Business Watch

Data gives glimpse into how Michigan is faring so far in 2025.

The Michigan Senate approves legislation allowing Mackinac Island to regulate all aspects of ferry service — including prices.

EVs were planned for Lansing’s oldest General Motors factory, but will market moves and federal policy change that? GM won’t say.

A Florida company has acquired all the ferry operations to the island and raised prices to the tourism Mecca. An Up North legislator wants to give the island more control.

Restaurant employment has rebounded, but owners are still working hard to adjust to inflation and changing customer expectations, says Justin Winslow, executive director of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association.

In Mundy Township, Michigan is acquiring and demolishing homes for a megasite, while opposition is growing to the plan that has already cost taxpayers $260 million. ‘It’s no way to live.’

On Mackinac Island, the Ford Motor Co. chair says it’s ‘not fair’ that tax changes are coming atop tariffs that prompted a $1.5B loss for the automaker.

Pharma and hospital prices are driving increases that threaten to stall Michigan’s economy, companies told the Small Business Association of Michigan.

Shoe maker Wolverine Worldwide expects to move up to 100 workers to Michigan, where it also is working with the state on widespread PFAS cleanup.

The Willow Run bomber plant helped the US win World War II and was later a transmission plant for General Motors. Can it find a third act as a mobility hub?

The American Center for Mobility at the old Willow Run bomber plant was supposed to position Michigan on the vanguard of auto technology. Now, it’s in forbearance on a $35 million loan, and an audit warns bankruptcy is an option.

The EV battery maker sued Green Charter Township over access to water lines. Progress on the $2.6 billion factory stopped while the case is in court.

After a state subsidy stalled in approvals, officials now are trying to get the funding through budget earmarks

The White House says President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Tuesday to relax some of his 25% tariffs on autos and auto parts. Trump is scheduled to speak later Tuesday in Macomb County.

Since Gretchen Whitmer became governor, Michigan has given $995 million to companies that promised to create 65,000 jobs. They’ve produced 13,000 — a rate of $76,000 per job, a Bridge investigation finds.

Ten mega projects have dominated economic development under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Most involve electric vehicles, remain behind schedule and have created one-fifth of the 25,000 jobs corporations promised.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has pressed for more money for job-creating subsidies. But after some deals sputtered, lawmakers say it’s time for reforms.

Developers in Southfield and Muskegon will be reimbursed for more than half the upfront costs of creating large mixed-use neighborhoods. Payback via tax increases could take 30 years.

This year offers hope for Michigan fruit growers, after fluctuating spring temperatures and mild winters last year. Still, overproduction may lower prices and impact profits.

Days into sweeping tariffs, Michigan companies and 401k holders have already lost billions in value, prompting tough choices. But some warn against ‘fear mongering.’