Federal buildings in Battle Creek, Detroit, Saginaw and Port Huron were flagged for potential sale this week amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to cut government costs. Among them: Michigan’s oldest federal building and a Battle Creek complex that employs up to 2,000 people.
Lauren Gibbons
Lauren covers state politics and policy for Bridge Michigan. Prior to joining Bridge's Capitol team, she worked at MLive, where she led coverage of the state Legislature and the redistricting process, and before that covered the state Senate for MIRS News. She has covered the ins and outs of Michigan politics for nearly a decade and has won awards both for her political coverage and her work documenting the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case. Lauren grew up in the Lansing area and graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in journalism and history. She lives in Ferndale, and her party tricks include Irish dancing and telling friends what political districts they live in without looking. Reach her at lgibbons@bridgemi.com or on Twitter @LaurenMGibbons
Posted inMichigan Government
Trump tariffs spark ‘trade war’ with Michigan’s biggest trade partners
Trump argues tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China will ultimately benefit states like Michigan and its dominant auto industry. But foreign leaders are fighting back with retaliatory tariffs.
Posted inMichigan Government
Dozens fired from Michigan veteran care facilities as Trump cuts continue
Nearly 70 employees of Veterans Affairs medical centers in Detroit and Ann Arbor have been fired by the Trump administration. VA officials say the impacted employees were not in ‘mission-critical’ positions, but critics argue the firings could impact veterans both working for the government or seeking medical care.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Great Lakes scientists among latest round of Trump cuts in Michigan
Scientists in an Ann Arbor research office were among hundreds fired nationally as the Trump administration slashes staff within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Posted inMichigan Government
MSU loses millions in agriculture, higher ed grants as Trump slashes USAID
More than 20 Michigan State University research projects receiving federal foreign aid funding have halted amid the Trump administration’s efforts to slash government spending. Some were notified this week that their funding is terminated entirely.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan refugees left in limbo under Trump resettlement suspension
President Donald Trump halted refugee resettlement programs. For more than 1,000 new Michigan residents and nonprofits supporting them, that means no more federal funding for housing, work and other basic necessities.
Posted inMichigan Government
From Sleeping Bear to North Country Trail, advocates fear worst from Trump cuts
At Michigan national parks, lakeshores and hiking trails, officials are grappling with a hiring freeze and potential loss of federal funding under Trump, who is vowing to cut wasteful government spending.
Posted inQuality of Life
We asked, you answered: Bridge’s iconic Michigan playlist is bigger and better
It’s tough to narrow down Michigan’s awesome music, so we gave up. Bridge’s 25-song Michigan playlist has grown significantly after readers pointed out the error of our ways.
Posted inMichigan Government
Report card: Gretchen Whitmer’s 48 promises during State of State speeches
Bridge Michigan’s analysis of six speeches shows the Democratic governor has had her most success implementing gun reforms and social policy, but struggled with infrastructure. The verdict is out on education.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: Gretchen Whitmer has made big promises. Here’s how she’s done
Bridge Michigan has analyzed six years of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State speeches to see how she’s delivered. She’s had more success working with Democratic lawmakers and accomplished about half her goals.