The Eastern Echo

An Eastern Michigan University doctoral student is using virtual reality to explore a new way to treat one of the world’s most common phobias: the fear of flying. The study combines immersive technology with exposure therapy in hopes of making treatment more realistic and effective. Ashton Amin, a Ph.D. student in EMU’s clinical psychology program, said the project was inspired by the challenges of treating flight anxiety through traditional exposure therapy.

For 58 years, one of Michigan's oldest volunteer programs, Washtenaw County's Foster Grandparent Program, in partnership with AmeriCorps, has provided income-eligible seniors with the opportunity to offer educational support and mentorship to youth. Founded in 1965, the Foster Grandparent Program was created to address the challenges institutionalized and special needs youth face.

Dear Editor, On July 4, 2026, The United States lit up in celebration of our semi-quincentennial. Each town, village, city, and district illuminated by gunpowder and metal in vibrant red, white, and blue, each citizen celebrating this country for their own, very personal reasons. For some it's the long weekend, an excuse to light off explosives in the back yard after drinking all day in anticipation of the boom.

Eastern Michigan University is preparing to launch an overhaul of campus dining services this fall, introducing expanded options, longer hours, and a 24-hour market as administrators move to address one of student’s longstanding frustrations. EMU President Brendan Kelly said complaints about dining became one of the first issues he prioritized after arriving at the University in April. “Hours were the number one thing that I heard,” Kelly said during an interview.

Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. As residents return to the polls August 4, here’s how Ypsilanti residents can register and vote. First, a person looking to register to vote in Ypsilanti must meet certain criteria. They must be an American citizen, at least 18 years old by election day, a resident of Michigan and Ypsilanti Township. Registration can be done at City Hall, Secretary of State, Washtenaw County Clerk's Office or by mail up to 15 days before the election.

With National Hot Dog Day coming up July 15, residents of Ypsilanti may want to celebrate by eating a good quality hot dog. Here are a few restaurants in Ypsilanti that are well known for their hot dogs. Bill's Drive In is a cherished local gem that captures the nostalgic charm of a classic American drive-in. Bill’s Drive In offers a true drive in experience where servers come directly to a customer's car window, which creates a warm and personalized interaction that modern fast food chains miss.

Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. On Saturday, July 18, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Ypsilanti’s annual Ypsi Pride returns with 121 local vendors and 50 performances in Depot Town. Unlike last year, Ypsi Pride will be held on a Saturday, giving attendees more time to celebrate and participate in activities. The event will still follow a similar layout to previous years, so guests will be familiar with the celebration. At noon, family-focused activities will be located at Riverside Park.

Need some events to fill up your calendar? Check out some of the things happening locally in Washtenaw County. Located at Thunder Over Michigan at the Willow Run Airport, air show fans can catch a ride in a Huey Helicopter by stopping by the Roush Aeronautics Center in Belleville, MI. The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show, presented by the Michigan Flight Museum, first began in 1999, showcasing mid-air tricks in its event meant for all ages.

When Meg Castro first walked through the doors of Eastern Michigan University’s Student Center in 2007, she wasn't sure she would last. She didn’t have a four-year degree. She didn’t have a background in higher education. However, what Castro did have was a relentless work ethic, a deep commitment to old-fashioned customer service, and a determination that led EMU’s events department for nearly two decades.

Being a parent is challenging, and it can be hard assuring you are keeping your child as safe as possible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly, despite parents having confidence that they know how to safely install their car seat.