Business Watch

Copper demand is surging as electric battery production increases, but Michigan economic officials suspended a vote on the Highland Copper Co. mine amid questions about the project’s financing.

Michigan’s overreliance on manufacturing has the state falling in prosperity rankings. A new report argues that unless we get serious about creating high-wage, college-degree jobs, our economic fortunes will continue to crater.

An average family of four paid $563 this year to attend a Lions game. That’s a lot. But in the NFL, it’s a pittance, ranking 26th among 32 teams. Sports industry experts list all the ways prices will likely rise next season.

As it shifts to electric vehicles, the state’s auto industry faces threats from global competition, shifting political winds and changing subsidies, experts said Wednesday.

Gas stations are expanding in Michigan even as their demise is predicted in the transition to EVs. Larger chains are moving in with made-to-order food, more vape flavors and coffee bars, betting that added convenience will offset dwindling fuel sales.

The rich will get richer because of what academics call the Flutie Effect, as well as millions more from marketing and exposure.

The state’s growth will come from elevating education and innovation to benefit today’s residents, Brian Calley, CEO of the Small Business Association, told Bridge Michigan in a Q and A.

Ann Arbor’s growth makes its 50-year-old Briarwood Mall attractive for additions: 370 apartments and two new stores will replace a closed Sears. Is this the solution for dying malls? Depends on the mall.

Kellogg was ready to move two-thirds of its Michigan cereal production to Canada. But the new corporate version of the iconic brand decided to stay here, thanks in part to $24 million in state incentives.

DTE Energy and Consumers Energy say their systems are more reliable after severe outages this year. But with extreme weather increasing from climate change, they’re looking at additional funding options such as customer surcharges or bonds.

While many of Michigan’s largest EV battery projects are slowing, Gotion Inc.’s plans are on track near Big Rapids, but scrutiny from a new township board creates new challenges for the deal.

Union members with the Detroit Casino Council voted Saturday to ratify a new contract with MGM after 47 days on strike.

Michigan spent billions to lure electric vehicle factory sites. But as EV sales lag, highly touted mega-site projects are being scaled back, along with jobs. And the economic payoff for Michigan seems more distant.

Signs are popping up of a national economic slowdown, but Michigan’s workforce continues to grow and diversify, making the state less vulnerable than many others to a downturn, University of Michigan economists predict.

Some worker shortages hurt more than others, and state leaders are rushing to try to make it easier to fill vacancies from paramedics to special ed teachers.

As year-end approaches, only 1-in-4 of Michigan’s largest, publicly traded companies beat an industry success barometer, while half saw their value erode. The UAW strike was a setback for automakers, though office furniture companies flourished.

Construction will restart at the factory near Battle Creek once valued at $3.5 billion. Ford’s plan to downsize will cut jobs. The state says Michigan’s incentive contribution will drop accordingly.

This continuously updated tracker has information about United Auto Workers strike against Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.

The venerable, Rockford-based company famous for Hush Puppies faces plummeting stocks and sales. It’s already spent tens of millions of dollars settling suits for PFAS contamination. Then this year, more PFAS was discovered on its doorstop.

The salon deleted posts told those who don’t identity as male or female to take business elsewhere. State officials say the law is clear — threatening to deny service is illegal, not free speech.