Summer Ballentine

Summer Ballentine is an experienced journalist specializing in automotive reporting and political coverage. Currently serving as an auto reporter for The Detroit News since April 2025, Summer has a significant background as a Missouri politics and government reporter for the Associated Press from September 2014 to June 2025. This role included overseeing national coverage of major legislative issues, including a historic filibuster. Prior experience encompasses positions such as legislative relief staffer at the Associated Press, city desk intern at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and various roles at The State News, demonstrating a versatile reporting skill set. Summer holds a B.A. in Journalism from Michigan State University and previously studied Music Performance at Grand Valley State University.