Free Republic

(NEXSTAR) — Roughly 300 additional Big Lots stores are set to be closed as speculation that the company could file for bankruptcy looms. In early July, Big Lots warned in a U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) filing that between 35 and 40 locations could shutter this year. In a new SEC filing, submitted on July 31, Big Lots said the total number of closures could reach 315, much higher than the originally agreed number of 150. Company leaders have pointed to inflation and difficulties in competing, saying they had “a substantial doubt” in their ability to continue. Between the...

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040925/NEWS01/409250338/1002

Analysts: Candidate faces tough battle to upset Whitmer By LINDSAY FREDERICKSON The State News Williamston - In a United Methodist church in his hometown, Larry Ward officially kicked off his campaign Thursday night in what many call an uphill climb against state House incumbent Gretchen Whitmer. Ward is the only Republican to file so far in the race for the 70th District House seat held by Whitmer, an East Lansing Democrat. His campaign manager, no-preference sophomore Jason Miller, said a GOP representative could better serve the MSU community. “MSU will have a unique opportunity to close the funding gap between...