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Articles
Coronavirus shutdown could leave 1 in 4 jobless in northern Michigan
Already gearing for a recession, Michigan faces billions of dollars in lost wages and tens of thousands of job cuts. Using maps and charts, Bridge explains how the impact of the coronavirus shutdown will vary widely by industry and maps.
As coronavirus slams businesses, some small Michigan newspapers struggle
As the coronavirus crisis slams Michigan businesses, some local newspapers are struggling to stay open amid declining ad revenue. C&G Newspapers is suspending publication for 2 to 4 weeks, while the Metro Times in Detroit laid off staffers.
Guns and viruses: Why Michigan gun and ammo sales are exploding
Michigan gun shop owners report booming sales of guns and ammo as coronavirus spreads. Self-protection is a big theme, but that doesn’t mean deer are safe.
How to apply for unemployment benefits in Michigan amid coronavirus crisis
Michigan expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits for workers on March 16 as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Michigan business in brief: Big Three shut down over coronavirus fears
More than 60,000 auto workers in Michigan are affected by the closure of plants due to the coronavirus. Banks and credit unions also are moving to increase lending.
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.