Abigail Censky

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

Abigail Censky served as  politics and government reporter at WKAR from December 2018 to March 2021.

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.

With More Women In State Office, Family Leave Policies Have Not Caught Up

By • Mar 28, 2021

A nameplate that reads "Mom Boss" sits on the desk of Michigan state Sen. Stephanie Chang's basement office in the capitol building in Lansing. Around it sit framed photos of her daughters.

When Chang began her term in the Michigan House in 2015, she was pregnant, and then again when she started her term in the Michigan Senate in 2018. In her official role, she's the Minority Floor Leader for the Democrats. Unofficially, she's branded herself a #mommylegislator.

Abigail Censky Reflects On Covering Politics In Michigan On Her Last Day With WKAR

By & • Mar 23, 2021
2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate Kristen Gillibrand outside her campaign bus surrounded by reporters including Abigail Censky with a microphone
WKAR

WKAR’s politics reporter Abigail Censky is leaving the WKAR newsroom.

Censky is headed to Kansas where she’ll be a statewide political reporter for the Kansas News Service.


Michigan Officials Wrestle With How To Ethically Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines

By • Mar 9, 2021

Black residents in Michigan account for roughly 21% of the state's COVID-19 deaths despite being just 14% of the state's population. State officials want to decrease the number of deaths, so Michigan is relying on a formula recommended by the Centers for Disease Control called the Social Vulnerability Index to help guide its vaccine distribution.

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. 

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