Ypsilanti Freighthouse

Early voting for the August 6th primary election begins on Saturday across Michigan. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority is looking to improve the Freighthouse space and a public area on Water Street. WEMU's Taylor Bowie has more.

Food and housing insecurity continue to grow in our community. For the unhoused, it is a constant struggle to stay warm and fed. That's where FedUp Ministries steps in. During the summer, it provides food to those in need with a mobile food truck, while in the winters, it visits area warming centers to provide food. Now, FedUp is providing its WashUp services with a mobile shower vehicle to provide hygiene and dignity to the unhoused. FedUp Ministries board president Tajalli Hodge joins Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale to discuss new services and the plan for more in the near future.

Today, those at the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County are working to provide free meals to those in need over the holiday. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.

The City of Ypsilanti aims to provide more after-hours warming shelter options. WEMU's Taylor Bowie has more.

The University Musical Society is bringing Detroit-based saxophonist Marcus Elliot and his seven-piece band to Ypsilanti this weekend. His upcoming concerts will be a celebration of Ypsilanti's history of being a refuge for Black Americans going all the way back to the 1830's. Elliot gives a preview of his performance in a conversation with WEMU's Michael Jewett.

The University Musical Society, or UMS, has a new goal of engaging the Ypsilanti community in the arts in their neighborhoods. The effort will kick off with a week-long program of music, art and dance coming to Ypsilanti's Freighthouse in April. The program will be filled with singers, dancers, graffiti artists, orchestral and African-inspired music -- all with performances that encourage audience participation. WEMU's Cathy Shafran brings all of the details with Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale and UMS vice president of learning and engagement Cayenne Harris.

Ypsilanti City Council will vote tonight on final approval to create an overnight homeless shelter. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.

This winter, the City of Ypsilanti will have an overnight shelter available to those experiencing homelessness. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.

Thanksgiving meals are being offered Thursday across Washtenaw County for those who are alone or in need of a warm meal. And the latest data shows the numbers in need may be growing this year. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran has the details.