Steve Gray was brought in to resolve problems getting benefits that he helped expose. But a little more than a year into the job, he has resigned from the system that was overrun by the coronavirus pandemic.
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
Trump, who now claims fraud, got more votes in Detroit than most Republicans
Trump calls Detroit ‘corrupt,’ says the election is being stolen from him. But the reality is he’s done better than other Republican presidential candidates in the city.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan softens restaurant rules requiring customer info during COVID
The restaurant industry was frustrated by rules requiring them to collect customer names and phone numbers to help limit COVID-19. New guidance provided Tuesday suggests restaurants won’t be held responsible if patrons don’t cooperate.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Whitmer administration leaves restaurants in dark on new COVID rule
New pandemic rules require restaurants to get customers’ names and phone numbers to help with contact tracing if there is an outbreak. But as the rules took effect Monday, state health officials had yet to give restaurants guidance on how to enforce them.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan unemployment: the latest updates on fraud, stop payments and more
Some say it’s time for full reform. Others just want to make sure the state’s overwhelmed unemployment benefit system can handle today’s claims.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan restaurants must track customers under new COVID rules
Michigan health officials ordered a number of businesses to limit capacity and the size of gatherings as they try to control the swift rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths that have swept the state.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Trump economic adviser to Detroit group: ‘Getting back to work’ is top goal
Larry Kudlow also told the Detroit Economic Club that the administration would not encourage a business lockdown as coronavirus rebounds in Michigan and across the nation.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan retailers worry COVID spike will keep customers away. Again.
It’s been a hard year for stores and restaurants. Now they head into winter amid worry that a second wave of COVID-19 will hinder sales during the critical holiday season.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan hospitals turn to $15 minimum wage to fill job openings
Two of the state’s largest health care systems bumped minimum wages to $15 an hour amid competition for entry-level workers. Nursing home employees in 14 southeast Michigan nursing homes also are on their way to pay increases.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan business leaders urge Whitmer and Republicans to unite on COVID
Some of the state’s top CEOs sent a letter Wednesday urging Republican lawmakers and the state’s Democratic governor to present a united front on coronavirus safety measures as Michigan braces for a second wave of the virus.