News - The Eastern Echo

A line graph showing the following percentage turnouts by year: 14.2% in 2014, 11.2% in 2015, 10.8% in 2016, 6.8% in 2019, 2.8% in 2020, 1.6% in 2021, 1.9% in 2022, 4.1% in 2023, 9.3% in 2024, 5.4% in 2025 and 12% in 2026.

Voter turnout in 2026 Student Government election highest on record since 2014

By Laura Meriweather · Tuesday, April 7, 2026

12% of the Eastern Michigan University student body voted in the March 2026 Student Government election — the highest percentage turnout on record since 2014.

A weather-damaged flyer stuck to an electrical transformer on EMU's campus depicts a data center monster surrounded by the words "down with the data center."

Ypsilanti Township strengthens opposition to data center as U-M confirms land purchase

By Laura Meriweather · Monday, April 6, 2026

The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees passed a formal resolution opposing the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory supercomputing facility project.

The entrance to the EMU Student Center is via several concrete steps. The Student Center exterior is made of red brick, and its glass doors are framed.

Eastern Michigan University receives F rating for free speech

By AnnaBelle Favre · Friday, April 3, 2026

Eastern Michigan University scored a 57.9 out of 100 on FIRE's university rankings for free speech.

Eastern Michigan University updates campus parking, changes effective immediately

By AnnaBelle Favre · Thursday, April 2, 2026

On April 2, 2026, Eastern Michigan University announced three changes to parking on campus, effective immediately.

Eastern Echo Hall of Fame to induct EMU alum, sports journalist Larry O'Connor

By Lilly Kujawski · Thursday, April 2, 2026

Eastern Michigan University alumnus, copy editor and sports journalist Larry O'Connor reflects on his time at The Eastern Echo and the Detroit News ahead of his induction into The Echo Hall of Fame.

Brendan Kelly speaks from behind an EMU-branded podium.

EMU welcomes Brendan Kelly as 24th president

By AnnaBelle Favre · Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Brendan Kelly is now Eastern Michigan University's 24th president, following James Smith.

A car smashed into a tipped-over lamp post.

Medical emergency causes accident in Pease Lot, no serious injuries reported

By AnnaBelle Favre · Wednesday, April 1, 2026

On April 1, 2026, a medical emergency caused a driver to accelerate and hit a nearby lamp post. There were no major injuries.

Two people sitting in chairs with pride flags behind them.

Crystal Skull Studio creates an inclusive environment for self-expression through hair

By AnnaBelle Favre · Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Crystal Skull Studio is a hair salon in Ypsilanti that specializes in curly hair, alternative cuts and bright colors. The studio's owners work to foster an inclusive and welcoming studio for all clients.

A sign for the Corner Health Center hangs from the side of a brick building along city street, with other brick buildings across the street and in the distance.

Washtenaw County launches RAPID program to support youth, prevent justice system involvement

By Sam Peterson · Tuesday, March 31, 2026

The Restorative and Preventative Intervention and Diversion program, launched by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and the Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti, provides support and services to youth and young adults.

A hand holding a phone that is displaying a black and green app. The home page has buttons for various emergency services and campus resources.

Eagle Ready App provides safety resources to students

By AnnaBelle Favre · Monday, March 30, 2026

The Eagle Ready App provides students with a number of safety resources that they can access at any time.

Protesters hold up two signs, one reading "No kings, no crowns," with printed clown emojis and images, and the other reading "stop trump's war." They stand among a crowd of people on a sidewalk beside a road.

Thousands gather in Ypsilanti for 3rd No Kings rally

By Gray Connor and Giovanni Loveland · Sunday, March 29, 2026

On March 28, 2026, Ypsilanti Indivisible hosted a "No Kings" protest with an estimated turnout of more than 2,500 attendees.

Christopher Kok and Julian Ho stand beside one another smiling while Julian Ho holds up her hand to show off her new engagement ring.

Ypsilanti resident reveals secret behind citywide scavenger hunt

By Gray Connor · Saturday, March 28, 2026

The Ypsilanti resident behind Ypsi Winter Games created a community scavenger hunt — and a lifelong memory.

Sally Wright Day smiles outdoors in front of green foliage.

EMU alumna Sally Wright Day to be inducted into Eastern Echo Hall of Fame

By AnnaBelle Favre · Friday, March 27, 2026

While attending Eastern Michigan University, Sally Wright Day worked at The Eastern Echo in advertising, layout design and editing. This year, she will be inducted into The Eastern Echo Hall of Fame.

Freeman, Orlich win EMU Student Government presidential bid

By Lilly Kujawski and Laura Meriweather · Thursday, March 26, 2026

Nina Freeman and Eva Orlich Rojas have been elected president and vice president of Eastern Michigan University Student Government, according to unofficial election results.

Large commercial van parked along sidewalk. Graphics on the van read "Washtenaw County Health Department, healthy together."

Washtenaw County confirms 7th measles case, new exposure site identified

By Lilly Kujawski · Thursday, March 26, 2026

Washtenaw County has confirmed its seventh case of measles and a new exposure location in Ann Arbor.

Text in the upper-left corner of the my.emich.edu website that reads, "Vote in the election by following the link to the ballot and completing the ballot." The link below it is titled "2026 Election Ballot."

Voting opens for 2026 EMU Student Government election

By Laura Meriweather · Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Voting is now open for Eastern Michigan University's Student Government election.

Creative Washtenaw announces 2026 medalists for arts, sciences, humanities

By Hannah Borders · Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Each year, Creative Washtenaw selects medalists who have made significant contributions to arts, sciences and humanities in Washtenaw County.

Graphic flyer for Women of Excellence Award Ceremony stating the event's place and time, and that it is open and free to the public.

EMU Women's Resource Center to host annual Women of Excellence Award Ceremony

By Lauren Holloway · Monday, March 23, 2026

Eastern Michigan University's Women's Resource Center will host its annual luncheon and awards event Wednesday, March 25, to recognize the work of women on campus and in the community.

13 people pose for a photo on an outdoor farm. They surround a handmade wooden sign that reads "Welcome, We the People Opportunity Farm."

Ypsilanti mourns community leader, farmer Melvin Parson

By AnnaBelle Favre · Monday, March 23, 2026

The Ypsilanti community mourns the death of local leader and founder of the We the People Opportunity Farm, Melvin Parson.

At two tables, candidates from each presidential ticket sit and answer questions. Attendees watch from rows of chairs.

EMU Student Government holds presidential candidate forum before March 25 election

By Laura Meriweather · Monday, March 23, 2026

Eastern Michigan University presidential candidates for Student Government answered questions about their respective campaigns ahead of the March 25 election day.