Alyssa Burr

2 weeks ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

Michigan’s 13 congressional seats will be on the ballot again in 2026, but there are a few key races that could determine which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives, which currently has a 220-212 Republican majority. Republicans are looking to maintain control of the House, while Democrats are eager to flip enough seats in the chamber to regain control for the first time since 2022.

3 weeks ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

A slew of candidates have jumped into the race to replace U.S. Sen. Gary Peters following his January announcement that he would be retiring at the end of his term next year. Whomever voters choose to be Peters’ successor will join Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin, who won the election to replace former Sen. Debbie Stabenow in 2024. Democrats have had a tight hold on Michigan’s two Senate seats for three decades; the last Republican elected was former Sen. Spencer Abraham in 1994.

1 month ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

Renee Chelian, founder and CEO of Northland Family Planning Center in Sterling Heights, has been an abortion provider for more than 50 years. During that time, she says, anti-abortion groups have harmed and harassed her, as well as her staff, patients and family, with constant threats of violence, including large blockades, arson attempts, and even death threats.

1 month ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

Graduation parties, birthdays and weddings are meant to be joyous occasions, but when celebrations get too costly, difficult choices may have to be made: Guest lists may be cut, plated dinners become buffet-style, and fresh florals could get swapped out for fake ones. Those hosting special life events may have to make even more difficult decisions in order to stay within their budgets as the prices of everyday goods begin to increase under President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

1 month ago | michiganindependent.com | Alyssa Burr

Millions of Michiganders visit their local library every year, but some of the library programming residents have come to rely on could vanish under President Donald Trump’s administration’s plans to reduce federal spending. Trump issued an executive order in March calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the federal agency that oversees American libraries and their funding.