Lily Guiney

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Lily Guiney

Writer and Journalist

Traverse city, mi

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Background

I'm a Michigan-based journalist, writer, and student with a passion for topical and thoughtful reporting. I’m currently at The Michigan Advance in Lansing, MI, where I cover the state legislature and the issues that matter most to Michiganders. I’ve spent the last couple years at my student newspaper, The State News, on various beats around the newsroom covering topics ranging from state government to student life. I'm also in the midst of an investigative reporting project called Eye on Michigan, a student-centered partnership with the Detroit Free Press aimed at holding elected officials accountable. I'm studying journalism with a concentration in international reporting at Michigan State University, graduating in 2024. Home for me is towards the top of the mitten in Traverse City, MI, a place that gave me an appreciation for vibrant journalism communities and people who love the land they live on. I love my state and I'm proud to play a small part in keeping its citizens as informed as possible.

work

Michigan Advance Work

My author profile, with links to all my stories from the summer of 2023, can be found here. Here are some of my favorite or most impactful stories from my internship.

July 13, 2023- ‘Welcoming people exist here’: Traverse City reacts to anti-trans salon policy

July 6, 2023- For Rep. Jason Morgan, the fight to codify same-sex marriage in Michigan is personal

Aug. 17, 2023- Meet the young Michiganders joining the effort to keep their peers in the state

Aug. 12, 2023- Two years after losing her granddaughter to gun violence, Bonnie Whittaker is finding her voice

July 28, 2023- Life without parole hearing for Oxford school shooter continues, victims provide testimony

IPR News Radio Work

During my 2022 internship at IPR News Radio, I covered environmental topics across the Grand Traverse region. I came in with no radio experience, and over the course of the summer learned to report, write, edit and produce daily news spots and longer feature stories. I also assisted with converting audio content to digital stories for the IPR website. My IPR reporter profile with links to all of my stories can be found here.

Aug. 22, 2022- In Northern Michigan, bison are teaching a lesson in sustainability

Aug. 3, 2022- A tiny wasp could give hope to northern Michigan cherry farmers

July 27, 2022- Traverse City needs trees, but it’s not as easy as just planting more

July 4, 2022- After years of uncertainty, new partnership could uncover the cause of algae growth in Torch Lake

State News Work

I’ve been at The State News for nearly three years, bouncing between different beats and positions to learn as much as I can in the student newsroom setting. I’ve covered the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University administration, and the impact of state politics on Gen Z. I also spent a year hosting a revival of our weekly news podcast, The 1909. Some of the most rewarding moments of my journalism career so far have been spent at Snews, as well as the most challenging. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s a finalist for multiple Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker awards for our comprehensive and community focused coverage of the mass shooting on our campus last February.

Oct. 2, 2022- Amidst a polling lag, Michigan Republicans look for a boost from Trump

Nov. 16, 2021- After a year of virtual learning, mental health support looks different

Nov. 4, 2022- Michigan State students could decide Michigan congressional, gubernatorial races, research shows

Oct. 10, 2022- The 1909: Interview with Rep. Elissa Slotkin, midterm election updates

Feb. 15, 2023- State politicians listen to student demands, promise legislative change following MSU shooting