Two people found deceased near UC Berkeley in two days
A student fell and died outside of a UC Berkeley residence hall on April 21, and a man was found deceased outside an academic building the following day.
According to The Daily Californian, police responded to a report last Tuesday evening regarding a student who fell from Unit 3, an off-campus hall. The student, a theater and performance studies major, was pronounced dead on the scene. UC Police Department (UCPD) Sgt. Jacob Westlie told The Daily Cal in a statement that no foul play is suspected.
“We are saddened by this tragic news and wish to extend our condolences to this person’s family and friends,” a University spokesperson said in the statement.
On the afternoon of April 22, UCPD responded to a report of a dead body outside of Sproul Hall. Sgt. Westlie told The Daily Cal in a statement that the man does not appear to be affiliated with the University.
UC Merced found to be sharing license plate data with Border Patrol, other government agencies
According to records obtained by the Merced Sun-Star, several federal and out-of-state agencies, including Border Patrol, have access to UC Merced’s Police Department’s license plate reader data. Per state law, law enforcement cannot share data from automated license plate readers with agencies outside of California.
The Sun-Star obtained the information through a Public Records Act request, which revealed that nine federal agencies and 187 non-California entities have access to the data. Four cameras are located at UC Merced’s main entrance.
Automatic license plate readers capture and analyze license plate information and are an investigative tool for law enforcement.
“The use of this technology is intended to be in compliance with California state law on how information is collected, stored, shared, and used,” the University’s statement to the Sun-Star reads. “We are currently conducting a review of the technology, the associated policies, and prior usage to ensure our practices continue to meet legal requirements and community expectations.”
Senate committee passes $23 billion bill for scientific research funding
Senate Bill 895, which aims to establish a $23 billion bond for research, passed the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee on April 14. The bill must still undergo other legislative steps before being placed on the November 2026 primary election ballot.
The bill, authored by Senator Scott Weiner and sponsored by the UC, would establish grants and loans using the state-funded bond. Federal grants were discussed at the bill hearing, possibly alluding to funding disruptions experienced over the past year.
“The federal government has been the financial lifeblood of American scientific research since the 1950s, a model made possible by a broad consensus across the country that federal investment in science improves American lives,” UC San Francisco Vice Chancellor for Research Harold Collard said at the hearing.
The bill must go through other state legislative bodies and be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom before appearing on the ballot.
A version of this article appeared on p. 2 of the April 30, 2026 print edition of the Daily Nexus
