Minimum wage workers and tipped employees face an immediate pay boost in February after a court ruling on Wednesday. Businesses say the effects could be dire; unclear is whether the Legislature will step in.
Paula Gardner
Paula directs the business reporting on Bridge, writing much of it and setting the strategy for how statewide business coverage fits into Bridge’s nonpartisan policy-driven editorial mix. Paula came to Bridge in 2020 after several years at MLive.com, where she covered the state on both business and environmental teams. Prior to that, she was editor of the Ann Arbor News and news director of online startup AnnArbor,com, and also focused on business news as an editor and reporter at Michigan Business Review. Born and raised in metro Detroit, Paula moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan, and has lived in the city for 20 years with her husband, who grew up in their neighborhood. Paula also regularly visits East Lansing and Grand Rapids to visit her college-aged children. She can be reached at pgardner@bridgemi.com
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan minimum wage to rise, tipped wage to disappear, under blockbuster ruling
A Michigan Supreme Court ruling will likely raise the minimum wage to over $12 an hour in February and higher in future years, giving a raise to tens of thousands of workers. Business leaders called it ‘catastrophic.’
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Always have a backup plan & other lessons from Bridge Michigan’s EV road trip
When three journalists drove around Lake Michigan in a rented Chevy Bolt electric car, they learned the true meaning of range anxiety. You can make the trip. But it takes work.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
EV road trip update: We’re home after more than 1,000 miles
Bridge’s EV road trip around Lake Michigan drew to a close in the wee hours — after more than 1,000 miles, an hour-long charging stop and a bite of Mexican food.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
EV road trip postcard: On the ferry back to Michigan
Our EV road trip around Lake Michigan is winding down with a ferry ride back to Michigan from Wisconsin — but it’s not over yet.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Gretchen Whitmer is all-in on EVs. But state’s fleet is almost all gas powered
The Democratic governor is bullish on subsidizing the switch to EVs, but so far, only 14 of the state’s 14,482 cars are zero-emissions. She’s pushing for more.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Miniature museum in northern Michigan offers wacky take on taxidermy
Picture a series of dollhouses with the most whimsical dead mice you’ll ever see.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Up North businesses help fill Michigan’s EV charging station gap
An increasing number of customers are looking for EV charging options at hotels, wineries and restaurants in the state’s hottest summer destinations. Businesses are stepping up.
Posted inBusiness Watch
EV road trip postcard: Cherry Bowl drive-in for sale, still going strong
The 1950s-era theater has been a northern Michigan landmark for generations of summer patrons.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
EV road trip postcard: A century of history and burgers in Zeeland
Traveling by EV means to expect the unexpected. During a charging delay, the Bridge road trippers find a century-old diner that’s still slinging burgers from a World War II-era grill.