News - The Eastern Echo

Eastern Michigan University alumnus Eric Sturgis running for Ann Arbor City Council

By Juliana Lumaj · Monday, Oct. 19, 2020

Eastern Michigan University alumnus Eric Sturgis has announced that he is running as a write-in candidate for Ann Arbor City Council, in order to represent Ann Arbor’s First Ward. The announcement was made less than a month before the November general election. Sturgis’ opponent in the race is Lisa Disch.

The recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling may affect future Ypsilanti City Council Meetings

By Juliana Lumaj · Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020

With the Michigan Supreme Court striking down Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 executive orders, the Ypsilanti City Council’s virtual meetings may now violate the Open Meetings Act. Violating the Open Meetings Act can result in being found guilty of a misdemeanor, and the Ypsilanti City Council could be found personally liable and charged $500 for a single meeting.

10 of the 13 suspects involved in the Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot

Six men arrested in Ypsilanti in relation to plot to kidnap Governor Whitmer

By Tyler Gaw · Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020

As of Thursday, Oct. 8, 13 men are being charged with terrorism, conspiracy, and weapons in relation to plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Six of the men involved were taken into custody in Ypsilanti. The men involved in the plot have been recognized as members of the militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen.

Blue sign says, "Ypsilanti Police Department," surrounded by greenery in front of a building.

Campus-area crime map: Sept. 26 through Oct. 14

By Tyler Gaw · Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020

The campus area crime map is a report of criminal activity that has been reported in the Ypsilanti-area as well as on the campus of Eastern Michigan University. The following crimes mapped were reported to City of Ypsilanti crime log between Sept. 26 and Oct. 14.

Community leaders speak on Ann Arbor's decriminalization of psychedelics

By Tyler Gaw · Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020

Entheogenic plants and substances, otherwise known as psychedelics, are now classified as Ann Arbor’s lowest law enforcement priority. Ann Arbor City Council Member Anne Bannister and Washtenaw County community leader Eli Savit gave their thoughts to the Echo on Ann Arbor’s decriminalization of the plants and substances.

Amplify Fellowship - Kyla McGrath (1).jpg

Leon Speakers and Grove Studios launch the Amplify Fellowship

By Cameryn Eberly · Monday, Oct. 12, 2020

The partnership between Grove Studios and Leon Speakers, which encompasses artistic development, community collaborations, and experiential learning, has now expanded to include the Amplify Fellowship. The fellowship, established earlier this summer, seeks to expand opportunities for African-Americans interested in content creation.

What Ypsilanti voters need to know about absentee ballots

By Juliana Lumaj · Monday, Oct. 5, 2020

With challenges due to COVID-19 and changes to Postal Service, voting may look a lot different. This is what Ypsilanti voters need to know.

Luis Romero and Colton Ray elected as student body president and vice president

By Kennedy Robinson · Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020

The results for the 2020-2021 Student Body President and Vice President election have been announced with Luis Romero and Colton Ray winning president and vice president by just 4%. The new administration hopes to address a "myriad of concerns" that students face at EMU, listing "mental health issues, food insecurity, housing insecurity, and social marginalization, and how and why those issues are often intertwined.”

Eastern Michigan University testing wastewater from campus housing for COVID-19

By Ahmad Zalt · Friday, Oct. 2, 2020

Eastern Michigan University is testing wastewater from residential buildings for COVID-19 genetic fragments. This is a science-based and cost-efficient alternative to randomly testing student residents.

Meet the candidates for EMU student body president

By Kennedy Robinson · Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020

Candidates for Student Body President and Vice President describe their platforms as well as their qualifications for office.

A look at who is running for EMU Student Body Senate

By Austin Elliott · Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020

After Student Government elections were postponed last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students will finally get to cast their vote via their my.emich page from Sept. 30 at 8:00 a.m. until Oct. 1 at 8:00 p.m.

Eli Savit Speaking at Criminal Justice Listening Tour

Nominee for Washtenaw County Prosecutor, Eli Savit, holds Criminal Justice Listening Tour

By Juliana Lumaj · Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020

The Criminal Justice Listening Tour hosted a stop Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Parkridge Park in Ypsilanti. The tour has been organized by the nominee for Washtenaw County prosecutor, Eli Savit, who his invited colleagues to speak alongside him.

Marilyn Horace-Moore Scholarship has been established in memory of the late Eastern Michigan University criminology professor

By Cameryn Eberly · Monday, Sept. 28, 2020

The colleagues and creators of the Marilyn Horace-Moore Scholarship are inviting EMU students, faculty, and supporters to honor her life by donating to the scholarship fund. Horace-Moore was passionate about helping students achieve their degree through advocacy and mentorship and the scholarship serves as a way to continue her passions through her legacy.

A look inside the Ypsilanti Community School system amidst COVID-19

A look inside Ypsilanti Community Schools amidst COVID-19

By Gracie Thompson · Monday, Sept. 28, 2020

The Ypsilanti Community Schools have undergone major changes to accommodate students and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been forced to alter the everyday environment for students and reshift their budget.

Michigan Attorney General denies charges against Washtenaw County Sherff's Deputy regarding use of force incident in Ypsilanti Township

By Tyler Gaw · Monday, Sept. 28, 2020

The Michigan Office of the Attorney General has denied charges against a Washtenaw County deputy sheriff, Austin Pearson, regarding his use of force in an incident that occurred in Ypsilanti Township earlier this year. Independent investigation into the Pearson’s use of force was conducted by the Michigan Sheriff’s Association Special Investigative Operation Network (MISSION) with review of the investigation conducted by the Office of the Attorney General.

Campus-area crime map: Sept. 14 through Sept. 26

By Tyler Gaw · Monday, Sept. 28, 2020

The campus area crime map is a report of criminal activity that has been reported in the Ypsilanti-area as well as on the campus of Eastern Michigan University. The following crimes mapped were reported to City of Ypsilanti crime log between Sept. 14 and Sept. 26.

Ypsilanti rapper, Kid Jay, collaborates with the Detroit Youth Choir to recreate "Glory" and bring light to racial injustice

By Bianca Ramsey · Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020

Ypsilanti rapper, Kid Jay, the Detroit Youth Choir, and rapper IndigoYaj teamed up, utilizing their social media platforms in order to bring awareness to the Black Lives Matter Movement. The song highlights racial injustices in the United States, a major point of discussion in the 2020.

Eastern Michigan Aviation Program signs 5-year partnership with Crosswinds Aviation

By Cameryn Eberly · Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020

Eastern Michigan University and flight training school Crosswinds Aviation have teamed up in a five-year partnership agreement to expand opportunities for aviation students. Several new benefits include more training locations, expansion of aircraft training, and emphasis on the advancement of the High School Flight Program, helping aviation students get a head-start on their career goals.

COVID-19 pushes student government spring elections into fall 2020, meetings have yet to resume

By Kennedy Robinson · Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020

Student government elections have been pushed from late march into fall 2020 semester. Students may vote for as few or as many of the listed candidates as the choose due to the limited pool of candidates. Following elections, student government will resume meetings virtually.

Namesake of Quirk Theatre exposed for blackface performances; EMU officials exploring next steps

By Ashlee Buhler · Monday, Sept. 14, 2020

Officials at Eastern Michigan University are discussing the next course of action after learning of the racist history tied to one of the namesakes for the Quirk-Sponberg Theatre, Daniel L. Quirk Jr. Quirk. Quirk frequently directed and performed minstrel shows.