NewsLocal News

Actions

FOX 17 reimagines local news, dedicates reporters to West Michigan neighborhoods

FOX 17 dedicates reporters to local neighborhoods
Daren Bower - Your Rockford, Sparta, and Cedar Springs reporter
Waleed Alamleh - Your Kentwood, Wyoming, and Byron Center Reporter
Alina Hauter - Your Holland and Zeeland Reporter
Matt Witkos - Your Grand Rapids Reporter
Robb Westaby - Your Walker, Northview, and Comstock Park Reporter
Cassandra Alonso - Your East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, and Cascade Reporter
Julie Dunmire - Your Kalamazoo Reporter
Sam Landstra - Your Kent County Reporter
Olivia Yatooma - Your Muskegon Reporter
Zachariah Wheaton - Your Grand Haven, Allendale, and Spring Lake Reporter
Posted
and last updated

Big things are happening at FOX 17 — and you're going to see the changes.

We're flipping the script on your typical newscast — taking out of the studio — and into your neighborhoods — where the stories that matter to you are happening.

Watch how our reporters are embedding themselves in local communities to bring you news that truly reflects what matters in your neighborhood

FOX 17 dedicates reporters to local neighborhoods

We are part of the communities we serve — and you'll see our reports reflect that.

"I was born here. I grew up here, and I feel like every single day that I'm working, I'm continuing to define what home means to me," said Kent County reporter Sam Landstra.

Sam Landstra - Your Kent County Reporter

This transition has been in the works for a while now -- our team of reporters have ingrained themselves in your neighborhoods over the last few months.

"Living and working in this area for years. I love this city," said Grand Rapids reporter Matt Witkos.

Matt Witkos - Your Grand Rapids Reporter

From Holland to Hudsonville — Sparta to Kalamazoo — if it's personal to you — it matters to us.

"I think people really appreciate the fact that I try to spend a lot of time in Zeeland, in Holland, and that I'm actually walking in the streets downtown and supporting their local businesses," said Holland & Zeeland reporter Alina Hauter.

Alina Hauter - Your Holland and Zeeland Reporter

And we'll cover those stories on the street — and perspectives from real people like you.

"What they care about is so vital into finding story ideas every day and to really reporting the news that they want to watch," said East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, & Cascade reporter Cassandra Alonso.

Cassandra Alonso - Your East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, and Cascade Reporter

Every neighborhood deserves a voice and we're listening.

Our crews won't just drop in — we're in your community — day in and day out.

See which reporter is based in your neighborhood below

In Your Neighborhood Reporter Aug 2025.jpg

More details on where our reporters will be every day are now available in our local news section.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Follow FOX 17: Facebook - X (formerly Twitter) - Instagram - YouTube