Ypsilanti

Food, housing, transportation, health care, education—the price of everything is going up and putting a strain on greater numbers of people. The hardship is worse for those who are already living at or under the poverty line. Combating poverty and the challenges that perpetuate poverty through generations is at the heart of the work performed by the Ypsilanti-based non-profit, Friends In Deed. While the need for assistance is growing, so is the resolve to address poverty and related issues. For Friends In Deed Executive Director R. Tyrone Kelsey, the mission is personal. He explains why in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

The Ypsilanti Community Choir has made it its mission to bring quality music to the area for more than 30 years. The choir encourages people of all ages and from all walks of life to join, whether experienced singers, or those who like to sing in the shower! WEMU's Caroline MacGregor talked to Ypsilanti Community Choir Music Director Ariel Toews-Ricotta about the choir and their Spring 2026 concert, which takes place tonight.

The City of Ypsilanti has been seeing success in sparking local interest in the city’s history with its "Throwback Thursdays" campaign. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Ypsilanti is facing a nearly $1.9 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. The City Council is asking the administration to find some savings to reduce the amount of dollars they will need to take out of the city’s Fund Balance. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

There's an old saying: "It takes a village to raise a child." Through Ypsilanti Community Schools, an after-school program called "Ypsilanti Community — The Village" builds up the well-being of kids with athletics. Lee Van Roth discussed the program with its director, YCS football coach Mitch Long.

Each month, we partner with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber to look at how the news of the day impacts the local business community. For this month's "Washtenaw Business Lens," WEMU's Caroline MacGregor was joined by Andy LaBarre, Executive Vice President and Director of Government Relations for the Chamber, and Destination Ann Arbor Director of Community Engagement Jennifer Chizek to talk about the upcoming tourism season and what Destination Ann Arbor predicts for this summer and fall.

The Ypsilanti Fire Department has received an evaluation from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), ranking it among the top 2% of departments in Michigan. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Ypsilanti will have its own unarmed crisis response team. The City Council has approved a previously tabled resolution now that a funding source has been identified. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Starting a new business—even a small business—takes a lot of work and resources. Fortunately, Ann Arbor SPARK East in Ypsilanti is there to provide such resources with its Small Business Support Hub. Lee Van Roth talked all about what the program does for budding entrepreneurs with Ann Arbor SPARK's director of entrepreneurial services, Kristine Nash-Wong.

The Ypsilanti City Council will get a look at the next proposed budget this evening. It includes dipping into the General Fund for some needed infrastructure improvements. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.