Michael Symonds
@michaelsymonds.bsky.social
Report for America Corps Member | WMUK 102.1 FM | Volunteer Mentor with Loy Norrix Knight Life News | Covering Kalamazoo & Rural Southwest Michigan | Regional Murrow and MAB award winning Journalist
“We just wanted to start somewhere. See how the community came together, how it went off so that we can call again and go, ‘Hey, is this an option?’”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Kalamazoo organizations team up for last-minute warming shelter
The idea came to organizers last week, as frigid temperatures loomed in Monday's forecast.
www.wmuk.org
January 19, 2026 at 9:30 PM
“We just wanted to start somewhere. See how the community came together, how it went off so that we can call again and go, ‘Hey, is this an option?’”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
"The quite large sum of money that we have settled for this contract. Are we still held accountable for that? Because if we are, that comes out of the taxpayers' money."
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Portage's new single-hauler trash system will go before voters in May
The Portage City Council approved a special election petition on Tuesday. The move comes after the city signed a $29 million contract with Waste Management to be its sole garbage collector.
www.wmuk.org
January 16, 2026 at 1:50 PM
"The quite large sum of money that we have settled for this contract. Are we still held accountable for that? Because if we are, that comes out of the taxpayers' money."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“That was one of the things that [King] was most known for, is being able to have moral courage to face mobs, to face scrutiny, to face discrimination, to face violence."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Cornel West will give the keynote speech at WMU's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
Additionally, teach-in sessions will include discussion of women in the civil rights movement — including notable participants who have been overlooked — and restorative justice.
www.wmuk.org
January 14, 2026 at 9:49 PM
“That was one of the things that [King] was most known for, is being able to have moral courage to face mobs, to face scrutiny, to face discrimination, to face violence."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
This week we're looking back at a story from July about a strange object near Mount Ever Rest on South Westnedge Ave.
“I've always seen it from the road from Burdick as I drive by, and it's about the size of a Volkswagen van."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“I've always seen it from the road from Burdick as I drive by, and it's about the size of a Volkswagen van."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Why's That: What is that strange green object near Mount Ever-Rest?
Kalamazoo resident Chris Seck has driven past it quite a few times, intrigued as to what it could be.
www.wmuk.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:35 PM
This week we're looking back at a story from July about a strange object near Mount Ever Rest on South Westnedge Ave.
“I've always seen it from the road from Burdick as I drive by, and it's about the size of a Volkswagen van."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“I've always seen it from the road from Burdick as I drive by, and it's about the size of a Volkswagen van."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“It also gives me hope for tomorrow because these kids getting things that they need today, they'll be better students in school and also better leaders of our community in the future.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Financial assistance program for new and expecting mothers expands to Berrien County
Rx Kids is expanding despite recent cuts to program funding by Michigan House Republicans.
www.wmuk.org
January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM
“It also gives me hope for tomorrow because these kids getting things that they need today, they'll be better students in school and also better leaders of our community in the future.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
"Everyone will have their opportunity to come up."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Kalamazoo commissioners will consider a controversial rezoning proposal January 26
The Kalamazoo City Commission also approved the 2026 budget and swore in a new city manager on Monday.
www.wmuk.org
January 6, 2026 at 9:19 PM
"Everyone will have their opportunity to come up."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
If the community college approves a contract, Klint Pleasant will replace interim President Brent Brewer, who has faced criticism since his appointment in May.
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Southwestern Michigan College trustees vote to appoint SMC's ninth president
If the Cass County community college approves a contract, Klint Pleasant will replace interim President Brent Brewer, who has faced criticism since his appointment in May.
www.wmuk.org
January 6, 2026 at 9:18 PM
If the community college approves a contract, Klint Pleasant will replace interim President Brent Brewer, who has faced criticism since his appointment in May.
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
"Thankfully, no one was physically injured, but the emotional and financial damage has been overwhelming."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Kalamazoo Township nail salon launches GoFundMe after car crashes through shop
The business is looking to raise $7,500 to help pay for repairs and other expected costs.
www.wmuk.org
December 23, 2025 at 6:38 PM
"Thankfully, no one was physically injured, but the emotional and financial damage has been overwhelming."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Some residents are strongly against the proposal, expressing concerns at meetings and on social media about how much water and electricity the center would use.
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Microsoft plans a data center in Allegan County
If built, the center would only be about 20 miles from another proposed Microsoft data-processing facility. The company bought more than 200 acres of land near Dorr Township last year.
www.wmuk.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Some residents are strongly against the proposal, expressing concerns at meetings and on social media about how much water and electricity the center would use.
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“Mr. Hall's description of how he views these district grants is inflammatory, I think, and state funding is really needed."
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
As grant cuts hit two Kalamazoo-area projects, leaders say they will find a way forward
Michigan House Republicans cancelled $645 million in state grants earlier this month. Several were for projects in and around Kalamazoo.
www.wmuk.org
December 20, 2025 at 1:27 PM
“Mr. Hall's description of how he views these district grants is inflammatory, I think, and state funding is really needed."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“Every bit of writing about him that I found talks about him as always having a smile for everyone."
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Why's That: Who was the Eddie of Eddie's Lane?
Kalamazoo is home to many streets named after figures in its history. One namesake is a small one-way street between Western Michigan University's east and west campuses.
www.wmuk.org
December 12, 2025 at 4:26 PM
“Every bit of writing about him that I found talks about him as always having a smile for everyone."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“Healthcare costs are going up, the cost of lab work, office visits, all of that is going up. And so I just feel like I'm digging a hole here.”
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Some retired Borgess nurses are set to lose a benefit that helps them pay for health insurance
The benefit helps retired nurses pay for Medigap, which covers medical costs not covered by Medicare.
www.wmuk.org
December 12, 2025 at 3:47 PM
“Healthcare costs are going up, the cost of lab work, office visits, all of that is going up. And so I just feel like I'm digging a hole here.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“I hope Senator Peters and Slotkin can get on board, as well as some of the other Michigan delegation.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
State representative Steve Frisbie backs an effort to keep protections for Burmese nationals
According to the Burma Center in Springfield, around 50 Temporary Protected Status-holders and asylum-seekers could be affected in the Battle Creek area.
www.wmuk.org
December 11, 2025 at 1:57 PM
“I hope Senator Peters and Slotkin can get on board, as well as some of the other Michigan delegation.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
"People with disabilities, like other people, they have money and often times they're limited in their ability to spend that money because of lack of accessibility."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Kalamazoo gets high marks on accessibility from disability-focused travel agency
Kalamazoo County has one of the highest number of verified accessible destinations for those with physical disabilities in the United States, according to Wheel the World.
www.wmuk.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:06 PM
"People with disabilities, like other people, they have money and often times they're limited in their ability to spend that money because of lack of accessibility."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
"SMRs will give our nation the reliable, round-the-clock power we need to fuel the President’s manufacturing boom, support data centers and AI growth."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
DOE announces $400 million to support new reactors at Palisades Nuclear Plant
The news comes as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission prepares to hold a meeting on the condition of steam generators at Palisades.
www.wmuk.org
December 4, 2025 at 2:08 PM
"SMRs will give our nation the reliable, round-the-clock power we need to fuel the President’s manufacturing boom, support data centers and AI growth."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
The city expects a large turnout for the upcoming public hearing on the proposed rezoning, leading commissioners to discuss how to best accommodate the potential crowd.
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
The city expects a crowd when it holds a hearing on rezoning land near Kalamazoo's Asylum Lake
The Kalamazoo City Commission has postponed a decision on where and when to hold the hearing as it looks to accommodate a large number of people.
www.wmuk.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:48 PM
The city expects a large turnout for the upcoming public hearing on the proposed rezoning, leading commissioners to discuss how to best accommodate the potential crowd.
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
"It feels like a punishment to us for wanting to unionize.”
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Instructors' union to file sixth unfair labor practice against KRESA
A union for instructors at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency said some of its members are receiving raises while others are not. KRESA disputes that those employees are in the union.
www.wmuk.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:41 PM
"It feels like a punishment to us for wanting to unionize.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
The decision came after more than an hour of public comment at an hours-long evening meeting.
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Kalamazoo planning commissioners vote not to recommend rezoning land near Asylum Lake
The decision came during a public meeting Thursday at which dozens of people voiced their opposition to the proposal.
www.wmuk.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:47 PM
The decision came after more than an hour of public comment at an hours-long evening meeting.
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
"Marshawn was a beloved member of our campus community and a proud alumnus"
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Former WMU football player Marshawn Kneeland dies at 24
Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, was found dead Thursday after a police chase, according to law enforcement.
www.wmuk.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:47 PM
"Marshawn was a beloved member of our campus community and a proud alumnus"
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“Today’s probably the busiest day I’ve ever had since I’ve been here, and we don’t really know what to expect."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Paw Paw food pantry sees new faces after SNAP shutdown
Volunteers at one food pantry said the increase in visitors has been "immense."
www.wmuk.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:17 PM
“Today’s probably the busiest day I’ve ever had since I’ve been here, and we don’t really know what to expect."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
"It will lead to the loss of wildlife habitat, placing a greater strain on Preserve habitats and increasing light, noise, and visual pollution."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Kalamazoo planners are poised to consider the future of land near Asylum Lake
The Kalamazoo Planning Commission will hear a new, controversial proposal to rezone land near Asylum Lake on Thursday.
www.wmuk.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:05 PM
"It will lead to the loss of wildlife habitat, placing a greater strain on Preserve habitats and increasing light, noise, and visual pollution."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Portage City Council candidate Jay Woodhams has especially benefited from the donations, with 97.5% of his total contributions coming from members of the Balkema family.
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@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Campaign donations in Portage city election may stem from ongoing conflict over trash policy
Members of a family associated with a regional trash-hauling business have donated a total of $16,400 to three Portage city candidates.
www.wmuk.org
October 30, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Portage City Council candidate Jay Woodhams has especially benefited from the donations, with 97.5% of his total contributions coming from members of the Balkema family.
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“Nobody's going to give enough to offset that kind of a deficit. So we'll have less. That's our only option, to offer less.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
With SNAP benefits set to be paused, Southwest Michigan Food Banks prepare for increased need
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will be paused for around 1.4 million Michiganders in November due to the federal government shutdown.
www.wmuk.org
October 24, 2025 at 8:08 PM
“Nobody's going to give enough to offset that kind of a deficit. So we'll have less. That's our only option, to offer less.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
“This new strategy is just to ensure that we have certified teachers in those classrooms where we really need them to shore up the gaps that we have."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
In-person classes, remote teachers: Benton Harbor's strategy during an instructor shortage
Benton Harbor Area Schools will soon have teachers instructing in-person students virtually in some of its classrooms.
www.wmuk.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:46 PM
“This new strategy is just to ensure that we have certified teachers in those classrooms where we really need them to shore up the gaps that we have."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social