In Michigan’s high-stakes US Senate race, candidates are clashing over immigration enforcement, health care, dark money and more.
Lauren Gibbons
Lauren Gibbons covers state politics and government for Bridge Michigan, tracking the Michigan Legislature, elections and the impact of federal policy on the state. Before joining Bridge, she led Legislature and redistricting coverage at MLive and covered the state Senate for MIRS News. She has covered Michigan politics for more than a decade, winning awards for her political and criminal justice reporting.
A Lansing native who graduated from Michigan State University, Lauren is now based in Ferndale. Her party tricks include telling friends which political districts they live in without looking.
Posted inMichigan Government
For Democrats, a millennial showdown in Michigan’s high-stakes US Senate race
In one of the country’s most closely watched primaries, Haley Stevens, Mallory McMorrow and Abdul El-Sayed promise to bring a fresh perspective to the US Senate. None is more than 42 years old.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan would regulate police license plate cameras under bipartisan bill
Michigan municipalities are increasingly turning to license plate readers as a public safety tool despite public outcry over privacy and data sharing concerns. Some lawmakers are pitching statewide oversight, but local law enforcement agencies are worried too much regulation could make the readers less effective for solving crimes.
Posted inMichigan Government
Can Michigan block new ICE facilities? How officials are fighting back
In Romulus and Southfield, local and state officials are battling a proposed ICE detention center and office space. They face an uphill fight.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer’s last State of the State: Literacy, legacy and a Trump thank you
In her final annual address, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out plans to create a new affordable housing tax credit and limit medical debt. She also thanked President Donald Trump for a commitment to Selfridge.
Posted inMichigan Government
State of Union fact check: Trump honors Michigan athletes, defends tariffs
President Donald Trump touted Olympics winners, the economy, tax breaks and more in his State of the Union address. Here are the facts.
Posted inMichigan Government
How a sword and SWAT standoff sparked fury over Michigan mental health crisis
A man with a katana — and a history of mental health issues — sparked a SWAT team response and 30-hour police standoff in southeast Michigan. Critics call it a ‘systemic failure’ that shows how authorities across the state struggle to deal with such situations.
Posted inMichigan Government
Trump rethinking Canada bridge permit amid Michigan jeers, cheers
As President Donald Trump considers amending a key permit for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, some top Michigan Republicans back his threat to block the nearly completed span from opening, saying they think it will lead to ‘a good deal.’
Posted inMichigan Government
Dana Nessel asks residents to report ‘concerning’ ICE actions in Michigan
Attorney General Dana Nessel unveils ‘immigration action reporting form’ to collect eyewitness accounts of ICE in Michigan. Critics worry the effort could make it harder for law enforcement to do their jobs.
Posted inMichigan Government
Federal food assistance changes taking $95M bite out of Michigan budget
President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ law will mean a big new expense for Michigan, which will be required to pay a larger share of administrative costs for federal food assistance.