WKTV Journal In Focus

Join Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson and guests for a casual conversation over coffee to "Celebrate the Small Victories" during the global pandemic. Let’s focus on the positive, what we've learned, how we adapted, and what moving forward looks like. This will be an uplifting take during this challenging time but will include real stories of pain and struggle and, of course, the small victories. This discussion will be focused on insights from community leaders who have a broad perspective of local businesses, non-profits and our thriving New American community. We are happy to welcome guests Sagar Dangal, Hanna Schulze and Tarah Carnahan.

Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson recently hosted a Community Conversation on Immigration at Broad Leaf Local Beer.  The panel included Hillary Scholten, Democratic candidate for Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, and Bo Torres, local Hispanic community leader.  The event was co-moderated by Marshall Kilgore of United Precinct Delegates.

In this episode Kentwood City Commissioner Emily Bridson hosts a Community Conversation on Homelessness.  Joining Emily are co-moderator Marshall Kilgore, and panel members Wende Randall, Stephen Wooden, James White and Cheryl Schuch.  Judge William G. Kelly, chief judge for Kentwood's 62B District Court, delivers the keynote address.

In this episode, host Ken Norris and his guests discuss the local non-profit Alternatives In Motion.  Joining Ken are Executive Director Coleen Marie Davis, and Board of Directors Vice President Michael Pratt.  They highlight the organizations beginnings and detail its ultimate goal of enhancing independence through access to mobility. 

In this episode, Ken and Emily discuss the social and economic aspects of anti-discrimination policies.  Their guests are Patti Caudill of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Skot Welch of Global Bridgebuilders.

In this episode, In Focus discusses what is sometimes called the Pink Tax, public policies including taxation often viewed as discriminatory toward females.  Ken Norris and Kentwood City Commissioner Emily Bridson are joined by State Sen. Winnie Brinks and Sandy Swanson, President of the Kentwood Women’s Club.

In today’s special podcast we discuss the public’s often negative perception of their elected leaders and how that perception might be changed in the future. With us is Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson, 1st term State Representative Rachel Hood and 21-year-old Kenowa Hills school board member Eric-John Szczepaniak.

In today’s WKTV Journal In Focus podcast we discuss the challenges and contributions made by New Americans, immigrants to West Michigan, the state and all across the country.  Hosts Ken Norris and Emily Bridson are joined by Bing Goei, the former Director of the Michigan Office for New Americans and the Executive Director of The Source Grand Rapids, Milinda Ysasi.

In Episode 1, host Ken Norris and his guests discuss the multifaceted topic of sustainability. Joining him are Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson, Janay Brower of Public Thread and Kari Bliss of Padnos Recycling and Scrap Management.