Some foresters have had to start restoration work without a guarantee they’ll be reimbursed as requests nationwide exceeded the amount of federal money available.
Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus. Our Michigan Economic Dashboard shows key metrics that show how the state is performing.
Posted inBusiness Watch, Michigan Government
Donald Trump vowed a ‘Michigan miracle.’ How that promise and others are going
The president made 100-plus promises to Michigan voters. He’s followed through on immigration and tax cuts, made progress on manufacturing and failed to lower costs, end inflation or boost the economy.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Trump lowers fuel economy standards. Detroit automakers welcome change
Ford, GM and Stellantis welcomed the relaxed fuel economy standards. Environmental groups questioned the move.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Audit finds fault in Michigan job training program, claims $59M misspent
At a time when Michigan is desperate to better educate workers with advanced certificates, a new report used millions instead to reimburse employers for basic on-the-job training.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Copperwood Mine foes sue to block $50M grant for project near Lake Superior
A lawsuit claims Michigan set an ‘extraordinarily dangerous precedent’ by dedicating taxpayer money to a foreign company. Defenders say the project could revive mining in struggling area.
Posted inBusiness Watch, Talent & Education
Push is on to boost career tech in Michigan schools. Not all agree that’s best
Nearly 115,000 students took a career and technical education course last year. But is it a direct path to a good job? Leaders say employers want even more training and schools need more trained instructors.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Fellow Democrats miffed at Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over $50M copper mine subsidy
Some lawmakers say the governor’s administration sidestepped the Legislature to award $50 million to the Copperwood Mine’s effort to bring back mining in the Upper Peninsula.
Posted inBusiness Watch
With fewer people drinking these days, Michigan wineries turn to goats
Wine consumption is down across the US and world, but wineries are turning to goat happy hours, snowshoe vineyard tours and other events to keep people coming through the doors.
Posted inBusiness Watch
As family farms decline, more Michigan farmers trying to preserve their land
The number of family-owned farms is on the decline, but the share of farms in preservation programs is on the upswing.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Controversial UP copper mine gets $50M in state grants after years of trying
Highland Copper says it’s close to building UP mine even as it seeks to cut costs. Opponents remain skeptical.