Business Watch

Already dealing with pandemic fallout, businesses now must navigate the tricky economic and political waters of a federal vaccine-or-test requirement.

The southeast Michigan city has been under a state of emergency while investigators try to understand the circumstances and lapses that led to the spill, and assess any lingering health risks from the chemicals entering Flat Rock’s sewer system.

You failed,’ a lawmaker tells the acting director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency, which has had a host of problems during the pandemic.

Supply shortages and fewer workers are stretching some of the largest companies in the state. But overall, most have returned — or burned past — 2019 sales totals for the second three months of the year.

“People are at their wits’ end” when they learn how the pandemic has impacted what refrigerators, washers or other products are available, and how soon the store can get them. Customer flexibility can speed the process.

Federal unemployment benefits are expiring Sept. 4 in the state, ending payments worth about a combined $283 million to workers not eligible for Michigan’s regular unemployment program.

A June letter confused and terrified nearly 700,000 jobless residents who were told they might have to repay benefits, according to testimony Tuesday at a House Oversight Committee meeting. It’s just the latest misstep by the state unemployment agency.

The hats are one of the most recognizable made-in-Michigan products, but the company says it needs other products to sustain business. It’s growth is an example of a U.P. company that’s adapting and staying relevant to younger consumers.

A competition for free rent attracted 58 applicants seeking to open businesses in downtown Lansing. Now the winner is preparing to open this fall, bringing a new business model — kids cooking classes — to the business district.

Customers are ready to spend, but the state’s hospitality businesses can’t operate at 100 percent, according to a new industry survey. They’re ‘leaving money on the table’ instead of rebuilding lost revenue.

For the first time in decades, Kent County is luring more residents from Chicago than it is losing. That helps explain why it’s one of few areas of Michigan that is gaining population.

Maintain the car you have, experts say. Production slowdowns are picking up this summer as the global microchip shortage keeps squeezing the auto industry.

Cities statewide have sought to increase the number of people living in their downtowns. They see a new option now that empty office space is increasing due to the pandemic.

Federal H-2B visas make tourism possible for visitors in summer, business leaders say. But every year is a question mark about who will get workers and how many will be allowed. They say it’s time to solve that.

‘Try not to freak out,’ says one new homeowner who navigated the extreme lack of inventory and rapidly rising prices. Easier said than done.

Used car prices are high in Michigan and across the country, with demand high and supply low. It’s not going to change any time soon.

The 648,000 Michigan residents who received federal pandemic relief benefits in error will not have to repay the funds if they applied in good faith. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said waivers will be awarded if payments were the state’s error.

One of the state’s signature crops is facing its second year of decline. Growers weighed whether the work of the small harvest would be worth it and experts are wondering what it means for the industry.

The deadline is looming for those who’ve been flagged for receiving pandemic unemployment benefits. Step one: Don’t panic. Step two: Complete the process and be ready to appeal.

Lawmakers demand answers after Michigan officials send letters to recipients of federal COVID relief asking to update their qualifications or risk repaying benefits. It’s the latest gaffe for the agency.