The funding is unique among Michigan’s resettlement efforts, but activists hope other counties will soon follow. There is a humanitarian and economic motivation to attract new refugees to the region.
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 inMichigan Environment Watch
After two weeks and 1,100 evacuations, mishap tests Flat Rock’s loyalty to Ford
A chemical mishap forced residents of a company town out of their homes. They may be away for weeks. And answers are scant.
Posted inBusiness Watch
5 things on the minds of Michigan businesses eyeing Biden vaccine mandate
Already dealing with pandemic fallout, businesses now must navigate the tricky economic and political waters of a federal vaccine-or-test requirement.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
2 million Michigan workers may be impacted by Biden’s vaccine mandate
More than 6,000 businesses employing about half of the state’s workers are likely affected by the president’s rule requiring vaccines or weekly tests for companies with more than 100 workers.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Frustration and fear linger as Flat Rock confronts Ford factory's gas leak
The southeast Michigan city has been under a state of emergency while investigators try to understand the circumstances and lapses that led to the spill, and assess any lingering health risks from the chemicals entering Flat Rock’s sewer system.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan unemployment director, under fire, pledges ‘user friendly’ upgrades
You failed,’ a lawmaker tells the acting director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency, which has had a host of problems during the pandemic.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan appliance customers find delay and frustration. It won’t end soon.
“People are at their wits’ end” when they learn how the pandemic has impacted what refrigerators, washers or other products are available, and how soon the store can get them. Customer flexibility can speed the process.
Posted inBusiness Watch
500,000-plus jobless Michigan workers brace to lose unemployment benefits
Federal unemployment benefits are expiring Sept. 4 in the state, ending payments worth about a combined $283 million to workers not eligible for Michigan’s regular unemployment program.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan unemployment system still needs fixing, critics tell lawmakers
A June letter confused and terrified nearly 700,000 jobless residents who were told they might have to repay benefits, according to testimony Tuesday at a House Oversight Committee meeting. It’s just the latest misstep by the state unemployment agency.
Posted inBusiness Watch
How Upper Peninsula’s Stormy Kromer, and an iconic cap, thrived amid COVID
The hats are one of the most recognizable made-in-Michigan products, but the company says it needs other products to sustain business. It’s growth is an example of a U.P. company that’s adapting and staying relevant to younger consumers.