The national pilot shortage is prompting big route changes to Michigan’s smallest airports. But two are losing their only passenger airline, as soon as federal officials let them leave.
Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus. Our Michigan Economic Dashboard shows key metrics that show how the state is performing.
Posted inBusiness Watch
One year later Afghan refugees in Michigan finding jobs, still seek asylum
Roughly 1,800 Afghan refugees were settled in Michigan after the fall of Kabul a year ago. They are seeking asylum, arguing their lives would be in danger if they returned to their homeland, which is now under Taliban rule.
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Rural Michigan fears airline route changes will be ‘disastrous’
Airports in Alpena, Sault Ste. Marie, Escanaba, Iron Mountain and Pellston are losing direct flights to Detroit and Minneapolis, which could add hours to trips and devastate airport revenues.
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Michigan’s largest public companies raising prices to fuel earnings growth
Call it the inflation circle of life. Second-quarter financials show that inflation hammered businesses this spring as they spent more. To try to keep earnings on track, they raised prices.
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Rising costs make for rough roads for Michigan’s independent truckers
Soaring fuel and equipment costs are forcing some truckers out of the business, adding to supply chain woes.
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How Michigan could benefit from Washington’s $76B investment in microchips
The state’s manufacturing heritage will help Michigan increase its role in high-tech semiconductor production, business leaders said, as President Biden will soon sign into law billions of dollars in production incentives.
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Judge delays Michigan minimum wage increase until at least February
A judge who ordered the increase and extension of sick leave delayed implementation of his own ruling while the case is under appeal.
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Michigan voted to block Airbnb bans but hits roadblock over local control
Regulations outlawing local bans of short-term rentals passed the Michigan House at 2 a.m. last October. Since then, it’s stalled as business groups and lawmakers continue to debate what communities can outlaw.
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Remade by pandemic, Traverse City-area wineries offering custom experience
Wineries along the “Traverse Wine Coast” said they had to get creative to withstand the pandemic while making customers feel safe and eager to return. Horses are part of the plan, as are golf cart rides through fields of lavender.
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Where Michigan Republican governor candidates stand on jobs and the economy
The five candidates hoping to win the Aug. 2 Republican primary offer broad outlines of an economic policy (tax cuts, fat trimming) but few if any details. So far, the economy isn’t front and center in the race, but that will likely change quickly after the primary.