Delis, milkshakes and liquor: How gas stations aim to survive in Michigan
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Will electric vehicles and other mobility changes kill Michigan’s 5,000 gas stations? Some larger chains are betting that custom deli counters, milkshake machines, 24-hour kitchens, additional vape flavors — and perhaps even liquor sales — will forestall the demise of gas stations as they evolve into larger, more innovative convenience […]
Flu, respiratory illnesses, other crud make this misery season in Michigan
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) Sara McCray is tired of it — the nagging, dry cough that pops up unexpectedly at the grocery story or a staff meeting at her school. It has been weeks, the Warren special education teacher said: “And I become that person — everyone is fearful to be around you, like you’re going […]
Experts: Michigan’s economy is ‘strong and stable’
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) After years of pandemic disruptions, record-setting surpluses and economic highs and lows, Michigan’s tax revenue is stabilizing — and the state’s top financial officials and economic experts view that as good news. The state is expected to bring in $31.5 billion in tax revenue in the current fiscal year, slightly […]
Group launches campaign to overturn Michigan solar siting law
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) Opponents of a new law that gives the state authority to override local rejections of large wind and solar projects have announced a ballot initiative to challenge the law. A group called Citizens for Local Choice said Thursday it is finalizing the language of a proposed ballot petition, aiming to bring […]
Michigan football poised to make millions for university from championship game
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) The University of Michigan Wolverines will fight for the College Football Playoff National Championship Monday night, but no matter the outcome of the game, the university has likely already won big. The team’s No. 1 ranking, combined with the brand enhancement the university gains from the football squad’s success, goes far beyond […]
West Michigan officials expanding use of wrong-way detectors to save lives
by Janelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) Hoping to avoid deadly collisions, Michigan transportation and police officials plan to add new wrong-way detection systems to a busy stretch of highway in Grand Rapids — an effort that transportation officials around the state are watching with interest. The high-tech systems, attached to existing “Wrong Way” or “Do […]
Michigan Republicans vote to oust Kristina Karamo. Court fight next?
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) With gunshots ringing out from a nearby firing range, Michigan Republicans met for nearly three hours on Saturday and declared they’d voted to remove Chairwoman Kristina Karamo. “History has been made,” state committee member Bree Moeggenberg wrote in a text message from inside a repurposed range house at the Multi […]
GOP plan: Skip voters, let party bosses choose candidates
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) The Michigan Republican Party, under embattled Chair Kristina Karamo, is considering a plan that would effectively end primary elections by authorizing party insiders to select nominees for most political offices. The “Better Political Representation” motion, slated for state committee consideration at a Jan. 13 meeting called by Karamo, was announced Saturday […]
A Sears comes down, apartments go up at Briarwood. Is this the future?
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) ANN ARBOR — A closed department store surrounded by rays of faded parking-striped concrete can inspire redevelopment dreams anywhere in the United States. “Malls are dying,” some say. “Scrape it to the pavement and start over,” others might advise. Simon Property Group, the largest mall owner in the U.S., this […]
Buck up, Michigan. Prices remain a bummer but there are positive signs
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) Michigan residents seem angry. On the eve of a presidential election year, the economy is bumming us out and pollsters are saying that sour mood is making Michigan a toss-up state that will be crucial in November’s elections. But what’s the reality? Does the data lend support to the harsh vibes? We […]
