Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 11h

The latest in Michigan's tabulator tampering case: Preliminary examination delayed for DePerno and Rendon over a dispute on whether a series of text messages should be admitted as evidence. @michiganadvance.com
michiganadvance.com/2025/10/10/m...

Michigan election tampering case stalls as DePerno seeks to block texts linked to 2020 audit effort • Michigan Advance

After the preliminary examination of former attorney general candidate Matt DePerno and former state Rep. Daire Rendon (R-Lake City) kicked off on Thursday, the review of evidence has been put on paus...

michiganadvance.com

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Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 13h

Killer work from the other KD in the office, @kdailey.bsky.social!

Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 13h

The Detroit-based nonprofit Mothering Justice — which centers its work on the needs of mothers and families, from paid sick leave to affordable child care — hosted the grand opening of their new center in Detroit’s Eastern Market neighborhood on Thursday evening.

From @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social

Detroit-based advocacy group Mothering Justice opens new office space in Eastern Market • Michigan Advance

The Detroit-based nonprofit Mothering Justice — which centers its work on the needs and rights of mothers and families, from paid sick leave to affordable child care — hosted the grand opening of thei...

michiganadvance.com

Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 13h

As part of a deal to boost revenue for road repairs in the state, the Legislature passed a 24% excise tax on wholesale marijuana. I talked with industry members about what this means for customers and the future of the business in Michigan. @michiganadvance.com
michiganadvance.com/2025/10/09/c...

Critics warn Michigan's 24% pot tax could crush small retailers, boost black market, hurt patients • Michigan Advance

As state budget negotiations drew to a close last week, members of the Democratic-led Senate and the Republican-led House were able to reach a deal to bring in additional funding for road repairs thro...

michiganadvance.com

Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 1d

While a 24% pot tax won support from both sides of the aisle last week in Lansing, its detractors were similarly bipartisan, warning that it risked smothering small businesses, expanding the black market, and opened the state up to a potential constitutional challenge.

By @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social

Critics warn Michigan's 24% pot tax could crush small retailers, boost black market, hurt patients • Michigan Advance

As state budget negotiations drew to a close last week, members of the Democratic-led Senate and the Republican-led House were able to reach a deal to bring in additional funding for road repairs thro...

michiganadvance.com

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Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 2d

A cannabis industry trade association is challenging the Michigan’s newly approved tax on the sale or transfer of wholesale marijuana, filing the complaint shortly after the policy was signed into law.

Story from @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social

Cannabis industry group files lawsuit aiming to invalidate Michigan's 24% wholesale tax on marijuana • Michigan Advance

A cannabis industry trade association is challenging the state’s newly approved tax on the sale or transfer of wholesale marijuana, filing the complaint shortly after the policy was signed into law. ...

michiganadvance.com

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Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 3d

Gov. Whitmer signed Michigan’s state budget for FY 2026 on Tuesday, following its passage through the state House and Senate early last Friday. That followed legislators passing an eight-day continuation budget shortly after the constitutional deadline of Oct. 1.

Story from @kdailey.bsky.social

Whitmer signs $81B budget for Fiscal Year 2026, including funding for road fixes and public schools • Michigan Advance

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Michigan’s state budget for Fiscal Year 2026 on Tuesday, following its passage through the state House and Senate early last Friday, Oct. 3. That followed legislators pass...

michiganadvance.com

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Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 7d

Anti-abortion advocates filed a case in federal court, arguing a 2022 amendment enshrining abortion rights within the state Constitution violated several provisions of the federal charter.

However, that challenge was dismissed by a federal judge this week.

Story from @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social

Federal court dismisses challenge to Michigan constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights • Michigan Advance

During the 2022 election, Michigan voters approved a measure enshrining abortion rights and protections for reproductive freedom within the state Constitution, offering residents a safeguard in the wa...

michiganadvance.com

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Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 7d

“It’s for people just coming out, it’s for trans youth, it’s for parents, it’s for community allies, even providers in the community, mental health clinicians. anyone who wants to learn more." @michiganadvance.com
michiganadvance.com/2025/10/03/d...

Despite increasingly hostile climate, Michigan-based trans allies emphasize ‘love transcends’ • Michigan Advance

As trans youth face increased barriers to medically-necessary gender-affirming care for service and hostility from President Donald Trump’s administration and lawmakers nationwide, a Michigan-based or...

michiganadvance.com

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Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Ben Solis @bensolis1.bsky.social · 7d

Everybody at @michiganadvance.com got a piece of the action last night. Here's what the school budget looks like, from Katherine and Kyle tag teaming the important numbers.

michiganadvance.com/2025/10/03/l...

Legislature passes $21.3B school aid budget, securing school meals and increased student funds • Michigan Advance

Updated at 11:43 a.m. The state Legislature delivered on promises to preserve free school meals and increased per pupil funding, after months of tough negotiations ended in lawmakers passing an eight-...

michiganadvance.com

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Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 7d

This one is all @kdailey.bsky.social, who you should absolutely give a follow if you haven't already!

Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 7d

EMILYs List, a national organization focused on electing Democratic pro-choice women, has issued an endorsement to Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald in the Michigan Attorney General’s race for 2026.

Story from @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social

Karen McDonald gets endorsement from EMILYs List for Michigan Attorney General • Michigan Advance

EMILYs List, a national organization focused on electing Democratic pro-choice women, has issued an endorsement to Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald in the Michigan Attorney General’s race for ...

michiganadvance.com

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Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Jon King @jonkingnews.bsky.social · 7d

We have a small, but mighty team at @michiganadvance.com, who covered passage of our new state budget, spending long hours at the Capitol until final votes, followed by comprehensive write-ups on each piece.

Kudos to @bensolis1.bsky.social, @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social and @kdailey.bsky.social

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Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 8d

During a hearing Thursday afternoon, members of the Senate Appropriations committee ran through a list of legislative spending requests which could make their way into the final budget deal.

The list of requests came in at just over $357.3 million.

Story from @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social

More than $350 million in legislative spending up for consideration in 2026 budget • Michigan Advance

During a hearing Thursday afternoon, members of the Senate Appropriations committee ran through a list of legislative spending requests which could make their way into the final budget deal. The list...

michiganadvance.com

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Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 8d

The gathering has moved into the rotunda.

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Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 8d

Senate Appropriations committee on hold. Conference Committee for the Senate's education budget set for 1:15 p.m. with Conference Committee on the House's general government budget set for 1:30 p.m. @michiganadvance.com

Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 8d

Scene from the Senate Floor as we kick off day 2/8 of the extended budget. Senate is on recess until 3 p.m.

Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 8d

Scene from the Senate Floor as we kick off day 2/8 of the extended budget. Senate is on recess until 3 p.m.

Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 8d

Walk up song when I was out there was the fanfare from Rocky IV.

Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 8d

Representatives from the Cannabis Industry have set up a sort procession from the Binsfeld Office Building into the Senate, cheering on Senators as they walk in and urging them to "stay strong" in opposition to a proposed 24% tax on cannabis put forth by the House. @michiganadvance.com

Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 8d

Representatives from the Cannabis Industry have set up a sort procession from the Binsfeld Office Building into the Senate, cheering on Senators as they walk in and urging them to "stay strong" in opposition to a proposed 24% tax on cannabis put forth by the House. @michiganadvance.com

Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 8d

While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has long demurred on the topic of her plans after 2028, when she will be term-limited out of the governor’s office, she offered another hint Wednesday suggesting a run for the Oval Office may not be in the cards.

Story from @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social

Whitmer hints against 2028 presidential bid following speech in Toronto • Michigan Advance

While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has long demurred on the topic of her plans after 2028, when she will be term-limited out of the governor’s office, she offered another hint Wednesday suggesting a run for ...

michiganadvance.com

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Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 9d

Siding with a west Michigan school district and several of its employees, a federal court on Tuesday agreed to dismiss a case brought by Moms For Liberty associate Stefanie Boone. @michiganadvance.com
michiganadvance.com/2025/10/01/f...

Federal court tosses Moms For Liberty associate’s case against Lowell Area Schools • Michigan Advance

Siding with a west Michigan school district and several of its employees, a federal court on Tuesday agreed to dismiss a case brought by Moms For Liberty associate Stefanie Boone. Boone argued the sc...

michiganadvance.com

Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Ben Solis @bensolis1.bsky.social · 10d

And the government is shut down. No new spending plan was passed as of midnight, and the governor has signaled that she's keeping to government open, but has yet to issue an executive directive doing so. Also, that appears to buck the the tenets of the state's Constitution.

@michiganadvance.com

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Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 10d

The scene inside the Michigan State Senate at 12:15 a.m. We have entered a new fiscal year without a budget deal, though lawmakers from both chambers are seemingly working to reach a deal behind closed doors. @michiganadvance.com

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Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 10d

Senate adjourned until 12:30 a.m. What lies ahead, god only knows

Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 10d

The proposed new wholesale tax on marijuana to fund road repairs in the next state budget is much too high and would result in job losses for a booming Michigan cannabis industry, advocates and lawmakers said Tuesday as they rallied for a lower tax rate.

From @bensolis1.bsky.social

Cannabis industry advocates, lawmakers say 24% tax on Michigan marijuana is too high • Michigan Advance

The proposed new wholesale tax on marijuana products to fund road repairs in the next state budget and years down the road is much too high and would result in job losses for a booming Michigan cannab...

michiganadvance.com

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Reposted by Kyle Davidson

Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 10d

Hours before a budget deadline that if missed would shut down the state government, educators, activists, and lawmakers gathered on the steps of the Michigan Capitol to demand a budget that would fully “fund the damn schools.”

Story from @kdailey.bsky.social

Advocates, lawmakers urge Michigan Legislature to ‘Fund the Damn Schools’ ahead of budget deadline • Michigan Advance

Hours before a budget deadline that if missed would shut down the state government — and three months after the statutory July 1 deadline to fund the state’s public schools — educators, activists, and...

michiganadvance.com

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Kyle Davidson @kdavidsonjrn.bsky.social · 10d

Justin Onwenu, an attorney, community organizer and appointee to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Black Leadership Council announced his intention on Tuesday to claim Michigan’s newly redrawn 1st Senate District. @michiganadvance.com
michiganadvance.com/briefs/detro...

michiganadvance.com

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