News - The Eastern Echo

UPDATE: Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office further addresses recent accusation of excessive force

By Tyler Gaw · Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office put out a media release on May 26 following a shooting incident and excessive force from a deputy in Ypsilanti Township. A neighbor recorded a Facebook Live video of a white deputy repeatedly punching a black woman in the head. Investigations are ongoing for both the initial shooting case and the excessive force used by the deputy.

A 2016 Trump presidential campaign banner during a Trump welcome rally on May 21, 2020

Before Trump’s visit to Ypsilanti, top Washtenaw County official asks President to cancel

By Austin Elliott · Wednesday, May 27, 2020

In an interview with the Echo, Morgan said that he’s gotten mixed responses from the public, but that he thinks most people understood his message was a calm and rational request necessitated from concern for residents.

Video of Washtenaw County Sheriff's deputy punching woman leads to investigation of excessive force

By Tyler Gaw and Sophia Kalakailo · Tuesday, May 26, 2020

A Washtenaw County Sheriff’s deputy accused of using excessive force during an arrest the morning of Tuesday, May 26, has been placed on administrative leave. The deputy is currently under investigation.

MDHHS partners with Kroger Health for new COVID-19 testing site

By Gracie Thompson · Monday, May 25, 2020

Located in Ford Elementary School parking lot in Ypsilanti, a new drive-through COVID-19 testing site was made possible by Kroger Health and MDHHS.

Ypsilanti’s Amtrak train station grant fails

By Gracie Thompson · Monday, May 25, 2020

Ypsilanti’s Depot Town was to be the new home of an Amtrak train station, but the grant application failed.

Anti-Trump and pro-Trump protestors gather outside the Ford Rawsonville Components Plant on Thursday May 21, 2020 during President Trump's tour of the facility.

Gallery: Anti-Trump and pro-Trump protestors gather outside the Ford plant in Ypsilanti during President Trump's Thursday visit

By Dan D'Introno and Carmen Cheng · Friday, May 22, 2020

View photos from the protests that occurred during President Trump's visit to Ypsilanti on Thursday.

EMU’s Family Empowerment Program continues to support YHC community

By Sophia Kalakailo · Wednesday, May 20, 2020

EMU's Family Empowerment Program has continued to support residents of the Ypsilanti Housing Commission's complexes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The YHC community is apart of the 48197 and 48198 zip codes where over half the COVID-19 cases in Washtenaw County can be found.

Symposium: EMU graduate examines EMU's marketing strategies over the years

By Bianca Ramsey · Wednesday, May 20, 2020

EMU graduate Kaitlyn Eby's undergraduate thesis took a look at the history of marketing at EMU. Her presentation, along with all of her peers, was canceled along with the whole of the 40th EMU Undergraduate Symposium. For more, listen to Eastern Echo’s Podcast, “Symposium.”

President Trump to speak at Ypsilanti's Ford Rawsonville Plant on Thursday

By Dan D'Introno · Wednesday, May 20, 2020

President Trump is expected to speak at the Ford Rawsonville Components Plant regarding Ford Motor Company's collaboration General Electric Healthcare in an effort to build 50,000 ventilators in 100 days. The visit comes as part of the president's nationwide tour to thank businesses who aided in the effort to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical equipment in the effort against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Podcast: May 18 , 2020

By Jasmine Boyd · Monday, May 18, 2020

University President James Smith announces a plan to reopen the university in the fall, EMU partners with U of M and other state universities to aid local governments, and certain local business see an unexpected increase in sales.

Local bicycle shops experience a sudden boom of sales during pandemic

By Carmen Cheng · Sunday, May 17, 2020

Two Michigan-based bicycle shops, Wheels in Motion and Tree Fort Bike, experienced unexpected rapid growth of bicycle sales in wake of the social distancing restrictions in Michigan due to the pandemic. Nationally, cycling has suddenly become super popular as it is a healthy exercise and adheres to social distancing practices.

EMU collaborates with other Michigan universities to provide fiscal guidance to struggling local governments during the COVID-19 crisis

By Austin Elliott · Sunday, May 17, 2020

Local governments will soon be faced with difficult choices because of how their revenue sources are impacted by the coronavirus crisis. In a partnership with the University of Michigan’s CLOSUP, EMU and other Michigan universities are aiming to provide local governments with expert advice on how to navigate through the economic fallout of the coronavirus crisis.

Armed robbery occurs at Happy's Pizza in Ypsilanti Township, employee held at gunpoint

By Tyler Gaw · Sunday, May 17, 2020

An armed robbery took place at Happy's Pizza in Ypsilanti Township. The suspect fled with an unknown amount of money. No arrests have been made. This is the second armed robbery in Ypsilanti Township this week.

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital relocates curbside testing

By Sophia Kalakailo · Friday, May 15, 2020

The St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital has relocated its curbside testing site. Testing is open to the public for individuals displaying one or more symptoms.

YPSI LIVE offers students and families in the school district free internet access during the COVID-19 crisis

By Jenna Robinson · Thursday, May 14, 2020

The COVID-19 crisis has thrown many people a whole new set of challenges in their academic and professional lives. In an effort to aid students and families in the Ypsilanti school district, the YPSI LIVE project was launched. The project offers six months of free internet services to those who have zero or unreliable access.

Eastern Michigan University hoping to hold in-person classes in the fall

By Dan D'Introno · Thursday, May 14, 2020

EMU President James Smith released a report on Thursday, May 7, announcing the university’s plan to reopen this fall.

EMU Kapamilya Club raises funds for impoverished families in the Philippines

By Ahmad Zalt · Monday, May 11, 2020

The EMU Kapamilya Club launched an online fundraiser for impoverished families in the Philippines. The fundraiser provides groceries for 200 families in the San Mateo, Rizal areas in the Philippines.

EMU student Kennedy Dixon becomes a volunteer for COVID-19 contact tracing

By Gracie Thompson · Sunday, May 10, 2020

An EMU junior and public health major is to become a member of COVID-19’s contact tracing team at Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. This will also help her to push her towards her goal of becoming an epidemiologist.

Ypsi Area Online Market opens in response to COVID-19

By Gracie Thompson · Saturday, May 9, 2020

The Ypsi Area Online Market allows Ypsilanti-area farmers and small business owners to sell their products on an online market. Three pick-up sites are provided to create convenience for buyers.

Two pop-up COVID-19 testing sites coming to Ypsilanti

By Sophia Kalakailo · Saturday, May 9, 2020

On Saturday, May 9, pop-up testing will occur at the Ypsilanti Township Community Center and then on Saturday, May 16 at the Community Family Life Center (CFLC). Ongoing testing will be conducted at Perry Early Learning Center. Curbside testing is also available daily at the north entrance of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor hospital