local - The Eastern Echo

Image of a building with concrete columns and a window labeled "City Hall."

Meet the candidates running for Ypsilanti mayor, City Council

By Lelaina MacDonald and Sam Peterson · Monday, Aug. 3, 2026

Here is what to know about candidates running for Ypsilanti mayor and City Council.

An eagle sits on a ballot box with the words "The Eastern Echo wants you to vote."

What to know about Ypsilanti’s Aug. 4 primary election

By Sam Peterson · Thursday, July 30, 2026

The U.S. primary election takes place on Aug. 4, 2026, and voters may have last minute questions about how to vote. Here is The Eastern Echo's guide to the 2026 primary.

What qualities do you value most in a local candidate?

By Laleh Walker · Monday, July 27, 2026

On Aug. 4, Michigan voters will be returning to the polls for the Primary Election. The Eastern Echo asked Ypsilanti community members what qualities they value most in a local candidate.

Flyer with pink background and blue text that reads "Dzanc House and the Historic South Side Neighborhood Association presents: the South Side Stroll. Arts/Music/Eats. Saturday, August 15th, 11 am to 6 pm."

Historic South Side Stroll to build community through art and music

By Hannah Borders · Sunday, July 26, 2026

Historic South Side Stroll is an annual art event focused on building the art and music community in Ypsilanti.

Members of the board sit at the wooden desk with a screen behind them.

Ypsilanti data center fight continues at township meeting

By Sam Peterson · Friday, July 24, 2026

Ypsilanti Township renews its opposition to data centers and a University of Michigan-Los Alamos National Laboratory computing facility.

A group of people standing along the walls in a room talking to each other.

Creative Washtenaw fosters creative community with monthly Happy Hour networking event

By Hannah Borders · Thursday, July 23, 2026

Creative Washtenaw hosts a Happy Hour networking event every month at a different place in Washtenaw County.

Stephanie Pocsi-Morrison sits surrounded by various stuffed animals of different types and colors.

Ypsilanti District Library to host Adopt a Pet Storytime with donated stuffed animals

By Hannah Borders · Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Ypsilanti District Library will host an Adopt a Pet Storytime event on Aug. 1, 2026.

A student and instructor giving a thumbs up in a training car.

Life saving teen driver training program heads to Ypsilanti

By Laleh Walker · Monday, July 20, 2026

On July 25-26, B.R.A.K.E.S (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) will head to Ypsilanti to host its free life saving teen driver training program at The American Center For Mobility.

A crowd of people smiling as they explore Ypsi Pride 2025

Ypsilanti Pride postponed due to dangerous air quality

By AnnaBelle Favre · Friday, July 17, 2026

Ypsi Pride canceled its July 18 event and rescheduled for Aug. 30, citing dangerous air quality from Canadian wildfires.

LaDonna Austin and Debra Williams-Smith stand together in front of a display full of posters and informative flyers.

Seniors support, mentor youth through Washtenaw County Foster Grandparent Program

By Laleh Walker · Friday, July 17, 2026

Washtenaw County seniors participate in the local Foster Grandparent Program to support kids in need and stay active.

Deputy Jessica VanBynen returns to duty four years after accident

By Sam Peterson · Wednesday, July 8, 2026

After four years of recovering from an on-the-job injury, Washtenaw County Deputy Jessica VanBynen has returned to full patrol duty.

President Kelly stands in a Ford Bronco decorated with Eastern Michigan University logos as part of the parade, while other riders in the float wave at people gathered on the sign. One of the people in the vehicle is holding a sign that says, "EMU [hearts] Ypsi."

Fireworks soar as Ypsilanti hosts 96th annual Fourth of July parade

By Laleh Walker · Sunday, July 5, 2026

Ypsilanti commenced its 96th annual Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Ypsilanti celebrates 250th Independence Day: What does America mean to you?

By Courtney Prielipp · Saturday, July 4, 2026

Ypsilanti community members reflect on what America means to them as the nation celebrates 250 years this Fourth of July.

Exterior of a brick building with a green canopy reading "Ypsi Alehouse."

What's the Move? June 30 - July 7

By Gray Connor · Thursday, July 2, 2026

Looking to fill up your calendar? Check out the upcoming events in the Washtenaw County area from June 30 to July 7.

A Chevrolet Corvair convertible decorated in a patriotic, American flag theme with red and white stripes going down the sides with blue and stars on the hood. A sign saying "Grand Marshal" is on the door. Miniature American flags are sticking out from the corners of the car with people inside the car waving and people walking behind.

Ypsilanti to celebrate Fourth of July with parade

By Lelaina MacDonald · Tuesday, June 30, 2026

The Ypsilanti Fourth of July Parade is coming up, with music, classic cars, floats and more.

A sushi roll containing fish, cucumber, rice and nori is displayed at a restaurant.

Protein-heavy and affordable: new sushi shop opens in downtown Ypsilanti

By Sam Peterson · Saturday, June 27, 2026

Penny Roll Sushi is a new grab-and-go style sushi restaurant on Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti.

Craft materials are laid out on a table in the Student Center.

Pin & Patch social to bring together Ypsilanti community

By Allie Beecher · Tuesday, June 23, 2026

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 6-9 p.m., Bekah Whitehead will host Pin & Patch, a social crafting event at the Water Tower Distilling Co. on 23 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti.

A butterfly rests on a plant, with green shrubs in the background.

Ypsilanti celebrates Pollinator Week

By Lauren Holloway · Monday, June 22, 2026

June 22-28 is National Pollinator week, and there are many ways residents can celebrate in Ypsilanti.

Inside of a store that has shelves of books to the right, movies and CDs in the center, and t-shirts on the left.

Local record shop Wyrd Byrd strengthens music-loving community in Ypsilanti

By Hannah Borders · Sunday, June 21, 2026

Wyrd Byrd is an independently owned record store in downtown Ypsilanti that sells a variety of products and hosts music-centered events.

Fred Hammond sits on stage in front of a microphone in a snapback hat, black t-shirt and grey jeans with multiple background performers surrounding him in matching white tops and blue jeans.

Ypsilanti to honor Juneteenth with 3-day celebration

By Laleh Walker · Thursday, June 18, 2026

From June 19-21, 2026, Ypsilanti will celebrate its sixth annual Juneteenth celebration, Juneteenth Rising: Liberation Through Unity, at University Bank in downtown Ypsilanti.