State Archives

Watershed Voice: Year in Review

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News

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December 30, 2025

Before our three-week publishing pause, Watershed Voice invites our readers to take a look back at the past year in local news. For Watershed Voice, it was a year marked by change, as we transitioned from one staff writer — Najifa Farhat for the first half of the year — to another, Maxwell Knauer, for the second half of the year. No matter the author of our stories, we aimed to bring prompt, fact-based, independent reporting to Southwest Michigan. Here’s a look at some of our favorite, most impactful, and most-read stories of 2025.

Michigan state senator moves to guarantee marriage equality in Michigan constitution

By Maxwell Knauer

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State

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November 14, 2025

Because the Michigan Constitution can only be amended through a voter-approved ballot measure, Senate Joint Resolution F, must first secure a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers. In the Senate, that means 25 votes. Democrats hold 19 seats, and Sen. Jeremy Moss said all have co-sponsored the resolution, leaving six Republican votes needed for passage. If approved by the Senate, the resolution would move to the House, where a two-thirds vote is also required – 73 votes total. Republicans currently hold a 58–52 majority.

Michigan misses budget deadline, passes short-term funding to avoid shutdown

By Maxwell Knauer

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State

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October 1, 2025

Lawmakers already missed the July 1 deadline when the legislature is required to pass school aid funding, typically alongside a full budget.

Meeting primer: Lockport Township Planning Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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October 1, 2025

This month’s meeting is drawing heightened attention as commissioners consider a proposed Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) text amendment. Some residents have raised safety and land use concerns about allowing large battery storage units alongside solar facilities, pointing to risks such as fire hazards and changes to rural character. Township officials, however, are urging residents to “slow down and know the facts,” according to a statement on the township’s website.

Residents urge Kalamazoo to ‘deflock’ as commission reviews city manager search

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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September 16, 2025

Community members called for the removal of Flock cameras, and city staff provided an update on the search for a new city manager during Monday's Kalamazoo City Commission meeting.

Michigan residents left waiting for lawmakers to decide future of key services ahead of October 1 deadline

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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September 10, 2025

If lawmakers fail to strike a deal by October 1, Michigan could face a government shutdown — a reminder of how closely Lansing’s choices are tied to services local residents depend on, like access to critical mental health services, addiction treatment, and autism support programs.

Joel Potrykus on Michigan, music, and truly independent filmmaking

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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August 27, 2025

“We’re always looking for the dead trees, the dirty water — the ugly spots nobody else is pointing a camera at. Because when I say I’m a Michigan filmmaker, it’s absolutely not in the vein of Pure Michigan tourism ads. That’s not it.”

Meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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August 26, 2025

Commissioners will consider whether the city should join the new national settlement with Purdue and the Sackler family. Funds are first allocated to states and then distributed to participating local governments.

Walberg absent at OBBBA town hall as mayor confirms Dowagiac Hospital will remain open

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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August 21, 2025

Constituents of Representative Tim Walberg's 5th Congressional District gathered last night for a town hall in Dowagiac focused on the recently enacted budget reconciliation package, often referred to as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA). Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel fielded questions from Walberg's constituents. Much of the discussion centered on rural healthcare and the possible effects of OBBBA on local hospitals.

From housing costs to gun violence, Kalamazoo Commission faces community concerns

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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August 19, 2025

During commissioner comments, Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman described a frightening experience the previous Friday, when three bullets struck her home. “I will be forever changed,” Hoffman said. “What we have been doing is not working. I want us to figure out as a community how we can create other avenues to address gun violence. Please, please put the guns down and choose life.”

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