With less than two weeks to go before the state budget deadline, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, said he’s feeling more optimistic about avoiding a government shutdown come October.
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
Kristi Noem in Michigan touts deportations, urges GOP to unite after Kirk
Speaking to Republicans on Mackinac Island, the US Homeland Security secretary says Kirk’s assassination is an ‘opportunity for unity’ and championed the administration’s increase in deportation.
Posted inMichigan Government
Trade war, drought squeeze Michigan farmers heading to fall harvest
Key agricultural exports from Michigan have dropped steeply as farmers face fallout from federal trade disputes and drought conditions.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan kids left behind in indigent defense system: ‘It’s absolutely critical’
Michigan funds and oversees free attorneys for adults accused of crimes. Kids are left out, but advocates are pushing for change.
Posted inMichigan Government
‘Right to hug’ suits claim Michigan jails blocking family visits for profit
Most Michigan county jails don’t offer in-person visits by family members. A pair of lawsuits argue they’re profiting off video calls instead.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s last ‘sanctuary’ standing? Why East Lansing is a Trump immigration target
East Lansing’s immigration-friendly “sanctuary” status has made it a target of the Trump administration. It’s an “honor,” according to a local official who says the city has no plan to change course.
Posted inMichigan Government
In 32nd lawsuit against Trump, Michigan AG Dana Nessel defends $37M for crime victims
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is suing the Trump administration for tying annual crime victim funding to immigration enforcement. It’s the latest of more than 30 multistate lawsuits the Democrat has joined against Trump policies.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan makes prisoners pay for doctor visits. Critics call it a costly mistake
Advocates say requiring medical copays by Michigan prisoners discourages them from seeking preventive care and ultimately raises costs for taxpayers. Some lawmakers want to put an end to the practice.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan expunged a refugee’s criminal record. He may be deported anyway
A 47-year-old Hmong immigrant who came to the US legally as an infant but was convicted on a home invasion charge as a young adult was detained last month. His family fears the worst if he’s deported to a country he’s never known.
Posted inMichigan Government
Critics: ‘Prison gerrymandering’ gives some Michiganders extra ‘political clout’
Prisoners can’t vote, but Michigan includes them in local population counts when creating new political districts. Critics say that should change.