The Michigan Independent

Sault Ste. Marie spruce chosen as official Michigan Christmas tree for 2025 holiday season The tree will be adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments for the Silver Bells in the City tree-lighting ceremony in downtown Lansing on Nov. 21.

Michigan has chosen a massive 68-foot spruce from the Upper Peninsula as the official state Christmas tree for the 2025 holiday season.

Trump IVF plan won’t protect access to fertility treatments, advocates say ‘Families don't need a coupon; they need coverage,’ fertility treatment access advocate Stephanie Jones says.

Sean Tipton, chief advocacy and policy officer for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, an organization that advocates for universal access to IVF, said the White House’s approach to insurance coverage of IVF is confusing...

Trump administration lays off staff of HHS Office of Population Affairs ‘People will lose access to the quality, subsidized care that they rely on from the providers that they trust,' said a former Biden administration employee.

“This action demonstrates, yet again, a lack of basic decency. These people are hardworking, well-qualified public servants that serve our nation, and they should not be treated like this. You should not have to wait 72 hours to get official confirmation that you lost your job.”

Michigan awards schools $35.9 million to grow stock of clean energy buses The new investment marks another step forward in the state’s shift toward renewable energy.

A new collection of clean energy-powered buses is coming to Michigan schools and moving the state closer to its sustainability goals.

michiganindependent.com/education/mi...

Republican senators ask HHS and FDA to suspend distribution of abortion drug 'The ultimate goal is to ban abortion everywhere, for everyone, and for every reason,' said the National Women's Law Center's Katie O'Connor.

The recent approval of a new generic version of mifepristone has caused outrage among those in the anti-abortion movement.

michiganindependent.com/reproductive...

We're beefing up our recipes section (pun intended) and need your help. Which of these reader-submitted recipes would you like us to publish? 🍽️

Type your answer in the comments. ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Education, health care, infrastructure: What’s in Michigan’s $81 billion budget? Here’s a breakdown of key priorities Michigan lawmakers included in the state’s new fiscal year 2026 budget.

In a press release following the budget signing, Governor Whitmer thanked legislators for their bipartisan efforts. She said the budget will make a real difference in people’s lives, touting its investments in infrastructure, education, economic development and more.

Trump, GOP Congress reject Democratic plan to avert shutdown and 20% health premium hikes Because Congress missed its budget deadlines, the federal government partially shut down on Oct. 1.

The federal government partially shut down on Oct. 1 after the GOP-led Congress and President Donald Trump failed to adopt any of the 12 annual appropriations bills or pass a stopgap bill by the deadline.

michiganindependent.com/politics/tru...

Facebook post by Governor Gretchen Whitmer Cold, flu, and COVID-19 season are here. We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe and healthy. Today, I signed an executive directive instructing state agencies to identify and remove any barriers to accessing COVID-19 vaccines. Let’s work together to protect our communities, families, and ourselves this fall. 👍❤️😆 9.7K 2.3K comments 338 shares Comment by Heather Hapner Thank you, Governor Gretchen Whitmer! This house… 👍❤️😆 99

Glad to see this, via my wife.

My doctor's office was requiring people to sign waivers to get a COVID vaccination yesterday.

Whitmer spokesperson: Governor fighting to keep free school breakfast and lunch in budget Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is "working with the legislature" to finalize a state budget that includes universal school breakfast and lunch.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is "working with the legislature" to finalize a state budget that includes universal school breakfast and lunch.

Michigan Senate advances bills to lower tuition costs for high school graduates The Democratic-sponsored bills would codify two state-sponsored tuition assistance programs in state law.

The Michigan Senate on Sept. 25 passed a package of bills intended to strengthen the state’s workforce by making college and career training more accessible to high school graduates.

michiganindependent.com/economy/achi...

Sharing stories: Michigan mom says Medicaid means life or death for her son Kathy MacKercher says without the support of Medicaid, the family is 'looking at end of life and financial ruin.'

Without Medicaid coverage, Quinn’s family would be unable to afford his medical care or access the lifesaving treatment he’s currently in need of...

michiganindependent.com/health-care/...

We hope our friends in Virginia especially are paying close attention to this race...

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Budget standoff, ‘chaotic’ tariffs fuel uncertain economy, Whitmer says ‘Uncertainty costs us time, money, opportunities, and jobs,’ Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a Sept. 16 address.

Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to find bipartisan solutions to some of the most pressing issues affecting the state’s economy in a speech on Sept. 16 in Lansing.

michiganindependent.com/economy/whit...

For Michigan moms, managing career and family is a balancing act Michigan mothers of young children participate in the labor force at rates 20 percentage points below those of their male counterparts, according to a 2024 study.

The Michigan Center for Data and Analytics found in its 2024 analysis of the state’s female workforce that, while the coronavirus pandemic affected labor force numbers for both men and women, steeper declines for women in the workforce persisted.

michiganindependent.com/features/for...

25 years after its approval, the abortion drug Mifepristone is still under attack ‘How many women have to die or suffer severe bodily injury because they couldn’t access the care they needed?’ Texas state Rep. Donna Howard said.

Mifepristone remains under attack through legal challenges, regulatory threats, misinformation, and state restrictions.

michiganindependent.com/reproductive...

Michigan’s Best Fall Recipes Share your favorite recipes with us! The top 3 recipes will be featured in our recipes section and may also be featured in print.

Share your favorite recipes with us! The top 3 recipes will be featured in our recipes section and may also be featured in print:

michiganindependent.com/features/mic...

Student loan delinquencies may be putting the auto market out of reach for borrowers Jonathan Smoke, chief economist with Cox Automotive, said student loan repayment delinquency is negatively affecting borrowers' credit scores and budgets.

Purchasing a car may be increasingly difficult for those who have fallen behind on their student loan repayments since credit bureaus began reporting delinquencies again earlier this year.

Happy Labor Day!

Today, we celebrate the hard work and resilience of America’s workforce. What began in the late 19th century as a movement to recognize the contributions of working people has grown into a national holiday honoring all who keep our communities and economy moving forward.

Ethics complaint alleges John James misused government resources in campaign for governor U.S. Rep. John James announced earlier this year he wouldn’t seek reelection in 2026 in favor of a run for Michigan governor.

U.S. Rep. John James has been accused of misusing taxpayer funds to promote his campaign for Michigan governor.

Trump tariffs: End of de minimis exemption to cause changes for online shoppers Some countries are now suspending the shipment of small items to the US, citing lack of clarity in regulations.

With President Donald Trump planning an end to a major exemption to tariffs, consumers and small businesses are facing a major disruption to their purchasing habits...

Rewrite the state’s constitution? Michigan voters to decide in 2026 Next year’s election will be the fourth time voters will get the opportunity to call a constitutional convention in Michigan.

In the November 2026 general election, Michigan voters will have the critical task of determining whether to overhaul the document when they decide a ballot question on calling a constitutional convention...

Telehealth medicine is dramatically changing the abortion landscape A recent study found that telehealth has increased access to abortion in states where it is restricted or banned.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Aug. 11 concluded that abortion care has been on the rise since 2022 despite total bans or severe restrictions in some states, and telehealth has been a significant contributor:

Northern lights could be visible in Michigan tonight. What forecasters are saying Northern Michigan could observe the northern lights Wednesday night, Aug. 20, forecasters say. Here's what to know.

Northern lights could be visible in Michigan tonight. What forecasters are saying

Wealth tax for school funding initiative starts signature collection with opposition pouncing • Michigan Advance The constitutional amendment to implement a new tax on wealthy Michiganders is still aiming for the 2026 ballot after facing some initial setbacks and new attacks, with its signature collection drivin...

The constitutional amendment to implement a new tax on wealthy Michiganders is still aiming for the 2026 ballot after facing some initial setbacks and new attacks, with its signature collection driving kicking off on Friday. #InvestForMIKids michiganadvance.com/briefs/wealt...

#houseofflavors ice cream factory in #Ludington #puremichigan Gouache on @clairefountaine.bsky.social paper @urbansketchers.bsky.social @uskchicago.bsky.social

Michigan families face higher school supply costs as Trump’s tariffs drive up prices Community organizations are stepping in to provide backpacks, clothing, school supplies and other necessities as the new school year arrives.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called attention to tariff-related price hikes this back-to-school season, stating in a July 29 press release that tariffs are making it harder for families who are already facing high costs to afford school supplies.

Michigan’s environmental agency said it’s consulting with the attorney general’s office to “determine next steps” after the Trump administration canceled a $156 million solar energy grant promised to the state:

michiganindependent.com/infrastructu...

VA proposes ban on abortion services for veterans, including in cases of rape and incest ‘It's a huge slap in the face to everything that they have done,’ said Jackii Wang, senior legislative analyst at the National Women's Law Center.

The proposal claims the VA will continue to allow #abortions in cases where a pregnant person’s life is in danger. But, a legislative analyst at National Women’s Law Center, told the American Independent that exceptions to abortion bans can be complicated and can put a patient’s life at risk:

The annual event in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City takes place this year on Sept. 1 from 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

michiganindependent.com/features/lab...