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Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus.
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Michigan’s unemployed to get $900 more. System glitches remain
The state was approved for three more weeks of Lost Wages Assistance, and jobless workers should see that money by the end of September.
As home prices rise in Michigan, so do worries about affordability
Affordability and accessibility are a problem in the state’s housing market. Officials and industry experts are watching to see how the coronavirus pandemic affects that.
Whitmer: Michigan could remain in COVID-19 state of emergency for months
Amid frustrations from some business owners about emergency orders, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she’s weighing case counts, vaccine development and other factors in determining how long the crisis will last.
Q&A: Michigan builders want state’s help to build affordable homes
New construction remains suppressed across the state, and low- to middle-income residents are bearing the brunt of the lack of affordable new homes. Bob Filka, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Michigan, hopes to lead policy changes to make more building possible at mid-range prices.
Coronavirus kept us home, igniting real estate frenzy in northern Michigan
Prices are climbing and competition is fierce as traditionally slow areas of Michigan become real-estate hotspots. No longer geographically tied to their workplaces and enjoying low interest rates, buyers are sparking a ‘feeding frenzy’ in northern Michigan.
Michigan businesses struggled during COVID. Customers are coming to rescue.
Spending is up, even amid a pandemic. And many consumers are keeping money closer to home, saving a coffee shop near Saline and increasing traffic in downtowns.
Michigan lawmakers may tweak unemployment law to help employers amid pandemic
Michigan’s reserves to pay jobless claims are dwindling amid record unemployment claims. Starting Jan. 1, employers would have to pay more into the system, but some lawmakers want to avoid that prospect.
Michigan economy is stronger than expected amid pandemic. Thank the stimulus.
Consumer spending is up amid the pandemic, as Michigan residents are spending federal bailout money designed to keep the economy going amid the pandemic. But state economists warn Michigan still faces tough times.
Michigan’s permanent layoffs suggest thousands of jobs may be gone for good
Economists are starting to get data that indicate a longer, slower recovery period following steep job losses during the coronavirus pandemic.
Michigan town wonders what’s next as factory closes and 125 jobs are lost
‘We need to find jobs that people can keep,’ says one store owner as the second-largest employer in Evart closed this summer. It’s just another blow to a community fighting for stability during the coronavirus pandemic.
Study: Wage gap widens between Black, white workers, especially in Michigan
Both races make less than they did 40 years ago when adjusted for inflation. But wages for Black workers have declined more since the 1970s, in part because of a loss of manufacturing and widening gap in educational opportunities.
Michigan’s auto industry struggled in Q2. CEOs say challenges remain.
A look at public filings shows that the leaders of the state’s largest auto businesses don’t yet see the end to COVID-19 slowdowns and sales contraction.
Michigan business snapshot of Q2 earnings shows losses — and a few wins
Cereal is selling well for Kellogg amid coronavirus, but many other public companies in the state are still struggling with low earnings.
Report: Michigan needs more entrepreneurs as it loses ground to other states
Michigan emerged from the Great Recession with a good environment for new businesses. But it wasn’t great. Now, the challenge to improve is more urgent.
Big Ten may cancel Michigan football. In Ann Arbor, businesses brace for worst
University of Michigan football makes some $122 million per year and supports a host of businesses throughout Ann Arbor. They’ve already endured the coronavirus. Can they survive the loss of the 2020 season?
MI start-ups pivot as venture capital investment plummets during COVID
The number of VC deals in the state dropped from 70 in the first half of 2019 to 41 this year, the lowest total in the past seven years. But several entrepreneurs found ways to survive during the pandemic.
Q&A: Ari Weinzweig of Zingerman’s says MI restaurants need help. Now.
Restaurant owners are “making hard decisions, literally, almost every day.” A $120 billion relief package before Congress could help.
TCF announces $1 billion investment in loans for minority-owned businesses
TCF bank expands lending and housing opportunities for low-income people and groups impacted by discrimination in Detroit and other midwestern cities.
Michigan may soon move to shield businesses from coronavirus lawsuits
Business owners fear a flood of lawsuits because of exposure from the coronavirus. Lawmakers may soon consider legislation that would grant them protections if they follow precautions.
Michigan property owners have until Aug. 31 to appeal 2020 taxes
Michigan moved its appeal deadline because of the coronavirus pandemic. So far, nearly 1,400 commercial property owners seek to reduce their taxes, while cities brace for a decline in revenues.