Author

Kyle Davidson covers state government alongside health care, business and the environment. A graduate of Michigan State University, Kyle studied journalism and political science. He previously covered community events, breaking news, state policy and the environment for outlets including the Lansing State Journal, the Detroit Free Press and Capital News Service.
Advocates rally for clean energy as lawmakers continue to tweak legislation
By: Kyle Davidson - September 26, 2023
Students, lawmakers and environmental activists from across the state gathered Tuesday on the Capitol steps, calling for climate action, environmental justice and clean energy policy. In recent weeks, members of the Democratic-led Legislature have heard testimony and made tweaks to clean energy policies, including a 100% carbon free standard for electricity generation, energy waste reduction, […]
Nessel draws broad support from tribal nations, businesses and other states in Line 5 suit
By: Kyle Davidson - September 26, 2023
A coalition of tribal nations from across the Midwest and Canada on Monday submitted a brief supporting Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s argument to move her lawsuit to shut down Enbridge’s Line 5 pipelines back to state court. The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will weigh arguments as to whether Nessel’s case should be […]
Trump to speak Wednesday at non-union Macomb Co. automotive parts manufacturer
By: Kyle Davidson - September 25, 2023
Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday is set to deliver remarks at Drake Enterprises, an automotive parts manufacturer and supplier in Clinton Township in Macomb County, according to an announcement from Trump’s campaign. The former president’s visit to the facility will follow President Joe Biden’s Tuesday visit to join striking United Auto Workers (UAW) union […]
10 Michigan public universities commit to admitting students with 3.0 GPA or higher
By: Kyle Davidson - September 22, 2023
Ten of Michigan’s 15 public universities have committed to admitting high school graduates with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher during their fall 2024 admission cycle. Whitmer signs directive aimed at relieving student loan strain for Michiganders Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Northern Michigan University, […]
UAW members testify in favor of just energy transition office legislation
By: Kyle Davidson - September 21, 2023
As Democratic lawmakers continue pushing on policy to transition Michigan to clean energy sources, members of the state Senate Labor Committee heard testimony Thursday on a bill to ensure workers are not left behind in a switch to renewables. Senate Bill 519, introduced by State Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), would create a community and […]
Senate panel votes to repeal ‘Death Star’ legislation hampering local governments
By: Kyle Davidson - September 21, 2023
Members of the Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday moved to advance bills repealing preemptions on local government control of labor and workforce policies. The committee voted 3-1 along party lines to report Senate Bills 170 and 171, both sponsored by Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), to the Senate floor with recommendation that they pass. The bills […]
Sparring over clean energy standards continues at committee hearing
By: Kyle Davidson - September 21, 2023
The Senate Energy and Environment Committee heard additional testimony on bills aimed at transitioning Michigan to renewable energy at its Wednesday meeting, following changes to proposed clean energy and waste reduction standards. The committee heard testimony on three bills, one that would transition Michigan to 100% clean energy sources, another establishing new energy waste reduction […]
Gilchrist highlights clean energy jobs following new report outlining industry growth
By: Kyle Davidson - September 19, 2023
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and clean energy business representatives on Tuesday celebrated growth in Michigan’s clean energy industry following the release of a new report by E2, otherwise known as Environmental Entrepreneurs. E2, a national nonpartisan group of business leaders and investors and others advocating for policies to support the environment and business, released its […]
UAW president sets new deadline for automakers, promising additional strikes
By: Kyle Davidson - September 19, 2023
Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers union (UAW), on Monday night announced that more locations may be called to join the union’s strike on Friday. The UAW declared a historic strike against all three members of the Big Three automakers at midnight Thursday, after contracts expired with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. Sen. […]
Dems come out in support for UAW strikes, as Republicans criticize push for EVs
By: Kyle Davidson - September 15, 2023
Following the expiration of contracts at midnight, state leaders and lawmakers on the state and national stage are weighing in as the United Auto Workers (UAW) union begins its historic strike on Michigan’s Detroit Three automakers. With support from other labor groups, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the American Federation of State […]
Michigan has made big strides on voting rights. Here’s what to expect next.
By: Kyle Davidson - September 15, 2023
This article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org Michigan has made strong progress in protecting voters’ rights and access to the ballot box in recent years, […]
Senate committee advances bill allowing farmers to rent land for solar arrays
By: Kyle Davidson - September 14, 2023
Members of the Michigan Senate Energy and Environment Committee on Thursday voted to advance legislation that would allow farmers to rent out their land for solar energy generation while still participating in the state’s farmland and open space preservation program. Senate Bill 277, introduced by state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), would bring a […]