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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Kalamazoo County Sheriff Rick Fuller said "everything indicates" one tornado was on the ground in the county Tuesday. Radar indicated a second one that may not have touched down. -
The loan marks a major step forward in the effort to restart the nuclear plant. -
Michigan does not license dietitians. That can make it hard for patients with conditions like diabetes or eating disorders to get nutrition care. -
Last year, three workers sued a Branch County farm and its parent company in federal court. The workers allege violations of wage and safety laws.
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Cass County emergency authority has tentative plans for a permanent ambulance services arrangement -
Rick Freiman of Portage says the bill has given him hope for moving forward with a solar installation his HOA rejected. -
The MAC said a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision adds uncertainty to the opioid settlement process. -
The push to restart the Palisades nuclear plant in Covert continues. But that does not mean decommissioning has stopped. -
The Postal Service has plans to consolidate mail processing in Kalamazoo and surrounding communities. But it appears to have delayed those plans by at least a few months. Kalamazoo is one of a handful of places around the country targeted for an overhaul.USPS says moving sorting out of post offices will cut costs and improve service. But critics say it will force postal workers to travel unreasonably long distances. -
The tribe says the work will benefit natural habitats and help prevent flooding.The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi has made progress on a project that aims to bring back the natural curves of the Dowagiac River, which were straightened by settlers in the early 1900s. More bends mean a slower-moving river, with better natural habitats for both aquatic and non-aquatic wildlife.
