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What expanded federal immigration enforcement funding could mean for residents in southwest Michigan

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News
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June 23, 2026

Earlier this month, the federal government approved more than $70 billion in new funding for immigration enforcement agencies, marking one of the largest expansions of federal immigration enforcement spending in recent years.  For residents in southwest Michigan, questions remain about whether expanded federal funding could lead to increased cooperation between local police agencies and federal immigration authorities.

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Here’s where to celebrate Juneteenth in Kalamazoo and Three Rivers this week
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Culture
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June 18, 2026

Communities across Southwest Michigan will mark Juneteenth this week with celebrations centered on history, culture, music and community gatherings honoring one of the nation’s most significant milestones in the fight for freedom. In Three Rivers, a community Juneteenth celebration is scheduled for Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at the new downtown amphitheater. Longtime Watershed Voice collaborator and supporter Debbie Allen will perform and serve as MC for the event.

Three Rivers Water Festival returns Thursday with parade kicking off three days of events
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Three Rivers
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June 18, 2026

The festival begins later Thursday evening with the annual Water Festival Parade at 7 p.m., marking the official start of the long-running community tradition. Carnival rides and food vendors will be available throughout the weekend as festival activities continue through Saturday. Residents can expect a packed schedule of events over the three-day celebration, with attractions ranging from arts and crafts vendors to races, live entertainment, and a fireworks finale.

Three Rivers Commissioners approve amphitheater expansion to Downtown Social District
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Three Rivers
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June 17, 2026

After a lengthy discussion about whether to place restrictions on when residents could utilize the expanded district, commissioners approved an amended motion limiting the expansion to only when events are being held at the amphitheater. More than an hour into the meeting, worsening weather prompted Mayor Angel Johnston to temporarily adjourn proceedings and direct attendees to shelter in the City Hall basement as a precaution. During the adjournment, Johnston briefly returned home to retrieve her dog before rejoining attendees in the basement. After the storm passed, commissioners returned upstairs and resumed the meeting.

Three Rivers approves media access policy, begins exploring city-run meeting livestreams
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Three Rivers
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June 17, 2026

During public comment, Watershed Voice Staff Writer Maxwell Knauer and Three Rivers Commercial-News reporter Robert Tomlinson both spoke in favor of the city exploring what it would take to begin livestreaming meetings directly. Knauer thanked commissioners for approving the media access policy but urged them to take the additional step of exploring what city-operated livestreaming would require. “I think that is the simplest step to showing your constituents that you care about transparency at all,” Knauer said.

Sturgis Hospital announces closure, ending local healthcare services this week
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Sturgis
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June 17, 2026

Sturgis Hospital announced Tuesday it will cease operations later this week, closing after years of financial challenges that officials say left the organization unable to continue operating. According to a statement released June 16, the hospital will stop seeing patients at noon on Friday, June 19. The closure will affect all hospital departments and services, including the emergency department, surgery services, laboratory services, medical imaging, outpatient clinics, physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation.

Sturgis power outages drop to 175 as crews continue storm recovery efforts
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Sturgis
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June 16, 2026

As of Tuesday morning, City Manager Andrew Kuk said approximately 175 electric customers remain without power as crews continue restoration work across the city. The storm initially left at least 3,000 customers without electricity after powerful winds brought down trees, power lines, and utility infrastructure throughout Sturgis. Unlike many neighboring communities served by utility companies such as Consumers Energy or Indiana Michigan Power, Sturgis operates its own municipal electric department, meaning restoration efforts have been coordinated directly by city crews alongside outside mutual aid partners.

Union members return to work after Local 2093 votes to approve new contract
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Three Rivers
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June 16, 2026

On Sunday evening, Local 2093 members in Three Rivers voted 80% in favor of their new contract that runs through 2030 with American Axle, known locally as Dauch Corporation. Members approved the contract, granting them a finalized deal and sending them back to work. As previously reported by Watershed Voice, the contract includes their “30 by 30” goal, meaning $30 per hour in wages by 2030. That will result in a 36% increase in top wages over the life of the contract. Bargaining Chair Josh Jager included a number of other provisions in the contract when announcing the tentative agreement.

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission
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Three Rivers
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June 16, 2026

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet Tuesday, June 16, for a regular business meeting at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 333 W. Michigan Ave. Commissioners will work through a lengthy agenda that includes approval of more than $105,000 in drinking water chemicals, nearly $42,000 for citywide tree and stump removal, and roughly $310,000 in wastewater treatment chemicals, Commissioners will also consider adopting a media access policy allowing approved organizations to connect directly to the city’s sound system. Watershed Voice plans to use the connection to improve livestream audio quality during city commission meetings. The audio is a direct feed from commissioners’ and city staff microphones. If adopted, the policy will take effect immediately.

UAW Local 2093 reaches tentative agreement with American Axle, awaiting member approval
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Three Rivers
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June 11, 2026

"After 18 years of sacrifice these workers are finally winning back a big chunk of what was taken from them," UAW President Shawn Fain said during a Facebook livestream Wednesday. "Ten days of sacrifice and solidarity to win back nearly 20 years of struggle. That's because our labor is our power. Never let them tell us we're not worth a fair wage and a dignified life. [..]" Fain praised Local 2093 for what he called a "masterclass" in running a contract campaign. He said workers were prepared to remain on strike for weeks or even months, but a tentative agreement was reached after 10 days.

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