Ed Coury

55 percent of back-to-school shoppers purchase school supplies on the Internet, according to the National Retail Federation, followed by department stores, discount stores and clothing stores.

Supporters of the 2005 law say it boosts Michigan tourism. But Matt Schuler of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators says many school officials would like to see the law repealed.

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources is urging people to be on the lookout for the beetle. It targets 12 types of hardwood trees — including maples, elms, birches, willows, and horse chestnuts.

Meridian Township's leaders are considering a partnership with a local school district or using a state grant to buy or lease a building to use for a senior center.

WKAR’s Sophia Saliby sits down with reporters Anish Topiwala and Ed Coury to talk about Michigan’s dying malls — and what they uncovered during a month of reporting. From empty storefronts to redevelopment dead ends, the team reflects on the stories behind the vacancies, what malls used to mean to our communities, and whether they can ever be revived. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at Michigan’s Mall Meltdown and the future of retail in Mid-Michigan.

In the Capital Region, both the Lansing and Meridian malls are facing high vacancy rates — with more than a third of storefronts empty. While national mall owners stay quiet, local leaders are exploring big ideas, from new anchor stores to housing developments.

From grocery stores to mega entertainment spaces, Michigan malls are reimagining themselves as mixed-use destinations. Developers and tenants are blending retail, housing, and experiences to bring life back to aging shopping centers — and reshape what a mall can be.

WKAR News goes in-depth to reveal how malls across Michigan are struggling to survive in the age of online shopping — and how some communities are reimagining retail for the future.

In an interview with NPR Friday, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said higher prices for materials needed to complete The Ovation could threaten the project’s completion.

The Michigan Library Association says most voters in the state oppose book bans. It has launched a statewide petition drive urging lawmakers to protect the right to read.