After its federal funding ran dry, a free preschool program for low-income kids in the Upper Peninsula has closed. Advocates say others are at risk.
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, Michigan Health Watch
Food stamp delay hits Michigan: Residents ration, pantries scramble
The Trump administration agreed to resume partial SNAP payments but warned it could take “weeks” for reduced benefits to reach people. Michiganders are already grappling with the delay.
Posted inMichigan Government
Judges: Feds must continue SNAP food assistance. Michigan delays still expected
Two judges order Trump admin to use contingency funds for SNAP. Michiganders still expected to miss weekend food assistance payments.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan food banks brace for SNAP ‘crisis.’ How to get or give help
With 1.4 million residents facing SNAP benefit delays, Michigan food charities say they’re already seeing more demand. Here’s how you can find or give help.
Posted inMichigan Government
‘It’s terrifying’: 1.4M Michiganders brace for loss of SNAP food assistance
Michigan families are frantically searching for alternatives as federal funding for food assistance is set to stop Saturday because of the government shutdown. ‘I’m very stressed, I’m out of touch, I’m scared,’ said one mom.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer pardons Hmong refugee facing deportation in ‘race against time’
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pardons Lue Yang, a Hmong refugee detained by immigration officials based on a decades-old criminal record already expunged by the state. Advocates are not sure where he is.
Posted inMichigan Government
Food assistance to ‘pause’ for 1.4M in Michigan due to federal shutdown
Michigan health officials: SNAP food assistance benefits for 1.4 million will “temporarily pause” in November if federal government shutdown continues. Program for mothers with infant children also at risk.
Posted inMichigan Government
Most violent Michigan crimes go unsolved. Lawmakers want to change that
Less than half of violent crimes like murder, assault, rape and robbery are speedily solved in Michigan. A bipartisan effort in the Michigan Legislature would offer targeted funding to help police departments solve more cases.
Posted inMichigan Government
Federal shutdown hits Michigan telehealth, Head Start, environment, more
One researcher called the shutdown “a crisis in slow motion” and multiple officials said cuts will worsen if the shutdown drags on.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Amid Trump tariffs, a ‘burst of optimism’ for one Michigan manufacturer
Business is booming for a steel wire manufacturer in southern Michigan, whose owner credits President Donald Trump’s tariffs. “The math has just totally changed.”