Ashley Michels
Updated: February 13, 2013
Ashley Michels joined WCIA-3's Capitol team in January 2012.
Ashley comes to central Illinois from Chicago's western suburbs. She grew up in Carol Stream and West Chicago, where she graduated from Glenbard North High School.
Ashley graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor's degree in English and journalism and a minor in international politics. She then went on to earn a Master's degree from the University of Illinois Springfield in public affairs reporting.
That's when Ashley started as a full-time intern at WCIA-3's Capitol Bureau. During her internship, she reported on state and political issues for both WCIA and WCIX. She played a key role in "You Paid for It" investigations, coverage of the state's pension crisis and even traveled to Denver, Colorado when former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich reported to prison.
Ashley made her transition to a full-time reporter in June 2012. Since then, she's been busy digging into the political issues that matter most to central Illinois. Most days, she reports on the state's pension systems, finances and the economy. When lawmakers aren't in Springfield, you can also find her in Decatur covering local city issues.
When she's not working, Ashley's favorite thing to do is travel. While she was in college, she studied in Australia, Ireland and Peru, and has backpacked both Europe and New Zealand. Ashley loves exploring central Illinois and the surrounding area, too. She enjoys being outside, shopping and spending time with her friends and family.
Ashley is always looking to tell her stories through the eyes of the people who live in central Illinois. If you have any story ideas, feel free to email her at amichels@wcia.com.
