Abigail Censky

Politics/Government Reporter
  • portrait: Abigail Censky
    Abigail Censky
    Lindsay Wilkinson Photography

Abigail Censky is the politics and government reporter at WKAR.

Abigail joined WKAR in December 2018.

Prior to joining WKAR, Abigail served as news intern at St. Louis Public Radio, covering the Missouri 2018 midterm elections; and covered Colorado politics as a reporter with the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Abigail Censky has a bachelor's degree from Colorado College.

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Looking To Reduce Carbon Emissions, Sen. Stabenow Introduces Bill Incentivizing Auto Manufacturers

By • Mar 1, 2021
Chuttersnap / Unsplash

Senator Debbie Stabenow has introduced a new bill that would provide billions in tax credits aimed at incentivizing auto manufacturers to make products that would reduce carbon emissions.

The senior Democrat introduced the American Jobs in Energy Manufacturing Act on Monday. She says the bill would provide support to the private sector in making the transition to clean energy in legacy manufacturing communities.

'What's New Is The Attention:' Black Women Celebrated As 'Backbone Of Democracy' After 2020 Election

By • Feb 26, 2021
Then vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris interacts with voters at a drive through event in Detroit. Harris visited Detroit, Flint, and the Detroit exurbs multiple times ahead of the November election.
Abigail Censky, WKAR

Their efforts in Georgia gained national attention, but Black women also played an essential role leading up to and following Michigan’s 2020 election. 

Michigan's Redistricting Commission Anticipates Delay In Receiving Census Data

By • Feb 17, 2021
U.S. Department of Interior

Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau announced states wouldn’t receive the data they need to draw new legislative maps until the end of September.

That could create problems for Michigan’s new Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Commission.

After Record 2020 Turnout, State Republicans Weigh Making It Harder To Vote

By , & & Ben Giles • Feb 7, 2021

After an election that saw record voter turnout, with many of those voters casting their ballots early and by mail, some Republican state lawmakers are proposing a wave of new voting laws that would effectively make it more difficult to vote in future elections.

The proposals come in the aftermath of the unprecedented onslaught of disinformation about the conduct of the 2020 election by former President Donald Trump and some of his allies in the Republican Party.

Lansing Mayor Praises COVID Response, Racial Equity Initiatives, In State Of City Address

By , & • Feb 4, 2021
City of Lansing, Michigan / Youtube

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor highlighted his efforts at addressing diversity and accountability during Wednesday's 2021 Virtual State of the City Address.

Mayor Schor touted his efforts in working with Lansing’s police chief to reform policies for traffic stops and putting an end to “no knock” searches.


Rep. Sarah Anthony On New Role As Caucus Chair For House Democrats

By • Jan 22, 2021
Representative Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) will serve as the Democratic Caucus Chair in the state House of Representatives.
Courtesy of Michigan House Democrats

Lansing Democrat Sarah Anthony has been tapped as the Democratic Caucus Chair in the state House of Representatives. WKAR’s Abigail Censky spoke with Anthony about the challenges she’ll face as a leader for the minority in a time of divided government.

After Capitol Insurrection, Some Michigan Republicans May Join Democrats On House Impeachment Vote

By • Jan 13, 2021
The U.S. House of Representatives will meet Wednesday. They're expected to impeach President Donald Trump for the second time. This year some Michigan Republicans may join Democrats.
Courtesy / Pixabay

Following the Capitol attack, Republican colleagues could join the Democrats to impeach President Donald Trump for the second time. Republican Representative Fred Upton has already indicated he'll vote to impeach. 

How Misinformation Lit The Fire Under A Year Of Political Chaos In Michigan

By • Jan 1, 2021

The day Michigan's electors gathered in the state Capitol, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer paused briefly on the checkered marble floor before entering the state Senate chamber.

"Obviously [we] never could've imagined..." she paused to laugh, emphasizing her next word, "anything... about this year. But it's an honor to play a role here in finalizing this vote, respecting the will of the people and making sure Michigan's voice is heard."

Bitter Partisan Divide Over Unemployment Benefits Extension After Whitmer Signs Relief Bill

By • Dec 29, 2020
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs the COVID-19 relief bill Tuesday. The Governor issued a line item veto for $220 million Republicans wanted deposited into the state's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund from the state's General Fund.
Courtesy of the Office of the Governor

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a COVID-19 relief bill. But there's a bitter partisan split over what one of the governor’s line-item vetoes means for unemployment insurance benefits in the state.

Despite COVID, Thousands Of Lawmakers Plan To Gather In State Capitols Next Month

By , , , , & • Dec 22, 2020

It happens at the beginning of every year: elected officials, legislative staff, lobbyists, journalists and the public gather in large numbers in state capitol buildings around the country for a relentless few weeks — or months — of lawmaking.

In 2020, official business had wrapped in many states by mid-March when lockdowns began. In others, the spread of COVID-19 sent lawmakers home early.

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