Report 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.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission headquarters in Rockville, Md., in May 2011.

A new law aims to advance US nuclear power, but some fear it shortchanges safety

July 24, 2024

It’s been over two years since the Palisades Nuclear Plant on the shores of Lake Michigan closed its doors. But...

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The Palisades nuclear power plant in Covert, Mich., was sold to Holtec Decommissioning International in June 2022, a month after it was shut down.

Biden poised to approve $1.5B loan to reopen Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan

February 2, 2024

The federal government is expected to approve a $1.5 billion loan to restart the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in southwest...

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With the success of Pride events in rural areas in Southwest Michigan, Three Rivers Pride President Andrew George is optimistic about the future of LGBTQ+ affirmation in these communities.

Pride festivals popping up around rural southwest Michigan

December 13, 2023

Colin Eastman was born and raised in the small St. Joseph County town of Colon. Growing up in a religious...

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