Business Watch

The Michigan Supreme Court will soon decide whether to increase the minimum wage for hourly and tipped workers. Restaurants say that hurt will servers and lead to layoffs. Proponents say servers deserve better pay.

Detroit businesses that refuse to accept cash payments after Sept. 11 could face a fine and possible misdemeanor charges.

The committee that leads national security reviews of foreign investment in the U.S. overseen by the Department of Treasury determined the EV battery plant deal is not within its jurisdiction, Gotion said, clearing the way for the $2.3 billion project near Big Rapids.

The automakers, among Michigan’s largest public companies, say they are eying 2025 and beyond to make money on EVs as they shift away from internal-combustion engines.

Focusing on college towns, education and targeted research will increase vitality in the state while giving the auto industry the tools it needs to expand its tech base in Michigan, according to a report from celebrated and controversial urbanist Richard Florida.

Ohio's capital has been a Midwest leader for 50 years, and projections call for ongoing growth through 2050. Detroit and many other Michigan metros are on a different path. Here’s how Columbus is doing it.

Gas prices rise in the spring as refiners conduct maintenance and switch from winter-grade fuel to a more costly and environmentally friendly summer blend.

Improving education and increasing the number of residents with degrees will be key to reversing trends that jeopardize the state’s competitiveness.

Almost every state in the nation is growing faster, causing economic hardship for Michigan residents and businesses. State leaders are looking to reverse the trend. If we can’t be Florida, can we at least be Indiana?

The state needs to up its economic development game to compete among states that are growing, Business Leaders for Michigan says. Doing so will require setting a long-term education and business development plan.

Economists are watching how Congress addresses the latest battle over the federal debt limit. A default could prove catastrophic for the economy and for individuals in Michigan and across the country.

New prices show median listing price ahead of only Ohio and West Virginia, but values vary widely by region.

Monday is pivotal for the project, with the city council expected to vote on rezoning that would allow it to proceed. Both supporters and opponents respectively, are being urged to show up at the meeting.

The state’s gross domestic product numbers and personal income growth were near the bottom of state rankings for the end of 2022. But business leaders expressed more confidence than they did last year in the economy remaining steady.

One of Michigan’s largest employers is trying to cut costs as it shifts to EV, which are more expensive to produce. About 33,000 workers, both hourly and salaried, are expected to get the offer.

The state continues to seek land where large-scale business projects can be built. On Tuesday, it allocated another $6 million — including money for the site near Flint.

The Michigan Strategic Fund’s 9-1 vote came after more than two hours of public comment on the proposal and several other agenda items before the board.

Traverse City nonprofit 20Fathoms is a hub for startups and entrepreneurs in an area known for seasonal job growth. In a Q and A, Executive Director Eric Roberts says the focus on tech growth will boost the ‘baseline economy’ by encouraging higher-paying, year-round jobs.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved state incentives by a slender 10-9 vote, with three Democrats joining six Republicans in opposing the EV battery factory deal championed by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Michigan’s vote on whether to award the company a $175 million incentive comes after decades of trying to attract Chinese business — an effort that continues today, despite rising U.S.-China tensions.