The Michigan Independent
@themiindependent.tainews.com
The Michigan Independent is a project of American Independent Media, a 501(c)(4) organization whose mission is to use journalism to educate the public, giving them the information they need about local and federal issues.
Trump’s law instructs the department to implement major student loan modifications with a focus on new borrowing limits, simplifying repayment, and capping loan amounts.
Nursing no longer a professional degree under Trump’s Education Department
The department introduced a host of proposed changes, including reclassifying nursing degrees, eliminating the Grad PLUS loan, and creating a new repayment program.
michiganindependent.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Trump’s law instructs the department to implement major student loan modifications with a focus on new borrowing limits, simplifying repayment, and capping loan amounts.
In metro Detroit, a nonprofit group is working with young people who often enter the justice system with more labels than opportunities.
The Teacher’s Pet program pairs youths involved in the justice system with homeless shelter dogs. It’s designed to build empathy, patience and responsibility...
The Teacher’s Pet program pairs youths involved in the justice system with homeless shelter dogs. It’s designed to build empathy, patience and responsibility...
Justice-involved youths and homeless dogs heal together in Michigan program
The founder of Teacher's Pet says the connection with the dogs often helps youths lower stress, build trust, and practice communication skills.
michiganindependent.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM
In metro Detroit, a nonprofit group is working with young people who often enter the justice system with more labels than opportunities.
The Teacher’s Pet program pairs youths involved in the justice system with homeless shelter dogs. It’s designed to build empathy, patience and responsibility...
The Teacher’s Pet program pairs youths involved in the justice system with homeless shelter dogs. It’s designed to build empathy, patience and responsibility...
The Republican majority in the U.S. Senate blocked a Democratic bill on Dec. 11 that would have extended an expiring tax credit that helps 22 million Americans afford their health insurance premiums.
michiganindependent.com/health-care/...
michiganindependent.com/health-care/...
Senate Republicans block bill to renew health insurance subsidies
Americans who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace will pay higher premiums due to the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025.
michiganindependent.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM
The Republican majority in the U.S. Senate blocked a Democratic bill on Dec. 11 that would have extended an expiring tax credit that helps 22 million Americans afford their health insurance premiums.
michiganindependent.com/health-care/...
michiganindependent.com/health-care/...
As a legal appeal to force factory farms to disclose hazardous emissions continues to play out, environmental advocates are calling attention to a new Trump administration rule that could limit reporting on those same farms.
Trump EPA ends program that required reporting on hazardous factory farm emissions
The move reduces even further federal oversight of pollutants such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, advocates say.
michiganindependent.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:03 PM
As a legal appeal to force factory farms to disclose hazardous emissions continues to play out, environmental advocates are calling attention to a new Trump administration rule that could limit reporting on those same farms.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing changes experts said would weaken reporting and monitoring rules for toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
Experts: EPA’s proposal to weaken PFAS rules is bad for environment
According to the Environmental Working Group, nearly 70 million acres of farmland across the U.S. could be contaminated by PFAS.
michiganindependent.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing changes experts said would weaken reporting and monitoring rules for toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
Two Michigan Democrats working in the nation’s capital are being recognized for their contributions in key policy areas.
michiganindependent.com/politics/ste...
michiganindependent.com/politics/ste...
Stevens and Peters recognized as most effective lawmakers in key policy areas
The two Michigan Democrats recently earned national recognition for their work in Washington, DC, last term.
michiganindependent.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Two Michigan Democrats working in the nation’s capital are being recognized for their contributions in key policy areas.
michiganindependent.com/politics/ste...
michiganindependent.com/politics/ste...
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin said her security detail has increased after Trump leveled accusations of sedition and threats of arrest against her and five other members of Congress who posted a video to social media urging military members to uphold the Constitution and defy “illegal orders.”
Trump targets Slotkin after lawmakers urge military to reject illegal orders
Trump is calling for six Democratic lawmakers to be ‘arrested and put on trial’ after they posted a video calling on US service members to uphold the Constitution.
michiganindependent.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin said her security detail has increased after Trump leveled accusations of sedition and threats of arrest against her and five other members of Congress who posted a video to social media urging military members to uphold the Constitution and defy “illegal orders.”
Retail experts said three forces are shaping what ends up in holiday shopping carts this year: less variety on shelves, quiet quality tweaks to keep prices flat and tariffs pushing companies to be more selective.
michiganindependent.com/economy/tari...
michiganindependent.com/economy/tari...
Tariffs, tight imports may shape Michigan’s holiday shopping season
Jason Miller of Michigan State University said tariffs are pushing importers to be more selective, reducing options for shoppers.
michiganindependent.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Retail experts said three forces are shaping what ends up in holiday shopping carts this year: less variety on shelves, quiet quality tweaks to keep prices flat and tariffs pushing companies to be more selective.
michiganindependent.com/economy/tari...
michiganindependent.com/economy/tari...
In keeping with a longstanding Michigan Thanksgiving tradition, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spared two lucky turkeys from the dinner table in a pardoning ceremony on Nov. 18.
michiganindependent.com/features/whi...
michiganindependent.com/features/whi...
Whitmer pardons Thanksgiving turkeys named after popular Michigan brands
Faygo and Vernors won’t be at the dinner table this Thanksgiving.
michiganindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:02 PM
In keeping with a longstanding Michigan Thanksgiving tradition, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spared two lucky turkeys from the dinner table in a pardoning ceremony on Nov. 18.
michiganindependent.com/features/whi...
michiganindependent.com/features/whi...
Reposted by The Michigan Independent
Commentary: The unexpected elimination of their funding has thrown the 54 Great Start collaboratives and family coalitions in Michigan into limbo.
Elimination of Great Start Collaborative funding is a major setback for early childhood development • Michigan Advance
While Michigan lawmakers were able to avert a government shutdown and eventually reach a state budget agreement in October, the final agreement left out critical early childhood funding that has upend...
michiganadvance.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Commentary: The unexpected elimination of their funding has thrown the 54 Great Start collaboratives and family coalitions in Michigan into limbo.
Reposted by The Michigan Independent
Earlier this month when Michigan families were going hungry after the Trump administration cut off SNAP funding, John James backed Trump 100%.
"You're not going to find a bigger fan than me."
"You're not going to find a bigger fan than me."
November 26, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Earlier this month when Michigan families were going hungry after the Trump administration cut off SNAP funding, John James backed Trump 100%.
"You're not going to find a bigger fan than me."
"You're not going to find a bigger fan than me."
Without the subsidies, the cost of insurance through the ACA marketplace will rise 26% on average starting in 2026.
Anti-abortion lobbying plays role in GOP opposition to ACA premium credit extension
‘This attempt is from a really strong lobbying push from the anti-abortion movement to even further restrict plans,’ said Anna Bernstein of the Guttmacher Institute.
michiganindependent.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Without the subsidies, the cost of insurance through the ACA marketplace will rise 26% on average starting in 2026.
Michigan has taken part in 38 lawsuits alongside other states challenging President Donald Trump’s actions so far this year, state records show:
A look at some of Michigan’s legal challenges to the Trump administration in 2025
A state database shows Michigan is party to 38 lawsuits challenging President Donald Trump's actions.
michiganindependent.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Michigan has taken part in 38 lawsuits alongside other states challenging President Donald Trump’s actions so far this year, state records show:
A state-sponsored campaign aimed at providing Michiganders with free access to birth control and contraception wrapped up this month after a yearlong community outreach effort amid attacks on reproductive rights at the federal level.
michiganindependent.com/reproductive...
michiganindependent.com/reproductive...
Michigan free birth control program ends after giving away 460,000 supplies
‘This campaign is a powerful example of what happens when we prioritize people’s health and work together with our communities,’ Gov. Whitmer said in a statement.
michiganindependent.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
A state-sponsored campaign aimed at providing Michiganders with free access to birth control and contraception wrapped up this month after a yearlong community outreach effort amid attacks on reproductive rights at the federal level.
michiganindependent.com/reproductive...
michiganindependent.com/reproductive...
Reposted by The Michigan Independent
Dan Quinn, will participate in an important statewide discussion on the Future of Education in Michigan on November 18. Dan is a trusted leader, specializing in advancing equitable policy solutions across the entire education continuum.
November 10, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Dan Quinn, will participate in an important statewide discussion on the Future of Education in Michigan on November 18. Dan is a trusted leader, specializing in advancing equitable policy solutions across the entire education continuum.
President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Nov. 3 that it was canceling the IRS Direct File program for the 2026 tax filing season, according to an ABC News report.
michiganindependent.com/economy/trum...
michiganindependent.com/economy/trum...
Trump administration kills popular free tax return program, raising costs for taxpayers
The IRS Direct File program was expected to save American taxpayers $11 billion annually, but was opposed by tax preparation companies.
michiganindependent.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM
President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Nov. 3 that it was canceling the IRS Direct File program for the 2026 tax filing season, according to an ABC News report.
michiganindependent.com/economy/trum...
michiganindependent.com/economy/trum...
Reposted by The Michigan Independent
On Lake Michigan’s shores, a $15B data center promises to save water — but the power it demands tells a different story. Inside Wisconsin’s fight over AI’s growing thirst for…
https://www.circleofblue.org/2025/water-energy/new-era-of-confrontation-between-energy-and-water-opens-in-great-lakes/
https://www.circleofblue.org/2025/water-energy/new-era-of-confrontation-between-energy-and-water-opens-in-great-lakes/
November 6, 2025 at 11:01 AM
On Lake Michigan’s shores, a $15B data center promises to save water — but the power it demands tells a different story. Inside Wisconsin’s fight over AI’s growing thirst for…
https://www.circleofblue.org/2025/water-energy/new-era-of-confrontation-between-energy-and-water-opens-in-great-lakes/
https://www.circleofblue.org/2025/water-energy/new-era-of-confrontation-between-energy-and-water-opens-in-great-lakes/
Reposted by The Michigan Independent
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday the Federal Aviation Administration would restrict air travel in 40 “high-traffic” areas of the country to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who have been working without a paycheck since Oct. 1.
Trump administration limits some flights during shutdown as controllers show strain • Michigan Advance
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday the Federal Aviation Administration would restrict air travel in 40 “high-traffic” areas of the country to relieve pressure on air traffic contr...
michiganadvance.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:33 AM
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday the Federal Aviation Administration would restrict air travel in 40 “high-traffic” areas of the country to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who have been working without a paycheck since Oct. 1.
Reposted by The Michigan Independent
With some early childhood education centers already closing their doors because of the federal government shutdown, local leaders are scrambling to find money to keep Head Start programs available to some of the country’s most vulnerable children.
Story from @stateline.org
Story from @stateline.org
States, donors and schools scramble to keep Head Start centers open — for now • Michigan Advance
With some early childhood education centers already closing their doors because of the federal government shutdown, local leaders are scrambling to find money to keep Head Start programs available to ...
michiganadvance.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:46 AM
With some early childhood education centers already closing their doors because of the federal government shutdown, local leaders are scrambling to find money to keep Head Start programs available to some of the country’s most vulnerable children.
Story from @stateline.org
Story from @stateline.org
Reposted by The Michigan Independent
MDOT hosting neighborhood meeting Nov. 20 to discuss removal of Brooklyn Street pedestrian bridge over I-94 in #Detroit www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-ou...
November 5, 2025 at 7:57 PM
MDOT hosting neighborhood meeting Nov. 20 to discuss removal of Brooklyn Street pedestrian bridge over I-94 in #Detroit www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-ou...
“The idea that a HHS secretary would pick out a particular drug for particular scrutiny is, if not unheard of, very, very unusual. That is just not the way things work."
michiganindependent.com/reproductive...
michiganindependent.com/reproductive...
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tells FDA to review safety of mifepristone
Years of scientific evidence from rigorous studies have overwhelmingly established the safety and effectiveness of the abortion pill.
michiganindependent.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM
“The idea that a HHS secretary would pick out a particular drug for particular scrutiny is, if not unheard of, very, very unusual. That is just not the way things work."
michiganindependent.com/reproductive...
michiganindependent.com/reproductive...
158,000 clean energy jobs across the country have been canceled or delayed since Trump entered his second term. Michigan accounts for over 6,000 of those jobs.
Advocate says Trump policies ‘engineering a collapse’ of Michigan manufacturing projects
According to new reporting by Climate Power, over 6,000 clean energy jobs have been canceled or delayed in Michigan since President Donald Trump took office.
michiganindependent.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
158,000 clean energy jobs across the country have been canceled or delayed since Trump entered his second term. Michigan accounts for over 6,000 of those jobs.
If Congress sunsets the enhanced tax credits, beginning in 2026 premiums will increase by over 75% on average, according to an analysis from KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group:
Michigan residents face skyrocketing health care costs if ACA tax credits expire
Democrats and medical professionals urge action on health insurance subsidies before open enrollment begins on Nov. 1.
michiganindependent.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
If Congress sunsets the enhanced tax credits, beginning in 2026 premiums will increase by over 75% on average, according to an analysis from KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group:
The winner of our recipe contest was the Apple Custard Tart! Check out the recipe here:
michiganindependent.com/recipe/apple...
michiganindependent.com/recipe/apple...
October 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The winner of our recipe contest was the Apple Custard Tart! Check out the recipe here:
michiganindependent.com/recipe/apple...
michiganindependent.com/recipe/apple...
Michigan voters are increasingly worried about the future of the economy as President Donald Trump’s trade wars rage on, new survey results reveal.
Trump tariffs spark economic anxiety among Michigan voters, survey shows
The Detroit Regional Chamber recently released the results of a poll highlighting voters' concerns over Trump’s trade policies and inflation.
michiganindependent.com
October 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Michigan voters are increasingly worried about the future of the economy as President Donald Trump’s trade wars rage on, new survey results reveal.