Katelyn Kivel

Katelyn Kivel

is a politics, policy and law journalist from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She studied political science at Western Michigan University and has been published in multiple national and international outlets.

History Photo of a painting of Eva Hamilton. Courtesy the Archives of Michigan.
History Michigan Led the Way to Women’s Suffrage — Thanks to This Grand Rapids Activist

"I think no one has done better work for the cause than you," Michigan's then-Governor said of suffrage advocate Eva Hamilton in 1912.

Katelyn Kivel Katelyn Kivel February 28, 2023 4:15 pm EST
Michigan Life Getty Images
Michigan Life Is Singing to Your Sweetheart Really Illegal in Kalamazoo? Here Are Michigan’s Seven Oddest Laws.

Dyeing a sparrow and calling it a parakeet. Abandoning your hoop skirt. In some Michigan communities, odd laws like these are still on the books.

Katelyn Kivel Katelyn Kivel November 2, 2021 3:46 pm EDT
Elections Getty Images
Elections Michigan’s County Clerks are Still Living Through the 2020 Election

This is what the effort to keep 2020's election alive looks like on the ground.

Katelyn Kivel Katelyn Kivel October 18, 2021 11:00 am EDT
Law and Policy FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2020, file photo, people carry signs supporting voting rights and former Vice President Joe Biden, during a "Souls to the Polls" march in Model City, Miami. A tough road lies ahead for Biden who will need to chart a path forward to unite a bitterly divided nation and address America’s fraught history of racism that manifested this year through the convergence of three national crises. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
Law and Policy A Loophole in Michigan Lets Laws Get Passed Without Checks and Balances

Passing a law in Michigan in 2021 looks less like Schoolhouse Rock and more like schoolyard drama thanks to a loophole in our Constitution.

Katelyn Kivel Katelyn Kivel October 14, 2021 2:31 pm EDT
Michigan Life Photo courtesy Past Tense
Michigan Life These 5 Small-Town Haunted Attractions Bring Fright to Michigan’s Thumb

Festive frights aren't that far from your neighborhood. Michigan's Thumb is a prime example.

Katelyn Kivel Katelyn Kivel October 6, 2021 3:10 pm EDT

trending

A new billboard popped up near the Orlando International Airport this week encouraging travelers to turn around and head to Michigan. (Photo Illustration) News New Billboards Urge Florida Visitors to Turn Around and Go to Michigan
Michigan is filled with dog-friendly beaches. Family & Pets 21 Dog-Friendly Michigan Beaches That’ll Give Your Pooch the Zoomies
This image provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources shows emergency personnel, aircraft and heavy equipment being used to suppress the wildfire near Grayling. (The Michigan Department of Natural Resources via AP) Safety Michigan Wildfire That Burned 3+ Square Miles Sparked by Campfire on Private Land
Photo by Isaac Constans Michigan Life Put These 13 Mackinac Island Activities on Your Bucket List
Michigan Life Image via Shutterstock
Michigan Life 5 Migrating Birds Passing Through Michigan in Fall 2021

From ducks to hummingbirds, migration season is a great time to observe nature. 

Katelyn Kivel Katelyn Kivel October 5, 2021 12:22 pm EDT
Economy Photo courtesy the Office of Haley Stevens
Economy How Rep. Haley Stevens is Fostering Entrepreneurship in Michigan Women

The daughter of a woman entrepreneur, Rep. Haley Stevens has a passion for helping women-owned businesses.

Katelyn Kivel Katelyn Kivel September 23, 2021 4:30 pm EDT