Jenner & Block

The University of Michigan will pay Warde Manuel $7.1 million as part of a separation agreement following his resignation as athletic director on Dec. 31. The agreement includes a $108,000 retirement account contribution, access to sports tickets and golf courses, a non-compete clause for 2027-2028, and $82,000 in legal fees for Manuel's representation. The university cited confidentiality in its ongoing investigation into athletics, which began after head football coach Sherrone Moore was fired for a relationship with an assistant.

University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel will step down at the end of 2026 following an independent review that cited failures of oversight and accountability in university leadership. The review, conducted by Jenner & Block, found issues including interference and poor oversight, though Manuel was not accused of personal misconduct. President Domenico Grasso announced the leadership change and praised Manuel's contributions while initiating a national search for a replacement.

The US Justice Department is investigating allegations that UAW President Shawn Fain pressured a union official to secure financial benefits for his fiancée and her sister. A grand jury subpoenaed the union’s court-appointed monitor, and Fain denied the claims, accusing Vice President Rich Boyer of trying to influence the UAW election. The union faces renewed scrutiny after resolving a prior corruption probe in 2020.

Democrats plan to investigate businesses linked to President Trump's administration, including foreign deals in the Gulf, as part of potential House oversight. Key targets include associates like Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, with investigations focusing on corporate ties and foreign dealings.

Military families, including those of injured Navy EOD specialist Kenton Stacy, are urging the U.S. Department of Justice to distribute $777 million from French cement company Lafarge, which was convicted in 2022 of bribing ISIS in Syria. The funds stem from a settlement with the DOJ, as plaintiffs argue Lafarge's actions contributed to terrorist attacks and injuries. Lafarge is appealing the French court's ruling.