Michigan still adds more businesses than it loses, but business is slowing down as nearly 1 in 4 proprietors reach retirement age.
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
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.
Posted inBusiness Watch
West Michigan has economic momentum, but sees signs of slowdown
The Grand Rapids region saw population gains slow and jobs flatline, but it remains a leader in the state and nation on several key economic metrics.
Posted inEvents
Watch Bridge Lunch Break on the state of the marijuana industry in Michigan
Bridge Michigan hosted a virtual panel discussion on the state of the marijuana industry in Michigan. If you missed it, you can watch it here.
Posted inEvents
Bridge Lunch Break to discuss state of marijuana industry in Michigan
A marijuana advocate, a marijuna critic and an assistant professor in marijuana studies will take questions from Bridge Michigan editor Justin A. Hinkley and from readers.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan border towns say ‘enough’ to weed shops
Residents of Niles Township and Menominee voted Tuesday to limit cannabis stores in their towns. Shops elsewhere along Michigan’s borders have reshaped small communities — and not everyone thinks for the better.
Posted inMichigan Government
FBI: Grand Blanc shooting was ‘targeted’ attack on Mormons: What we know
Check here for the latest developments from the church attack in Grand Blanc Township.
Posted inEvents
Watch Bridge Lunch Break on the ultimate Michigan winter bucket list
Bridge Michigan Outdoors Life reporter Laura Herberg unveiled the Winter Dreaming Michigan Bucket List and talked with experts and a reader about having fun in the snow and cold. Watch a recap of the virtual discussion here.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s rural flights to continue despite federal shutdown — for now
Michigan’s rural essential air service airports and the airlines that serve them say flights will continue even if funding expires in early November. An extended shutdown could change things.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers reject money for Gretchen Whitmer’s population growth office
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sought $10 million for her Michigan Growth Office. Lawmakers said no.