Michael Symonds
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Michael Symonds
@michaelsymonds.bsky.social
140 followers 51 following 94 posts
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
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michaelsymonds.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
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
michaelsymonds.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
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
michaelsymonds.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.
@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
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
"It feels like a punishment to us for wanting to unionize.”
@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
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
The decision came after more than an hour of public comment at an hours-long evening meeting.
@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
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
"Marshawn was a beloved member of our campus community and a proud alumnus"
@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
michaelsymonds.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
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
michaelsymonds.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
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
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
Interviewed a protesting chicken

No, you won't get context
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
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
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
michaelsymonds.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
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
michaelsymonds.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
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
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
“We asked for details, and they're like, 'Oh, we'll get you details.' As of today, they have not sent any details other than like a plan name."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
A KRESA instructors' union plans to file a second unfair labor practices complaint
The union at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency said KRESA is once again engaging in unfair labor practices after it approved a new medical plan for employees.
www.wmuk.org
October 23, 2025 at 12:56 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
“If these issues don't get addressed, then you get real serious political problems that can be both within countries and then internationally."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
A WMU group will host a 3-day virtual event on "climate refugees" next week
The three-day online symposium organized by WMU's Climate Change Working Group is set to bring together voices from around the world to raise awareness and discuss solutions for climate-related migrat...
www.wmuk.org
October 22, 2025 at 2:58 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
"I feel like it's not as politically charged as those national guard deployments that are going into cities.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Over 100 Michigan National Guard troops headed to the U.S.-Mexico border after ceremony at WMU Ice Arena
Over 100 soldiers with the Michigan National Guard gathered at Western Michigan University’s Lawson Ice Arena Friday before being deployed to the United States’ Southern border.
www.wmuk.org
October 17, 2025 at 8:06 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
"It speaks to the influence that it had most likely on the lives of dozens of women whose names we will never know.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Kalamazoo Ladies Library Association set to be inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame
After operating for over 170 years, the Kalamazoo Ladies' Library Association will be inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame on Oct. 22.
www.wmuk.org
October 16, 2025 at 7:29 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
“I don't know how you meet in the middle of insanity."
@swmiindivisible.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Where is the middle, and can we meet in it?
About 20 people gathered in Dowagiac Tuesday night to discuss the impacts of Trump administration policies. Organizers hoped people on the left and right would attend.
www.wmuk.org
October 10, 2025 at 5:28 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
An application obtained through the Michigan Freedom of Information Act shows that a limited liability company called Stadium Drive #1 is behind the recent request to rezone land adjacent to Asylum Lake Preserve.
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
See the application to rezone land near the Asylum Lake Preserve
The car wash proprietor who owns the land has sought to rezone and develop it before. Proposals to build next to the nature preserve have proven controversial.
www.wmuk.org
October 9, 2025 at 12:50 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
"We're aware of the political climate in the country, and we felt it was our best interest to increase the number of peacekeepers at this event."
@kzooindivisible.bsky.social
@swmiindivisible.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Southwest Michigan organizers work on security plans for "No Kings 2.0" protests
Amid high-profile incidents of political violence, local organizers say they're focused on safety for the next No Kings protests on October 18.
www.wmuk.org
October 8, 2025 at 8:56 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
"It's been 50 years, we hope for at least another 50 years."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Historical society celebrates renovations to Schoolcraft Underground Railroad Station
The Schoolcraft Historical Society celebrated the completion of renovations to the Dr. Nathan Thomas House on Saturday, marking 50 years since its original renovation and the group's founding.
www.wmuk.org
October 7, 2025 at 12:56 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
Drive and Shine Car Wash, which owns the land, has submitted similar applications in recent years in an effort to build their fourth car wash in the Kalamazoo area.
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
The Asylum Lake car wash proposal may have returned, with a new rezoning request
A controversial plan to build a car wash near the Asylum Lake Preserve in Kalamazoo may be back, after an application to rezone land near the lake was submitted to the planning commission.
www.wmuk.org
October 2, 2025 at 8:39 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
“They have grit and determination. They have heart and they have vision. That's exactly what this special place needs."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Exit Hinman, enter Lead Balloon at Kalamazoo's shuttered State Theatre
Kalamazoo’s historic State Theatre has new owners nearly a year after the venue closed indefinitely, who hope to see it preserved, restored and reopened.
www.wmuk.org
October 1, 2025 at 12:55 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
"You can imagine what it's like to be paying 80% of your monthly income on just your housing.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
Battle Creek community members discuss the city's housing issues
Battle Creek community members gathered for a workshop tackling the city’s housing challenges Monday, but some said it overlooked data relevant to low-income communities.
www.wmuk.org
September 23, 2025 at 1:16 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
“To be completely honest, we have lived in fear the majority of our lives, and it's not the first thing that's going to break us down."
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@ufwfoundation.bsky.social
"We go where they are": Farmworkers' rights group changes tactics amid deportation fears
A group that advocates for farmworkers in Michigan celebrated its five-year anniversary at the end of last month. But not a single farmworker came to the UFW Foundation’s event.
www.wmuk.org
September 9, 2025 at 1:09 PM
michaelsymonds.bsky.social
“We feel like they're stalling in hopes that at some point, the new union members will get tired and want to drop out of the union."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
#Union #Education
Instructors' union files an unfair labor practice complaint against KRESA
An organization representing teachers at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency says KRESA is dragging its heels on a contract, which the agency denies.
www.wmuk.org
September 4, 2025 at 8:07 PM