Good morning, Ypsilanti.

The owners of Standard Auto Service and BP Gas Station at 1465 Washtenaw Ave in Ypsilanti are asking the public for input on their plan to expand the business and add electric vehicle charging stations — they also need conditional rezoning of the residential lot behind the business.

Students at the University of Michigan rallied on the Diag to protest the elimination of DEI programs and the revoking of student visas by the federal government—actions they said left minority students at risk.

Faculty joined the protest, noting that shifting resources have threatened financial aid and job security for first-generation students.

Two Michigan college alumni, Aisha Bowe and Nathan Perry, will join Blue Origin’s NS-31 space launch on Monday, April 14 at 8:30 a.m. (from West Texas) and fly with high-profile passengers like singer Katy Perry; Washtenaw Community College will host a countdown party at 9 a.m. in the Morris Lawrence Building where the event will be broadcast on campus.

Michigan's DNR warned that black bears are moving further south in the Lower Peninsula and may lead to more encounters with residents.

The agency advised people to secure food and take safety steps—such as making loud noises and backing away slowly—if they see a bear.

Ypsilanti police and the building department closed The Patient Station at 539 S.

Huron St. on April 8th because it did not renew its permit—city officials said the dispensary had been operating without one for months.

Independent Film Festival

N/A — Thu, Apr 17 – Sat, Apr 19 — Riverside Arts Center — Free and open to the public — Celebrate local cinema with diverse short films and hands-on workshops.

Sesame Street Live - Say Hello

2-5 p.m. — George Gervin GameAbove Center — $27-$67 — Sing, dance, and play along with Elmo and friends in a fun-filled celebration on Sesame Street.