against police brutality following the release of a video showing a white Washtenaw County sheriffâs deputy appearing to punch ShaâTenia Grady El, a Black woman, in the head multiple times during an arrest early Tuesday morning in Ypsilanti Township.

With a national spotlight focused on race and policing in the wake of George Floydâs death, community members organized to demand change.

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Welcome to the May 31 edition of the Daily Digest. With many staying inside due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no better way to get your news than to have this weekâs top stories delivered straight to your inbox.

This week, mass protests occur in response to police brutality, over 250,000 unemployment error notices are revealed and incoming freshmen consider gap years in the face of an uncertain fall semester.

Self-employed struggle with unemployment, over 250K error notices sent in Michigan

As the COVID-19 pandemic shutters businesses across the country, millions of people have been laid off, resulting in a historic surge in unemployment claims. On April 13, the state officially began accepting claims from previously ineligible workers, such as independent contractors, gig workers and self-employed people.

However, according to a request filed by The Daily under the Freedom of Information Act, since April 10, the state has sent 251,884 messages through its online unemployment application system and via physical mail with a âno employer selectedâ error to Michigan citizens who filed as self-employed.

'U' gives CARES Act funding to 5 percent of eligible students

The University of Michigan reported that emergency student funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act has been awarded to approximately 5 percent of eligible students as of Tuesday.

The CARES Act, which offered emergency grants to institutions of higher education to counteract the effects of the pandemic, provided $25.2 million to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, with the condition that at least half of the allocated funds be distributed to students for emergency financial aid.

Incoming students consider gap years as fall semester remains uncertain

While the University is in the process of planning a "public health informed" semester, the fate of fall semester is still uncertain. Many other universities have either canceled in-person instruction completely or are planning for an accelerated first semester to avoid the possible second COVID-19 peak.

The Daily reporter Megan Shohfi talked to various incoming students who are considering alternative plans such as gap years, internship pursuals, community college classes and other options.

'U' alum business increases access to professional advice

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many internships across the country are being cancelled or moved to a virtual format.

The Daily editor Julia Rubin talked to various students who have struggled with finding internship opportunities amidst cancellations and how they turned to various University alumni and other resources for help.