Jobless workers have struggled for years with the state’s unemployment system, resulting in lawsuits and calls for change. Now — after a pandemic filled with still more problems — the state is seeking a new vendor.
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.
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How is Michigan's economy doing? Check out Bridge’s new Economic Dashboard.
Our real-time, graphic-driven snapshot of economic indicators will help you understand how Michigan workers, families and businesses are faring in a changing world.
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West Michigan will be home to state’s 2nd massive EV battery factory
LG Energy Solution received $189 million in state incentives on Tuesday toward building the $1.7 billion plant in Holland that is expected to employ about 1,200 by 2025.
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Northern Michigan resorts bemoan lack of foreign worker visas for summer
Demand for seasonal workers from other countries is setting a record this year. That leaves Northern Michigan’s hospitality industry struggling to fill the worker positions that drive tourism.
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Borrowing is getting more costly: What interest rate rise means for Michigan
The Federal Reserve announced an interest rate increase on Wednesday, warning that more are likely to follow this year. That’s bad news in Michigan, where new mortgages are slowing and debt is rising.
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John Rakolta Jr.: Michigan’s future is on the line as cars shift to electric
The prominent business leader says Michigan is increasingly losing out to other states and government, business and social leaders need to step up to make the state more competitive.
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Michigan gas prices may stay high. Where to find lowest prices, save money
From apps to discount clubs and coasting to carpooling, here are tips to cut costs as Michigan endures a second straight week of gas at more than $4 per gallon.
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Northern Michigan artist’s tea towel fundraiser for Ukraine goes national
Community volunteers are filling the Three Pines Studio, making linen tea towels that are shipped from tiny Cross Village to across the U.S. They’re sold as a fundraiser to alleviate hunger during the Russian invasion.
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Michigan gas prices are soaring. Who’s to blame, when will it stabilize?
World turmoil following the Russian invasion in Ukraine is skewing the international oil market, and the new U.S. ban on Russian oil could raise prices even higher. There’s no quick fix, but using less energy could help.
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Ypsilanti’s Haab’s Restaurant ends 87-year run, another institution gone
Haab’s, opened in the Great Depression, joins a list of landmark Michigan restaurants that are closing as the industry continues to struggle during COVID-19.