Michael Symonds
WMUK reporterReport for America national service program corps member Michael Symonds joined WMUK’s staff in 2023. He covers the “rural meets metro” beat, reporting stories that link seemingly disparate parts of Southwest Michigan. He started his journalistic career at Western Michigan University’s student newspaper, the Western Herald. He was also a news intern at WMUK and hosted the talk show “Stupid Questions” on WIDR-FM, where he interviewed guests from political experts to student leaders. Michael is a graduate of WMU with a B.A. in Journalism and Digital Media.
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Thursday marked the first time in years that attendees could enjoy rides, carnival games and kid-friendly shows at the fair. -
Three library unions are bargaining together for the first time, pushing for increased pay, parental leave and other benefits. -
The fair is bringing back the activities after years of focusing on 4-H shows and exhibits due to financial difficulties and the COVID-19 pandemic. -
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. -
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. -
A 100-year-old building on South Park Street in Kalamazoo is losing its long-time tenants, but what is its history? -
The agency said fraud typically sees a spike after disasters, with scammers using both in-person and online tactics to steal personal information and money. -
Kalamazoo County currently covers GLP-1 drugs for employees using them for weight loss, but county officials say it costs $1.5 million annually to do so. -
Western Michigan University's plan to sell, or possibly demolish, a Gothic Revival home on east campus has community members asking questions. -
After the university said it would listen to feedback from the committee, one member said the approved route will avoid harming the old oak trees on the property.
