Q&A: Nanaimo’s poet laureate Neil Surkan on the radical act of reflection
Surkan explains how Nanaimo’s outdoors inform his poetry and his goal as the new poet laureate for 2024-2026.
Mick's Latest Articles
In photos: Ladysmith Light Up 2024
From a Star Wars-themed Christmas sweater to vintage tractors and firetrucks, here’s what you may have missed at Ladysmith’s Light Up Parade.
Patient overdose death at Nanaimo hospital ‘didn’t have to happen,’ doctor says
The night after an unsanctioned Overdose Prevention Site was barred from setting up on Nanaimo Regional General Hospital property, a patient died in an ER washroom.
Trans athlete ‘love bombed’ by supporters after speaking out against harassment
People filled the stands at a recent VIU women’s basketball game in support of trans athlete Harriette Mackenzie
In photos: Nanaimo Remembrance Day 2024
Veterans gathered for the Remembrance Day ceremony in Nanaimo on Nov. 11, 2024. Nanaimo reporter Mick Sweetman was there to photograph the event.
‘It makes you feel not alone’: VIU meal program fights student hunger and loneliness
With food insecurity growing at Vancouver Island University, students and faculty are working to study the problem and respond.
How a VIU student journalist broke an election scandal
The student journalist exposed a Conservative candidate’s racist remarks. Now the Island candidate won’t be running again.
Lisa Marie Young remembered with tree planting
“All of Lisa's loved ones finally have somewhere to come and mourn her,” says friend Cindy Hall.
What Nanaimo election candidates are saying about the environment
Nanaimo candidates answer reader questions about the environment in the lead up to B.C. election.
What Nanaimo election candidates are saying about housing
Nanaimo candidates answer reader questions about housing in the lead up to B.C. election.