Ypsilanti

In 2025, there was a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Washtenaw County. Federal immigration policy has created fear and uncertainty among the community's undocumented and documented immigrants. Federal funding changes have impacted some of the organizations that support immigrant people and families. That includes the Michigan Immigration Resource Center (MIRC) in Ypsilanti. What will the new year bring from ICE in Washtenaw County and Michigan? WEMU's David Fair put those questions before the MIRC's policy engagement and communications manager, Christine Sauve, on the first "Washtenaw United" conversation of 2026.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley is asking for the public’s help in locating a man caught abusing a dog on camera. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Ozone House in Ann Arbor is seeking alternative solutions to secure funding for its youth sheltering programs after this year’s federal cuts have impacted them greatly. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Washtenaw County’s Avalon Housing is looking forward to a productive 2026. As WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports, the organization has several projects ongoing.

Startup businesses fostered by Ann Arbor SPARK saw financial growth this year amid a turbulent economy. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels continues to experience high demand for help putting food on the table. That demand is reflected in the organization's decision to add an eighth service route. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

When it comes to our local environment, 2025 has been a year of progress and one with significant and growing challenges. Environmental aspirations are being worked into place in almost direct opposition to changing federal priorities and policies. WEMU's David Fair reflected on 2025 in a conversation with Beth Gibbons, the Director of the Washtenaw County Resiliency Office.

The leadership of Rx Kids say they were shocked when a House committee unilaterally cut their state funding. But it promises that all families currently signed up for the program, including those in Ypsilanti, will get their assistance. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) has had a positive public reception this year with the reopening of its main branch downtown and the hiring of its first social worker. Now, the library is looking forward to big plans in 2026. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Avalon Housing has weathered federal budget cuts in 2025, still built new affordable housing developments and has big plans on the horizon. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.