USA Journalists

Kelly O’Connell isn’t just a face on the FOX 9 Morning News; she’s a Minnesota native whose journey from Saint Paul to Seattle and back again has made her a Twin Cities favorite. Explore her inspiring career path, her “Community Champions” impact, and a behind-the-scenes look at her life at home with her husband and three children.

Keenan Smith is more than just the face of Detroit mornings—he’s a Princeton-educated journalist and Emmy winner for Best Anchor. This comprehensive biography explores his rise through the Midwest news circuit, his dedication to organ donation advocacy after his son’s life-saving transplant, and why he chose the Michigan seasons over the Florida sun.

Since 2007, Alicia Smith has been the face of Detroit’s mornings. Discover how this Georgia native went from a “one-man-band” reporter to an 8-time Emmy-winning anchor at WXYZ-TV. This deep dive covers her notable career milestones, her impact on the Metro Detroit community, and the personal stories—including her rescue cats and local philanthropy—that make her the city’s most trusted morning voice.

Brad Galli is more than a face on WXYZ-TV; he is a Detroit sports institution. From his roots at Brother Rice to winning multiple Emmy Awards and interviewing legends like Jim Harbaugh, Galli’s career is a masterclass in sports journalism. Get the full story on his rise to Sports Director, his life in Birmingham with wife Claire Galli, and why he remains the most trusted voice in the Motor City.

From a decade at FOX 2 to a high-stakes PR role at the airport, Randy Wimbley is back where he belongs: reporting for Detroit. Explore the full story of his career pivot, his WXYZ homecoming, and the personal life of one of Detroit’s most trusted journalists.

Amy Hockert is more than just a face on FOX 9 News; she’s a Minnesota native whose career has spanned from local towns like Moorhead to international stays in South America. After a bold six-year hiatus to raise her family, Amy returned to the Twin Cities to become a leader in digital news and a staple on the 5 p.m. anchor desk. Discover the story behind her ‘full circle’ career and her deep roots in the North Star State.

From her Wisconsin roots to her 20-year legacy at KARE 11, Julie Nelson has become the trusted voice of the Twin Cities. Go behind the scenes of her award-winning career, her secret “Packer problem,” and her dedicated life as a mother and community advocate.

Randy Shaver is a cornerstone of Minnesota media. Discover the story of the man behind the desk: his rise at KARE 11, his two-time victory over cancer, his deep family roots, and his high-impact legacy in high school sports and medical research.