Alyssa Burr

United States

Politics Reporter at TAI News

Journalist | Muskegon native | AKA 💕💚 [email protected]

Articles

Trump’s attacks on public services spur protests in Michigan

2 weeks ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

A resistance movement is growing in Michigan as concerned residents come out in protest against President Donald Trump’s policies, including the targeting of public services such as education and health care. Anti-Trump protests in 2025 look different than they did during the president’s first term, said Ryan Bates, an organizer with the Michigan Resistance Coalition, which comprises 30 social justice and grassroots organizations across the state.
Trump administration ends programs funding local farm food for Michigan school meals

2 weeks ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $1.13 billion in funding last year for a pair of programs to help schools, child care centers, and food banks obtain locally sourced foods. After schools and other facilities had begun working out arrangements with local farmers, President Donald Trump’s administration informed them on March 7 that the programs had been canceled, according to Politico.
‘We need new leaders’: Mallory McMorrow enters 2026 race for US Senate

3 weeks ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow has officially launched her campaign to run for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2026. In a campaign announcement video posted to social media on April 2, the Royal Oak Democrat took aim at President Donald Trump’s actions to cut Medicaid, fire federal workers and dismantle the Department of Education. McMorrow said she wants to be one of a new generation of leaders in Washington, D.C., to challenge Trump.
Michigan’s rural hospitals, nursing homes would bear the brunt of federal Medicaid cuts

3 weeks ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

Medicaid provides medical insurance for nearly 3 million low-income Michiganders, but that could be in jeopardy as Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives work to make cuts to the federal agency that funds the program. Rural hospitals and nursing homes in particular rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements to upgrade their equipment, pay their workers, and generally care for their patients.
Michigan House Republicans introduce bills to repeal gun safety laws

1 month ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

Extreme risk protection orders, more commonly known as red flag laws, allow law enforcement to temporarily confiscate firearms from people that have been deemed a threat to themselves or others, potentially saving lives. Republicans in the Michigan House of Representatives are now working to repeal Michigan’s red flag laws. Rep. James DeSana, a Carleton Republican, introduced a bill package on Feb. 26, saying red flag laws are a violation of individuals’ Second Amendment rights.
Children’s deaths spotlight the harsh reality of homelessness in Michigan

1 month ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

March 6, 2025: This story has been updated to reflect new information about the children’s deaths. When two Detroit children died in the van their family was living in in mid-February, the tragedy quickly garnered national attention as details of their ordeal became public.
Gov. Whitmer proposes new vape tax to discourage youth tobacco use

1 month ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is aiming to curb youth tobacco use in Michigan with a new tax on electronic cigarette products. In her executive budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year, Whitmer proposed creating a 32% state tax on e-cigarettes, otherwise known as vapes. The Legislature would have to pass, and Whitmer would have to sign, a bill creating the tax for it to go into effect.
Trump’s tariffs could mean higher prices for Michigan businesses and consumers

2 months ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

Michael Howard prides himself on the custom-made tables, bookshelves and cabinets he sells at Howard Family Designs, the furniture business he owns with his wife in Warren. But Howard, who uses wood imported from Canada, says they are having to reevaluate the cost of manufacturing high-quality furniture following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he will impose tariffs on foreign goods imported into the United States. “I can’t swallow that as a small business owner,” Howard said.
Sen. Gary Peters won’t run for reelection in 2026

2 months ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

Ten years after he was elected to the U.S. Senate, Michigan Democrat Gary Peters has announced he will not be seeking reelection in 2026. In a Jan. 28 statement, Peters said he wants “to pass the torch to the next generation of public servants and allow them to bring fresh energy and ideas to our nation’s capital.” He said he anticipates spending more time enjoying his private life with his family. “My service in the Congress has been the honor of my life,” Peters said.
Michigan Legislature kicks off 2025 with new leadership, new policy priorities

2 months ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

The Michigan Legislature is officially one month into a new term that has already brought major changes. The Democratic majority in the Michigan Senate is down one member after state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet won the November election to represent Michigan’s 35th Congressional District, and Republicans now hold a majority in the state’s House of Representatives after flipping four seats.