News - The Eastern Echo

A white, brick, one-story building with red, wooden window frames. A sign in the window says that the building is available for rent.

Ypsilanti selected among 7 Michigan cities for downtown development program

By Laura Meriweather · Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Recast Leaders, a program led by DC-based consulting firm Recast City, has selected Ypsilanti for a 10-month downtown development program that seeks to put small businesses in vacant storefronts.

Side-by-side headshots of Profit and Kaufman smiling.

Gov. Whitmer appoints 2 regents to Eastern Michigan University board

By Lilly Kujawski · Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Christopher Kaufman and Kirk Profit are set to join Eastern Michigan University's Board of Regents next January following their appointment by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

New campus streaming service, Swoop Cinema, free to EMU students

By AnnaBelle Favre · Monday, March 9, 2026

Swoop Cinema, a new streaming service free for students, offers hundreds of movies and TV shows. Swoop Cinema can be accessed by anyone who is connected to any campus Wi-Fi network.

Two black circles with white interiors frame the two presidential tickets in the 2026 EMU Student Government election. The vice presidential candidates (Shehab and Orlich) are seen over the shoulders of the presidential candidates (Freeman and Farook).

EMU's 2026 Student Government presidential tickets share their visions for governing

By Laura Meriweather · Monday, March 9, 2026

The two presidential tickets in the 2026 Student Government election share their respective platforms.

Candidates for EMU's 113th Student Senate share their visions for governing

By Laura Meriweather · Monday, March 9, 2026

Eastern Michigan University Student Senate candidates share their campaign messages and goals for the university.

Officer Elliott smiles and stands in uniform in the Student Center.

EMU to hold self-defense class open to students, community

By Lilly Kujawski · Saturday, March 7, 2026

Eastern Michigan University's Department of Public Safety will host a self-defense class for women and nonbinary people beginning March 11, 2026.

Final 4 candidates for EMU dean of students: Meet Jeanette Zalba

By AnnaBelle Favre · Saturday, March 7, 2026

Jeanette Zalba is one of four final candidates for the next Eastern Michigan University dean of students. Zalba hopes to prioritize managing students' emotional stress and make the dean of students' office an inviting place to be.

Final 4 candidates for EMU dean of students: Meet Matthew Gregory

By AnnaBelle Favre · Saturday, March 7, 2026

Matthew Gregory is one of four final candidates for EMU's next dean of students. Gregory hopes to help and listen to all students, provide them with resources when needed and attend events on campus.

Final 4 candidates for EMU dean of students: Meet Aura Cazares

By AnnaBelle Favre · Saturday, March 7, 2026

Aura Cazares is one of four final candidates for the next Eastern Michigan University dean of students.

Final 4 candidates for EMU dean of students: Meet Renee’ T. Watson

By AnnaBelle Favre · Saturday, March 7, 2026

Renee’ T. Watson is one of four final candidates for the next Eastern Michigan University Dean of Students. Watson wants to ensure that every EMU student feels that they belong and know how to ask for help.

A man and woman seated at a booth. Behind them is a blue wall with golden colored frames scattered around. The man and the woman sit awkwardly, not looking at one another. The man wears a tan suit, and the woman wears a pink jacket over a white shirt.

'One Night in Tokyo' explores love beyond language barriers

By Gray Connor · Saturday, March 7, 2026

Filmmaker and Eastern Michigan University alum Joshua Woodcock returns to campus for a screening of his film "One Night in Tokyo," a story of two strangers, two different languages, and one hectic night in Tokyo, Japan.

3 new inductees chosen for The Eastern Echo Hall of Fame

By The Eastern Echo · Thursday, March 5, 2026

The Eastern Echo Hall of Fame committee has announced three new inductees: Nathan Bomey, Sally Wright Day and Larry O'Connor. The inductees will be honored at this year's Student Media Gala and Hall of Fame Banquet on April 2, 2026.

The Echo Q&A Series: English professor writes across the curriculum, into the community

By Lilly Kujawski · Thursday, March 5, 2026

Eastern Michigan University faculty member Ann Blakeslee discusses her work in the university's Writing Across the Curriculum program and the Ypsilanti nonprofit YpsiWrites.

Several chairs are sitting behind a brown desk with microphones on it. There is a teal blue wall with a clock. Underneath is white text that says "City of Ypsilanti", then a big Y in an oval, and under that is the text "Pride. Diversity. Heritage."

Ypsilanti City Council approves emergency moratorium for data center zoning

By AnnaBelle Favre · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

The Ypsilanti City Council voted on an emergency moratorium for 60 days to halt zoning permits for data centers.

The Eastern Michigan University website glows on a computer monitor. The "Google Changes for Alumni" page is visible.

EMU alumni accounts are going Gmail-only: Here's what you need to know

By Laura Meriweather · Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Eastern Michigan University recently announced that all alumni Google accounts will be transitioned to a Gmail-only model starting June 30, 2026. All files left on non-Gmail apps after the deadline will be permanently deleted.

Gov. Whitmer stands at a wooden podium, backed by a green and gold wall. Sen. Winnie Brinks and Rep. Matt Hall sit behind her.

Gov. Whitmer delivers final State of the State address

By Lilly Kujawski · Monday, March 2, 2026

During her State of the State address, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer focused on housing, healthcare and literacy.

Red brick building with a driveway in front. Green sign to the left reads "John W. Porter Building."

EMU selected to participate in Educator Preparation Provider Collaborative

By Hannah Borders · Monday, March 2, 2026

Eastern Michigan University was one of five universities selected to participate in a two-year, state-wide Educator Preparation Provider Collaborative.

Debbie Dingell secures federal funding, over $1M for Ypsilanti projects

By AnnaBelle Favre · Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell secured over $1 million for two Ypsilanti projects: the YCUA Water Main Improvement Project and the City of Ypsilanti Cross Street and Prospect Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project.

A dozen or so people sit in the audience of Ypsilanti City Hall, holding signs that say "Ypsi thrives when art survives."

Ypsilanti Planning Commission approves Dzanc House zoning resolution

By Gray Connor · Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

The Ypsilanti City Council is expected to vote on a zoning law amendment passed by the city's Planning Commission, following Dzanc House's former shutdown notice.

Eastern Michigan University students respond to snow days

By Lauren Holloway · Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

Eastern Michigan University officials explain how school closures are decided during inclement weather, while EMU students share opinions about closures and winter conditions.