News - The Eastern Echo

EMU extends online-learning format through rest of the semester, postpones spring commencement

By Austin Elliott · Thursday, March 19, 2020

EMU President James Smith announced via email on Wednesday, March 18 that all in-person classes and events will be suspended through the rest of the semester, until April 27 and that the online-format would continue.

Ypsilanti City Council holds brief meeting to finish timely business

By Dan D'Introno · Tuesday, March 17, 2020

The mayor addressed the council regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, describing the situation as “unprecedented.” The mayor told members,“Whatever decisions we make, and whatever choices we make are all going to be with the health and the safety of our community at the heart of it all.”

Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority closes Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor terminals, cancels fare collection in light of coronavirus pandemic

By Ahmad Zalt · Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Both the Ypsilanti Transit Center and the Blake Transit Center in Ann Arbor will be closed beginning March 18. Passenger fare will no longer be collected by drivers in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The AAATA has, in addition, suspended AirRide service to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport from the Blake Transit Center.

Ypsilanti Library and Administrative Facilities to be closed until April 6 due to COVID-19 concerns

By Bianca Ramsey · Monday, March 16, 2020

City administration will close the library and administrative offices until April 6 to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

Resources available to students and families affected by the COVID-19 outbreak

By Austin Elliott · Friday, March 13, 2020

Many resources exist for struggling students and families during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Student Emergency Fund, Ozone House, free internet access, and more.

Ypsilanti Mayor declares State of Emergency, City Council to hold a special meeting

By Dan D'Introno · Thursday, March 12, 2020

Ypsilanti mayor, Beth Bashert has declared a citywide state of emergency in response to the Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. The Ypsilanti City Council will hold a special meeting at town hall on Friday, Mar. 13, 2020 at 6:30 regarding the procedures of the state of emergency.

Patient who tested positive for COVID-19 in treatment at U of M Hospital

By Dan D'Introno · Thursday, March 12, 2020

In response to the positive cases, Whitmer announced a state of emergency “in order to slow the spread of the virus. Currently 27 COVID-19 patient tests are pending in the state. 91 patient tests in the state have shown negative results for the virus. 150 Michigan residents currently recommended for virus testing or monitoring are under active monitorization.

EMU cancels all in-person classes and events in response to COVID-19's emergence in Michigan

By Sophia Kalakailo · Wednesday, March 11, 2020

EMU cancelled all in-person classes and events in response to COVID-19's emergence in Michigan. Classes will shift to an online format until Mar. 31. Residence Halls will remain open but it is recommended that students return to their permanent residence for the purpose of social distancing.

Joe Biden discussing gun sense and safety in Iowa

Joe Biden wins Michigan Democratic presidential primary

By Austin Elliott · Wednesday, March 11, 2020

At just after 9 p.m. on election night, the Associated Press declared Joe Biden the winner of the Democratic presidential primary in Michigan.

Eastern Echo exit poll results from EMU Honors College

By Austin Elliott · Wednesday, March 11, 2020

The Eastern Echo conducted an unscientific exit poll at the EMU Honors College on election day to learn more about voters from those precincts and how they compare to other voters in Washtenaw County and in Michigan.

The second annual Black Excellence Mixer builds bonds and opportunities

By Gracie Thompson · Tuesday, March 10, 2020

On Wednesday, Mar. 4, the McKenny Hall ballroom held the second annual Black Excellence Mixer to bring EMU students closer.

How to vote on election day in Michigan’s March 10 presidential primary

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Find all of the information you need to cast your ballot on election day!

33 EMU students and 2 faculty members now self-quarantined after returning from study abroad trip in Italy

By Austin Elliott · Friday, March 6, 2020

Thirty-three EMU students and two faculty members have returned from a study abroad trip to Italy and are currently self-quarantined in their homes as health officials continue to assess the dangers the new coronavirus poses in the United States. There were two different study abroad groups, both of which left the United States on Feb. 21 and returned on Sunday, March 1.

Eastern Michigan University agrees to a 30-year contract to place four electronic billboards on campus

By Dan D'Introno · Friday, March 6, 2020

In a move to further privitize university operations, Eastern Michigan University agreed to a proposed operating agreement with Civic Media Group LLC (CMG) to construct four signs on university owned property.

Feature: ReUp Education's partnership with EMU to help re-enroll dropped out students

By Austin Book and Dan D'Introno · Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Eastern Echo reporter Austin Book conducted a follow up Echo article regarding ReUp Education’s endeavors at Eastern Michigan University in September 2019. The Echo reached out to university administration, ReUp staff, and students who have since re-enrolled at EMU through ReUp.

UPDATE: Reid Scott resigns from EMU Student Senate following backlash on campus

By Sophia Kalakailo · Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Reid Scott resigned after statements are released by the Office of the Student Body President, the Black Student Union, and the Director of Diversity and Community Outreach. The statements are in response to a story published by the Echo yesterday.

Senate leadership investigates eight-year old Facebook post from Senator Reid Scott

EMU Student Senate leadership investigates eight-year-old Facebook post depicting Sen. Reid Scott in black-face

By Sophia Kalakailo · Monday, March 2, 2020

A source who has asked to remain anonymous said that due to an eight-year-old Facebook post, members of the Senate may ask Sen. Reid Scott to resign or begin a removal process in the case that he refuses. Senate leadership cannot confirm but that “[t]he Student Body Senate is taking this very seriously and are investigating this matter.”

Washtenaw County Health Department awarded $30,000 for three community projects

By Liz Erne · Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020

The Washtenaw County Health Department is awarding $30,000 in grant funding for three community projects that are helping to improve access and consumption of healthy foods. The funding was awarded through the health departments program, Building Healthy Communities.

EMU’s Percussion Ensemble entertains audience in Pease Auditorium

By Gracie Thompson · Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020

The EMU Percussion Ensemble put on a show for the public in Pease Auditorium on Monday, Feb. 17.

The national pilot shortage: an interview with EMU aviation student Anthony Castro

By Tyler Gaw · Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020

There is currently a huge problem in the aviation field with the shortage of pilots. EMU student and Private Pilot Anthony Castro talked with The Echo about the crisis.