News - The Eastern Echo

A building with a red-and-blue-brick entrance. Extending from the right side of the entrance is a long gray-colored section of the building. Several green trees frame the entrance to the building, and there is green grass in the foreground of the photo. Overhead, the sky is blue, and there is a rainbow visible over the building.

YDL Summer Reading Challenge rewards kid, adult readers

By Lelaina MacDonald · Tuesday, June 30, 2026

The Ypsilanti District Library is hosting a reading challenge this summer for all ages. Participants can enjoy a good book as well as free events, activities and prizes.

Swoop stands next to GeoClub members at their booth. There are rocks on the table.

Eastern Michigan University's GeoClub ties for student chapter of the year

By Lauren Holloway · Monday, June 29, 2026

Eastern Michigan University's GeoClub ties for Student Chapter of the Year for the American Institute of Professional Geologists.

The front facade of the Legacy Sponberg Theatre has glass doors, a curved arch and windows that show which productions are currently playing.

EMU Theatre alumni James Bolosh, Michael Page win a combined three Tony Awards

By Hannah Borders · Sunday, June 28, 2026

Two Eastern Michigan University Theatre alumni, Michael Page and James Bolosh, won a combined total of three Tony Awards on June 7, 2026

A sushi roll containing fish, cucumber, rice and nori is displayed at a restaurant.

Protein-heavy and affordable: new sushi shop opens in downtown Ypsilanti

By Sam Peterson · Saturday, June 27, 2026

Penny Roll Sushi is a new grab-and-go style sushi restaurant on Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti.

Swoop mascot standing with his arms out in the Rec/IM during the Registration Blitz.

Eagle One Card changes coming July for students

By Lelaina MacDonald · Friday, June 26, 2026

Eastern Michigan University makes changes to student ID cards starting in July.

Brendan Kelly speaks from behind a clear, transparent plastic podium as Board of Regents members listen from a long, shared desk in the background.

EMU Board of Regents approve 2.5% tuition increase, lower parking rates

By Sam Peterson · Thursday, June 25, 2026

The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved approved a 2.5% tuition increase at its June 25, 2026, meeting.

EMU's 'Enlighten U' wins best mental health podcast

By Lelaina MacDonald · Thursday, June 25, 2026

Eastern Michigan University's "Enlighten U" podcast won No. 1 mental health podcast in Michigan in 2026.

Three people are sat down at a folding table each with a plate of food. There are two bags on chips on the table.

What's the Move? June 23-29

By Gray Connor · Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Come check out a burlesque show, 2000s themed cookout, bingo or a folk night in and near Ypsilanti this week.

Green, black, and yellow graphic of headphones and the text "The Eastern Echo Podcast."

The Weekly Scoop 6/23/2026

By Anthony Thaxton · Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Anthony Thaxton goes over the online stories from The Eastern Echo from the week of June 15 to June 21.

A butterfly rests on a plant, with green shrubs in the background.

Ypsilanti celebrates Pollinator Week

By Lauren Holloway · Monday, June 22, 2026

June 22-28 is National Pollinator week, and there are many ways residents can celebrate in Ypsilanti.

Inside of a store that has shelves of books to the right, movies and CDs in the center, and t-shirts on the left.

Local record shop Wyrd Byrd strengthens music-loving community in Ypsilanti

By Hannah Borders · Sunday, June 21, 2026

Wyrd Byrd is an independently owned record store in downtown Ypsilanti that sells a variety of products and hosts music-centered events.

Sill Hall Grand Opening - Baja Car demonstration

Eastern Michigan University Baja Racing Club makes top 50 in New York competition

By Sam Peterson · Saturday, June 20, 2026

Eastern Michigan University's Baja Racing Club placed in the top 50 among more than 100 competing teams in New York.

A grid of Google app icons with Gmail in the middle. All of the surrounding icons, such as the ones for Google Calendar, Drive, Docs, Photos and Sheets are blurred.

Eastern Michigan University's IT department releases Google alumni account update before deadline

By Laura Meriweather · Friday, June 19, 2026

Eastern Michigan University's division of IT released an FAQ on June 12, 2026 explaining that alumni Google accounts will switch to Gmail-only on a rolling basis, but that alums should be prepared to lose access to non-Gmail services by July 1, 2026.

Fred Hammond sits on stage in front of a microphone in a snapback hat, black t-shirt and grey jeans with multiple background performers surrounding him in matching white tops and blue jeans.

Ypsilanti to honor Juneteenth with 3-day celebration

By Laleh Walker · Thursday, June 18, 2026

From June 19-21, 2026, Ypsilanti will celebrate its sixth annual Juneteenth celebration, Juneteenth Rising: Liberation Through Unity, at University Bank in downtown Ypsilanti.

Huron Valley Connectional Women's Facility

Former Huron Valley correctional officer sentenced for criminal sexual conduct

By Sam Peterson · Thursday, June 18, 2026

Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility officer receives 18 month to 15 year sentence after pleading guilty to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Event flyer with a multi-colored background and text that reads "Clowns Out: Clothes Off! ft. Burlesque clowns + improv. Fundrasiing for Ypsi Pride & Black Pride Ypsi."

Clowns Out: Clothes Off! event to raise money for Ypsi Pride, Black Pride Ypsi

By Hannah Borders · Wednesday, June 17, 2026

A local clown burlesque performance group, The Good Trouble Makers, is putting on a show at hear.say in Ann Arbor to raise money for Ypsi Pride and Black Pride Ypsi.

A glass door leads to room 118 of Pray-Harrold, where the Eastern Michigan University division of IT is housed.

Eastern Michigan University web services resume after cable damage

By Laura Meriweather · Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Eastern Michigan University web services began to resume service around 3 p.m. on June 16, 2026, after a damaged fiber optic cable near campus took access down for over an hour.

A vendor tent features body care products. A vendor uses their device to ring up customers while a group of attendees look at the items for sale.

What's the Move? June 16-23

By Gray Connor · Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Looking for something to do this week? Whether it is arts, music, comedy or culture, there is something for all in Ypsilanti.

The Rocket's yellow storefront has the words "The Rocket" and is covered with daisies on the window, large plush characters on display inside the window, and a sign that says, "Candy, Gifts, Toys."

Ypsilanti’s The Rocket owners reflect on 20 years in business

By Laleh Walker · Monday, June 15, 2026

Reaching 20 years in business, The Rocket continues to be a place of nostalgia, gifts and candy for kids and adults.

A man stands in his living room in front of a fireplace, holding on to his walker.

106 year old invites centenarians to ride in Ypsilanti's 96th annual 4th of July parade

By Lauren Holloway · Sunday, June 14, 2026

Ypsilanti centenarian Gordon Cahours will be riding in Ypsilanti's 96th annual 4th of July parade and invites other Ypsi residents over 100 to join him.