Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 4d

“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

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 5d

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

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 6d

"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

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 7d

"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

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 12d

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

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 13d

“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

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 21d

"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

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Sep 9

“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."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@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

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Sep 4

“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

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Sep 3

“When they brought the hour hand in, this thing was folded over completely.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
#WMU #Broncos

What time is it? Almost time for Waldo Library's new clock hands

Students returning to Western Michigan University may have noticed that Waldo Library’s clock is missing its hands, but they may soon return after being removed in May.

www.wmuk.org

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Sep 3

“Take an issue like community solar... It doesn't get passed because DTE and Consumers don't want it.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social

Advocates hope banning many utility donations will help clean energy legislation in Michigan

Renewable-energy advocates say utilities have too much influence over the officials that regulate them, and that a proposed ballot measure could help change that.

www.wmuk.org

1

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Aug 28

“Sometimes we use something, we no longer need it and we really don't know what to do with this thing and this is really a great idea to allow other people to benefit from it.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social

S.H.E. Shed hopes to reduce waste by offering free used items to WMU students

The Western Michigan University Office of Sustainability hopes to keep items out of the landfill by giving them to students who need them.

www.wmuk.org

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Aug 26

"When we started this, the thinking was, 'Well, this has never been done before. So, could it be done?' And now we're proving that yes, it can."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social

Palisades becomes the first decommissioned U.S. nuclear plant to return to operational status

More than three years after it was decommissioned, the Palisades Nuclear Plant has returned to operational status, but there's still more to be done.

www.wmuk.org

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Aug 15

Look what came in the mail! 📫

WMUK's RTDNA Regional 2025 Edward R. Murrow Awards!

Best News Documentary & Best News Series in Region 7!🏆

@reportforamerica.bsky.social

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Aug 15

“I don't doubt that we still need to advocate for the continuation of the Michigan School Meals program because that is something that may come into account as the federal funding disappears.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social

State budget or not, these Southwest Michigan schools will continue to serve free meals

State lawmakers have yet to pass a budget that would fund Michigan's free meal program, but the state superintendent is urging districts to providing them this fall.

www.wmuk.org

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Aug 13

“I can guarantee you with the energy bills that residents are paying, anything that would lower it is needed."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social

EPA cancels $7 billion solar grant program, putting a Benton Harbor project in limbo

The Environmental Protection Agency cancelled the program last week. Benton Harbor is one of the many awardees now left without funding.

www.wmuk.org

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Aug 11

“I hope that they can get to hear some music that they enjoy. And I hope that they have fun. I hope they get to see that Kalamazoo is quite a diverse community.”
#Latinx #ICE

Latinx Festival to bring food, music and a back-to-school giveaway to Kalamazoo

Latin American culture will be on full display Saturday at the 4th annual Kalamazoo Latinx Festival.

www.wmuk.org

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Aug 7

"At this time I believe this is the right step to avoid contributing further to public fear or uncertainty."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
#Kalamazoo #KDPS #Masks

KDPS suspends the use of masks by undercover officers after community concerns

The announcement comes as masked immigration officers carry out raids around the country.

www.wmuk.org

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Aug 5

“It all adds up. All the stuff, all these little actions, these vigils, fasts, bike rides, meeting with congressmen, protests. It's all part of a big movement to end this genocide.”
@nhpeaceaction.bsky.social
@reportforamerica.bsky.social

70-Year-Old activist makes stop in Kalamazoo in cross-country bike ride for Gaza

After biking over 1,000 miles, a 70-year-old activist will be greeted by the Kalamazoo Non-violent Opponents of War when he arrives Tuesday night to talk about the war in Gaza.

www.wmuk.org

1

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Jul 30

"We want to help them learn to control their diabetic condition so they minimize the impact on other health issues but also live a more active and a more fulfilling life."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social

Calhoun County ranks among the top counties for diabetes deaths, but local groups are trying to change that

Calhoun County has a diabetes problem, in the top quarter of death rates in the state. But there are those who are trying to help.

www.wmuk.org

1

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Jul 29

"I don't honestly see how that's legal or humane.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social

"Pick and choose": Pavilion Estates ban on window ACs is inconsistent, say residents

Residents of a South Bend mobile home park braced for a ban this summer on window-unit air conditioners. It’s been delayed, but a Kalamazoo County mobile home park owned by the same company does ban w...

www.wmuk.org

2

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Jul 22

"This is very important not only just to the staff and to the residents, but also to the families of our residents."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social

NorthPointe Woods greenhouse brings fresh produce to senior residents

A Battle Creek-based senior living facility will show off its self-sustaining greenhouse this Thursday.

www.wmuk.org

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Jul 15

"There was a big term; ‘beat the Indian out of them.’ And I think that definitely came through and unfortunately was incredibly successful."
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
@kiarts.bsky.social

“I am Potawatomi:” Short film and workshop puts spotlight on endangered indigenous language

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is hosting a screening of "Bodewadmi Ndaw" Thursday, which covers the near death and current revitalization of the Potawatomi language.

www.wmuk.org

1 1 4

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Jul 10

Van Buren County deputies were met with an explosion when they attempted to arrest a fugitive in Pine Grove Township.
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
#Terrorism

Alleged bomb-throwing near Gobles leads to charges including terrorism

Van Buren County deputies were met with an explosion when they attempted to arrest a fugitive in Pine Grove Township.

www.wmuk.org

Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · Jul 9

"There's a lot of enthusiasm from renters in the area.”
@reportforamerica.bsky.social

Tenant advocates aim to get renters' rights on the ballot in Kalamazoo

Organizers with a statewide group are seeking signatures with the goal of putting two proposals before city voters.

www.wmuk.org

1