Author

Katie O'Brien Kelley
Katie O'Brien Kelley is a Michigan State University graduate with degrees in journalism and theatre. She was previously a reporter, editor and podcast coordinator at The State News — Michigan State's award-winning student paper. As a reporter there, she covered the university's administration, including its mishandling of reports against former doctor Larry Nassar's abuse, as well as academics and student experiences. She was also previously an intern at the Lansing City Pulse.
Nessel, national leaders call out right-wing extremists over threats to election officials
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley - December 16, 2020
In light of violence and harassment targeted toward election officials, poll workers, voters and volunteers, the Voter Protection Program (VPP) held a press briefing Wednesday to discuss “this unprecedented moment in U.S. election history.” Speakers at the briefing, which included Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, were very clear: These threats of violence will not be […]
‘Dramatic increase’ in number of people needing food assistance
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley - November 26, 2020
The holiday season has arrived and is coupled with a heightened COVID-19 pandemic and a challenged economic environment. It has resulted in millions of families not being able to afford food. Only 44% of households with children are “very confident” they can afford food over the next four weeks, according to the Center on Budget […]
Michigan now ranks 5th nationally in COVID-19 deaths
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley - November 18, 2020
Michigan has recorded the sixth-highest number of COVID-19 cases and the fifth-highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the nation, according to an update from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Wednesday. Michigan continues to experience a fall surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The state has 272,034 confirmed COVID-19 cases and […]
Bipartisan governors urge pandemic safety as holidays approach
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley - November 17, 2020
Michigan Gov. Whitmer joined other Democratic governors for a virtual press conference to encourage everyone in the Midwest to stay safe during the holiday season as COVID-19 cases in the region are skyrocketing. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers were part of the event. […]
Another defendant in anti-Whitmer terrorist plot case makes bond
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley - November 17, 2020
The prosecution against the eight men who are facing domestic terrorism charges for an alleged plot to storm the state Capitol building and kidnap and kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continued on Friday with a bond hearing for two of the defendants, according to Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office. Self-described militia members planned to televise […]
New: Whitmer announces Line 5 shutdown after 15-month review
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley - November 13, 2020
This is a breaking story that will be updated. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is taking action to shut down the Line 5 dual pipelines through the Straits of Mackinac following a more than yearlong review process. The state found that Enbridge — a Canadian oil company that owns Line 5 and also is a partial owner […]
Whitmer urges vigilance during the ‘worst week of COVID we’ve ever had’
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley and Susan J. Demas - November 12, 2020
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday urged Michigan residents to follow emergency rules as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increase rapidly and the state experiences the “worst week of COVID we’ve ever had.” Whitmer also warned residents to not have Thanksgiving celebrations with people outside of their households. “The second wave of COVID-19 is hitting us, and […]
Officials: COVID-19 hospitalizations have shot up 80% in recent weeks
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley - October 13, 2020
State and local public health officials expressed concern Tuesday about how COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are beginning to rise in Michigan during a press briefing Wednesday afternoon. Hospitalizations have gone up 80% in recent weeks, officials warned. At the briefing, officials pleaded that Michiganders continue taking precautions to prevent a potential second wave of the […]
Tlaib calls for auto insurance discrimination impact study
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley - October 8, 2020
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) and two of her colleagues announced on Wednesday that they will introduce a measure called the Preventing Auto Insurance Discrimination Study Act, or PAID Study Act. The legislation would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on automobile insurance companies’ use of “socioeconomic, non-driving factors in premium […]
Nessel joins coalition backing DAPL shutdown
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley - September 25, 2020
Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition supporting the federal court order shutting down the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). Michigan joins 18 other states, territories and countries urging the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm strict enforcement of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Nessel has previously sued Enbridge — which owns Line […]
Michigan COVID-19 report: Ingham Co. says 1,250 cases linked to MSU
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley and Ken Coleman - September 23, 2020
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reported Wednesday that 118,615 total Michiganders have tested positive for COVID-19 and 6,692 have died from the virus — an additional 705 cases and 12 deaths since Tuesday. DHHS also reports that an additional 12,644 Michiganders have been identified as “probable” cases for COVID-19, as well […]
Whitmer: ‘Fighting climate change is good for our health, economy’
By: Katie O'Brien Kelley - September 23, 2020
On Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed executive orders to create the MI Healthy Climate Plan and “protect public health and create clean energy jobs by making Michigan carbon-neutral by 2050.” At the United States Climate Alliance “Leading the Charge” virtual event Wednesday afternoon, the Democrat discussed this new plan and Michigan’s role in combating climate […]