Thousands of farms and hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland have been lost to development and other economic pressures in recent years. Michigan does less than most to stem the tide.
Justin A. Hinkley
Justin A. Hinkley has worked in journalism for two decades, beginning as a cub reporter at his hometown paper, the Battle Creek Enquirer, where he covered everything from local government to cops and courts to education and everything in between. He then worked as an investigative journalist at the Lansing State Journal, focusing on state government, before moving to the Alpena News, where he served as managing editor and then publisher. He joined Bridge in February 2025. He lives in Alpena with his wife and son and was born and raised in Battle Creek.
Posted inQuality of Life
After nixing castration, Iron Mountain to close deer pen. Can it save the herd?
The state has forbidden the city from moving the animals, meaning killing the caged creatures might be the city’s only option after a split vote to close the deer enclosure at a city park.
Posted inBusiness Watch
West Michigan faces job losses and uncertainty, as economy takes toll
Artificial intelligence is leading to job losses. Despite headwinds, business leaders hope to lean into AI and expand tech.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: Are regulations to blame for rising Michigan house costs?
Candidates for governor want to tame bureaucracy to incentivize affordable housing, but there are many other reasons why housing is slightly more expensive in Michigan than nearby states.
Posted inMichigan Government
ICE in Michigan: More arrests, detainees and protests
Amid national debate over deportation tactics, here’s what to know about ICE and Border Patrol enforcement in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan churches step up amid affordable housing crisis, need Lansing’s help
Several Michigan churches have launched housing projects in recent years amid a severe housing shortage, but some advocates would like to see legislation clearing regulatory hurdles and offering financial support.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan tribes warn members about ICE stops: ‘Irony maybe is the word’
Multiple Michigan tribes issued public warnings to their citizens to carry documentation after reports that at least five Native Americans had been detained by ICE agents in Minneapolis.
Posted inQuality of Life
Want affordable housing in northern Michigan? Stop NIMBYism, official says
Yarrow Brown, who is stepping down as executive director of northwest Michigan’s Housing North, talks about lessons learned and what Michigan needs to do to overcome its housing shortage.
Posted inBusiness Watch
‘Silver tsunami’ of retiring business owners leaves Main Streets at a crossroads
Michigan still adds more businesses than it loses, but business is slowing down as nearly 1 in 4 proprietors reach retirement age.
Posted inQuality of Life
Russian cargo jet grounded 16 years in Upper Peninsula may soon fly again
The plane was grounded in 2009 amid court battles over who had rights to the aircraft. Today, Ukrainian engineers plan to ready the plane for new life.