The five candidates hoping to win the Aug. 2 Republican primary offer broad outlines of an economic policy (tax cuts, fat trimming) but few if any details. So far, the economy isn’t front and center in the race, but that will likely change quickly after the primary.
Paula Gardner
As Bridge Michigan's senior business reporter, Paula Gardner covers Michigan's business landscape, focusing on topics such as the auto industry, electric vehicles and economic development. She came to Bridge in 2020 after covering business and environment for MLive.com and previously served as editor of the Ann Arbor News and news director of the startup AnnArbor.com.
A metro Detroit native, Paula moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan and has called it home for more than 25 years.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan judge restores minimum wage, paid leave laws gutted by Legislature
A victory for progressives, the ruling directs the state to immediately raise Michigan’s minimum wage from $9.87 to $12 an hour and eliminate a lower tipped wage for restaurant workers by 2024. It will likely be appealed.
Posted inBusiness Watch
A recession is looming. Michigan business may not be ready.
Michigan started 2022 with fewer jobs, lower adjusted household incomes and a lower job participation rate than before previous recessions, leaving a shakier foundation to withstand an economic downturn.
Posted inTalent & Education
New University of Michigan President Santa Ono hailed for engaging students
Call him the anti-Schlissel. Ono, chosen Wednesday as U-M’s 15th president, is known for taking selfies with students, crowd surfing at football games, and engaging closely with students and faculty, all traits considered lacking in his predecessor.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Dundee lost out on a $2.5B battery plant, but factory town finds lessons
Historic Dundee thought it had a chance to land a Stellantis electric vehicle battery plant. But the automaker chose Kokomo, Ind., instead. Now Dundee and other engine factory towns must consider how to remain viable as EVs production builds.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan braces for dip in economy and hiring, hopes to avoid a recession
Rising interest rates are meant to stem inflation, but the results can be “painful” as the economy shrinks, state business leaders say. Michigan has recorded three straight months of job losses, a sensitive topic for the state.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan’s steepest ski run closed in 2000. What’s next for Sugar Loaf?
Facilities at the long-closed ski resort were finally demolished in late 2021, clearing the way for neighbors in Leelanau County to dream about what’s next. But the answer remains a mystery.
Posted inMichigan Government
Key quotes from Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court abortion ruling
A conservative majority of justices overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which established a federal right to abortion. In a series of opinions, the nine-member court revealed deep divisions within their ranks.
Posted inBusiness Watch
As Kellogg moves headquarters to Chicago, what’s left in Battle Creek?
An iconic Michigan brand, Kellogg Co. announced it is splitting into three companies, taking its growing and most profitable product (snacks) out of state, and creating an uncertain future for its sluggish cereal brand.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan icon Kellogg plans corporate spin-offs and move to Chicago
The cereal-maker, founded in Battle Creek and Michigan’s fifth-largest public company, soon will operate as three companies. Unclear is how much of it will remain in the state.