Michigan trial courts cost about $1.2 billion annually to maintain and are primarily funded by local governments and court fees. A new report from the Michigan Judicial Council recommends a centralized state funding system to relieve pressure on local courts and remove possible conflicts of interest.
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
In Michigan’s UP, a Head Start preschool closes. Blame the government shutdown
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.
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.