Sign in

Michael Symonds

@michaelsymonds.bsky.social
158 followers 62 following 184 posts

Reporter at WMUK 102.1 FM | Covering Kalamazoo & Rural Southwest Michigan | Regional Murrow and MAB award winning Journalist If you would like to reach me confidentially: Signal: @MichaelSymonds.49 Email: Michael.a.symonds@wmich.edu

PostsRepliesMedia
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"It just breaks my heart that we have to do this, but we just can't continue to do it."
wmuk.org
After 35 years of service, the Allegan County Food Pantry is shutting its doors Friday
The Allegan County Food Pantry in Allegan will open for the last time Friday, after serving the community for over three decades.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Holtec has said it would like to use an emerging technology, 300-megawatt small modular reactors, to help power data centers.
wmuk.org
Might "small modular reactors" at Palisades power data centers? Holtec won't say
Holtec has said it will build its first SMRs at the Covert plant after it gets the existing reactor up and running. The company's talked about SMRs' potential for powering data centers.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
After this article was published, Friends of Kalamazoo Historic Cemeteries Founder & President Gary Swain informed WMUK that the event was canceled due to inclement weather.
wmuk.org
Hear from historic figures buried in Kalamazoo on a "living history" tour Saturday UPDATE: Event Canceled
The event will feature members of a local group playing six notable Kalamazooans buried at Mountain Home Cemetery.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
“He lived through the entire revolution and saw the birth of our country, moved to Kalamazoo, made it his home."
wmuk.org
Hear from historic figures buried in Kalamazoo on a "living history" tour Saturday
The event will feature members of a local group playing six notable Kalamazooans buried at Mountain Home Cemetery.
100
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Judge Gary Giguere, Jr. cited a recall election held last month as the reason for his order.
wmuk.org
A judge has ordered the recalled directors at the People's Food Co-op in Kalamazoo to step down
The ruling reverses a previous order issued by a different judge earlier in September.
010
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Judge Curtis Bell called Friday’s takeover “very troubling” and stated that it was "not the way our system of justice works.”
wmuk.org
Judge orders ousted food co-op board temporarily restored
The order comes after a group of members removed the People's Food Coop's Board of Directors Friday.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
"Having a car was more than just driving around, having fun. It was, 'this car is going to give me mobility. It's going to give me freedom.'"
wmuk.org
A Gilmore Car Museum exhibit explores how automobiles empowered Black women
The traveling exhibit features local youth recreating historical 20th century photos of Black women with their cars.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
“We want to show the library that community members care about library workers and want to see their tax dollars going towards supporting those people that are at the heart of the library."
wmuk.org
A KPL union asks residents to support its campaign for higher wages at a trustees meeting
The union representing library aides and hourly workers said the Kalamazoo Public Library isn't working with it to significantly increases hourly wages. KPL says fair wages are one of its goals.
010
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
"This is about as protective of a statement as I could have imagined for this building."
wmuk.org
Gatehouse deed reveals WMU can't alter or demolish the historic building without state approval
The ownership transfer agreement WMU signed in 1998 has historic preservation covenants that may complicate the university's plans for the building.
010
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
"It's for the kids that didn't do anything — or that are not under investigation. And then, if they happen to go under investigation, they will be removed."
wmuk.org
Panthers and Blue Devils: Gull Lake varsity football players may join Parchment this season
The cooperative agreement was approved by both districts' school boards on Monday. Gull Lake Community Schools cancelled its varsity football season last week amid a state police investigation.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
“People are willing to look past who voted for who or whatever and be able to just look at this as an issue of kind of freedom, an issue of being able to travel around our community without being mass surveilled.” @swmidsa.com #Flock
wmuk.org
Protest aims to push city to "Get the Flock" out of Kalamazoo
Protesters will demonstrate against the city police department's use of automated license plate reading cameras, which organizers say has drawn bipartisan criticism.
031
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
"We hope that as they go back into that kind of an environment, they will go into it with more professionalism rather than prejudice."
wmuk.org
Battle Creek oversight board says officers showed bias towards Washington Heights community
The Community Oversight Board shared its recommendations for officers involved in a controversial detention of a minor in the Washington Heights community in June.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
"It's been said that Louisa May Alcott and Jesse James were guests in this home.”
wmuk.org
Why's That: Was this Byron Center home once a stagecoach stop?
Former taxi driver Doug French heard stories about a Civil War-era home south of Grand Rapids. It turns out it has a rich history.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
"We support the athletes who voiced their concerns about safety and made the difficult choice not to participate."
wmuk.org
Gull Lake cancels its varsity football season amid a police investigation involving players
The district said the cancellation was due to a lack of players, with the statement referring to athletes who elected not to participate due to safety concerns.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
"The more people that come through, the more people get interested, and then the more people that are interested, the more fair can grow back up."
wmuk.org
Revamped Kalamazoo County Fair brings urban and rural areas together with rides, food, and 4-H
Thursday marked the first time in years that attendees could enjoy rides, carnival games and kid-friendly shows at the fair.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
“We sort of work at a wage that puts most people sort of right on the cusp of being kicked off of Medicaid, or even some of our members already are losing access to Medicaid.”
wmuk.org
KPL unions reach an agreement on AI protections, as pay negotiations continue
Three library unions are bargaining together for the first time, pushing for increased pay, parental leave and other benefits.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Progressive candidate @abdulelsayed.bsky.social defeated Michigan U.S. Representative @rephaleystevens.bsky.social to become the Democratic candidate for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat
wmuk.org
Here are Michigan's 2026 primary election results
Live election results: Get the latest on Michigan's U.S. Senate, U.S. House and gubernatorial primary races.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
"The fact that there are so many salons in the area makes it really hard to pinpoint which ones are going to be potentially hit next."
wmuk.org
String of recent salon break-ins may go further back, according to Portage Public Safety
A PPS Assistant Chief said the first salon break-in was reported back in late April, and may be connected to the recent spree of similar robberies in the Kalamazoo area.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
"These are simple things that we might be missing that can very easily turn what appears to be a denial into an approval.”
wmuk.org
FEMA issues over $15 million in aid to Michigan residents, but says some may still be missing out
The agency said some residents impacted by April's severe storms and floods may be eligible for aid, even if they were denied or already repaired damages.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
"When you can take on a project like this and see the possibility and creativity, it's inspiring."
wmuk.org
100-year-old historic Kalamazoo building on South Park Street is looking for new tenants
A 100-year-old building on South Park Street in Kalamazoo is losing its long-time tenants, but what is its history?
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Had a wonderful three years with @reportforamerica.bsky.social! RFA allowed me to expand my skills and grow as a journalist. All while providing communities in rural Southwest Michigan a reporter dedicated to covering their stories! Interested in learning more about joining RFA?
airtable.com
Airtable | Everyone's app platform
Airtable is a low-code platform for building collaborative apps. Customize your workflow, collaborate, and achieve ambitious outcomes. Get started for free.
110
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
"Go back in time to the 1860s ... the entire building had a much more kind of Gothic look to it. The whole complex did."
wmuk.org
"Where's the conversation?": Concerns arise over WMU's plans for the State Hospital Gatehouse
Western Michigan University's plan to sell, or possibly demolish, a Gothic Revival home on east campus has community members asking questions.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
"This man, you know, it's like walking on the moon in that day and age."
wmuk.org
Why's That: What happened to Kalamazoo-born arctic researcher Edward Israel?
A former Kalamazoo resident wondered why more people don't know about Israel, a prized astronomy student who became an arctic expeditioner.
100
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
The owner of a Kalamazoo salvage company said WMU reached out about removing items from the historic Gothic Revival house.
wmuk.org
Is WMU preparing to knock down the State Hospital Gatehouse?
The owner of an architectural salvage company said Thursday that the university contacted him about salvaging items from the building.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
“People come to us because they're sick or they're weakened and there are people that are higher risk from infection. So, we certainly want to protect those highest risk individuals.” #Cyclospora #Cyclosporiasis
wmuk.org
Beacon Kalamazoo removes salad bar and leafy greens as Kalamazoo County parasite cases near 30
State health officials say this fresh produce is linked to cases of Cyclosporiasis, a microscopic parasitic infection that causes food-poisoning like symptoms.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
“Based on the information currently available, ICE is seeking a limited number of specific individuals." #ICE @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
ICE agents came to Coldwater Thursday, the Branch County city confirms
According to a press release from the city, it was not warned in advance of the federal immigration operations planned for Thursday.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
“We're fairly comfortable saying that we're going to reduce the number by half. So, going from 8,000 trees down to 4,000 trees." @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
Kalamazoo County's road safety plan now calls for 50% fewer tree removals, a spokesperson says
According to the Kalamazoo County Road Commission's Mark Worden, the changes will lead to 4,000 less trees being cut down this fall.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
“They say they're not safe for Americans to visit and yet they say that it will be safe for these individuals to return." @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
Michigan immigrant rights group says Supreme Court TPS decision could affect thousands
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal courts could not stop the Trump Administration's efforts to end Temporary Protected Status, which allows individuals fleeing violence at home to li...
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
"Many of the people who are likely to be dropped actually will continue to qualify." @upjohninstitute.bsky.social @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
Upjohn Institute announces coalition to help keep Kalamazoo County Medicaid recipients enrolled
Kalamazoo community leaders, organizers, and lawmakers came together Wednesday morning to announce the Medicaid Access Coalition, which aims to help local enrollees keep their coverage in the face of ...
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
“The amount of people that have messaged or texted or called or DM'd, all of the things, from Kalamazoo or from even Grand Rapids, ‘Oh, will be driving there.'" @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
After closing in Kalamazoo, Bee Joyful is set to reopen in downtown Mishawaka
After closing its doors seemingly for good last March, a formerly Kalamazoo-based plastic free, eco-friendly store is reopening in Indiana.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
In Kalamazoo, Academy Street and West Main Hill's Peake Road have been closed to traffic for several years, leading one resident to wonder why and if they will ever reopen. @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
Why are Academy Street and Peake Road closed?
In Kalamazoo, Academy Street and West Main Hill's Peake Road have been closed to traffic for several years, leading one resident to wonder why and if they will ever reopen.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
"I was shocked and horrified and devastated to find red x's on just about every tree lining our road." @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
Kalamazoo County residents express concerns over tree removals at county road commission meeting
Dozens of people packed a meeting room to express concern regarding the potential removal of thousands of trees throughout the county.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
According to the @uaw.org International Union, the deal was approved by 80% of Local 2093 members. @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
The UAW ratifies a contract with American Axle in Three Rivers, ending a nearly two-week strike
The deal will see wage increases and more vacation times, along with other benefits pushed for by union members.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
A book on the efforts of former slaves to find their lost family members after the Civil War will be the subject of an event at Willard Library in Battle Creek Monday. @reportforamerica.bsky.social
100
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
"This would be probably the most lucrative contract in our local's history." @uaw.org @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
"A life-changing agreement": UAW and American Axle reach a tentative deal
After over a week of striking, the UAW and American Axle reached an agreement on Wednesday that, if ratified, will improve wages, vacation times and other benefits for members.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
After striking for over a week, the @uaw.org reached a tentative agreement last night with automotive parts manufacturer American Axle in Three Rivers
101
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
"Then the company goes, writes up the proposal, brings it back, not even close to what we talked about." @uaw.org @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
"I threw their proposal in the trash": American Axle strike continues after negotiations stall
A union representative said contract negotiations appeared to be going well this weekend, but they fell apart Monday.
011
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
A plan to cut down thousands of trees along rural roads in Kalamazoo County has some residents organizing against it. @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
About 8,000 trees near rural roads in Kalamazoo County may be removed this fall
A plan to cut down thousands of trees along rural roads in Kalamazoo County has some residents organizing against it.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited the picket line in Three Rivers today, where @uaw.org Local 2093 American Axle workers are pushing for higher wages.
1103
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
"There's a source of pride." @obamafoundation.bsky.social @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
The Obama Presidential Center has a little shout-out to Kalamazoo
A photo in the center's museum depicts former President Barack Obama's stop at a Kalamazoo high school graduation ceremony in 2010.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
"It’s either, you give in to all their demands or they stop renting you ice. Which is effectively what they did.” @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
Black Bear Sports evicted a nonprofit youth hockey league from Wings West
Private equity-backed company Black Bear Sports Group plans to reopen Wings West in Texas Township as the Biggby Ice Cube later this year.
010
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
A WMU spokesperson said work on the house has nothing to do with a plan to add an access road for emergency vehicles, adding that a route for that road is still under development. @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
Oaklands closed for renovations, not construction of emergency access road, WMU says
The Oaklands house at Western Michigan University is closed, with fences surrounding the historic building. But Western officials say the work has nothing to do with a plan to install an emergency acc...
010
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
After almost two-years of contract negotiations between the union and KRESA, a second hearing on five unfair labor practice complaints filed against the agency is set for next week. @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
Hearing on labor complaints filed by instructors' union against KRESA set for May 27
The hearing will cover five unfair labor practice complaints filed against the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency by a union made up of instructors at the agency.
011
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
"I was going to either die there or fleeing the country, there's also at least 50% chance that I was going to die." @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
"They want you to suffer:" Rohingya WMU student recounts escaping Burma amid mass killings
“They usually don't kill you by alone. They usually kill you in front of your family members.
021
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
"So people do feel like they can do business, they can do scholarship, but they can also relax, reunite with friends from college or graduate school and have a nice time." @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
From the Latin Grinch to Germanic lyres: the scholarly but "fun" Medieval Congress kicks off
In the market for a replica of a treatise on fighting? Need to learn how to spin wool with medieval tools? Interested in a Latin translation of The Giving Tree? All that and more can be found at the a...
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
“If they're just knocked over, we will set them back up to the best we can. But the township has no liability for stone damage [from] storms." @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
One Gun Plain Township cemetery is still inaccessible after an April tornado
Three cemeteries in the township, which borders Plainwell, were damaged in the storm. It occurred overnight April 14-15 and produced an EF-1 tornado.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
“This level of industry decline is similar to what we have observed during the global financial crisis." @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
Whirlpool cites Iran war and low consumer sentiment for "recession-level" industry decline
Appliance manufacturer Whirlpool saw shares drop by about 20% on Wednesday. The drop came after the Benton Harbor-based company released its first-quarter results of the year.
000
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
While the U.S.’s war with Iran has been increasing gas prices for some time, the outage of a BP oil refinery in Indiana also contributed to the surge in Kalamazoo. @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
"Oh f#@% this": Kalamazoo motorists react to spending nearly $5 a gallon for gas
The war in Iran has made prices climb in recent months, but an outage at an Indiana BP oil refinery Sunday also contributed to a jump this week in regional prices.
100
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
"It's not about everybody doing it in 60 days or 90 days. It's about doing it right.” @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
The Landing Place brings more transitional housing for families to Kalamazoo County
The over 70-unit converted hotel aims to offer flexible transitional housing, in addition to a number of services.
001
Michael Symonds @michaelsymonds.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Mark David Hendricks called on people to “come armed” to Lakeview High School, where students planned to stage a walkout in protest of ICE. @reportforamerica.bsky.social
wmuk.org
A man who threatened student protestors on social media has been sentenced to probation
The comments were aimed at Battle Creek high schoolers who planned to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
000