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Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus.
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Should Michigan tap its $1.2B rainy day fund for coronavirus crisis?
Michigan OKs $150M in help for the global pandemic. But as coronavirus grinds the economy to a halt, some say now is the time to tap the state’s $1.2 billion reserve fund.
Coronavirus will hammer Michigan economy. Only question is how much.
How bad will it get? Many economists agree a major downturn is coming along with perhaps hundreds of thousands of layoffs. But others say if the coronavirus is contained soon, the economy could roar back.
Coronavirus layoffs cascade across Michigan. ‘What will I do?’ workers ask
One day after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shuts down restaurants and bars, workers fear the worst and wonder what bill to skip. One compares it to Russian roulette. Another stocks up on ramen and braces for long haul.
Coronavirus just closed your company. What’s next for Michigan workers?
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday ordered all bars, restaurants and casinos to close, but she also expanded unemployment insurance benefits in ways that may help workers who lose their jobs or are furloughed.
How Whitmer’s coronavirus order impacts Michigan $40B bar, restaurant sector
Minutes before Gov. Whitmer ordered state restaurants and bars to close dine-in services, Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, described to Bridge Magazine the dramatic impact the new coronavirus is already having.
Why Michigan cherry industry lost trade fight with Turkey, and its Plan B
The U.S. International Trade Commission flatly rejected claims that Turkish imports hurt domestic dried tart cherry processors. But Michigan’s cherry industry has a new line of attack against imports.
Michigan cherry industry still trying to absorb tariff loss to Turkey
Stunned by a recent ruling against the struggling industry, the state’s cherry growers consider next steps, including a new offensive that involves Brazil and U.S. Customs.
Old motels, campsites and shelters fill housing void in northwest Michigan
Even middle-income workers are now priced out of safe, affordable homes in Michigan’s resort region. Housing stock has declined for all but the affluent, leaving high school students to fill the construction breach.
Good news for Michigan cherry industry. Bad news for Turkey.
A U.S. Commerce Department ruling is likely to result in large duties imposed on Turkish dried cherries, which Michigan growers accuse of being illegally dumped on the U.S. market.
Besieged Michigan farmers back new trade pact with Canada and Mexico
Farmers say they need help following heavy rains, a trade war and falling prices. They say the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement could provide some desperately needed assistance.
A summer of despair for Michigan’s cherry growers
For decades, the peninsulas of Old Mission and Leelanau have produced ideal conditions for tart cherries. But harsh weather, pesky bugs and Turkish imports are prompting farmers to reconsider their futures.
After 10 years of steady growth, Michigan’s economy faces headwinds
Michigan’s unemployment remains low and wages are coming back. But the auto industry is transforming, and trade and talent challenges persist across the state.
Michigan is No. 1! At getting old. That’s not good news.
Michigan has the most counties in the nation with a median age of 50 or older, according to U.S. Census figures released Thursday. The implications for the economy are dire.
Michigan incomes roar back. But the news isn’t good in Trump Country.
New Census data show Michigan incomes are rising, but falling in counties that flipped from Obama to Trump. Bill Schuette and Gretchen Whitmer say the recovery isn’t coming fast enough.
As Trump pushes tariffs, Michigan farmers and businesses ‘getting clobbered’
From Michigan farmers to metal scrap recyclers to auto parts makers, trade wars on several fronts are taking a toll in a state uniquely reliant on foreign trade.
A trade war’s brewing, Michigan. Here are five things to know
A flood of tariffs has thrust the United States into trade tussles with Canada, China and Mexico. Three top Michigan economists offer their takes.
Will ending union wages on Michigan public projects save money, or just lower pay?
Bridge grilled two researchers on opposite sides of the prevailing wage debate on how its repeal will impact Michigan’s economy and skilled workers
What urban revival? In Michigan, residents still flock to suburbs
Heard about how Millennials are going to save cities? More are moving to the suburbs, which fuel population growth throughout Michigan.
Ballot efforts to raise minimum wage, add paid sick leave beat state deadline
Backers of the measures submitted statewide signatures gathered and now must wait to see if their signatures are approved to appear on the November ballot
Extra! Extra! costs: Michigan newspapers pinched by newsprint tariffs
A steep import tax on Canadian newsprint could trigger fresh staff cuts, page cuts or worse at Michigan’s community newspapers, publishers warn.