A shortage of U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers left sailors stranded and caused several cargo delays affecting Great Lakes ports. Federal officials are looking for a solution by March.
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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Lordstown, Ohio gives Michigan hint of how EV battery plant changes economy
Michigan cheered news in January that it will get a $2.5 billion battery plant in Lansing to supply electric vehicles made by General Motors. A similar plant nearly ready to open in Lordstown gives a glimpse into what that could mean.
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Detroit church hopes to boost worker-owned businesses in Latino community
Cooperatives aren’t common, but they are a way to increase business ownership. In southwest Detroit, six of them are growing and advocates hope dozens follow them.
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‘This is the big one.’ Michigan celebrates landmark $7B GM investment
The state is giving the automaker about $800 million in incentives for the projects. GM says thousands of jobs will follow as it builds capacity to make electric vehicle batteries and EV trucks in its home state.
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GM vows to spend $6.5B in Michigan. Unclear: how much it wants in return.
State officials are expected to vote on an incentive package for General Motors as it plans to add capacity in the state for its electric vehicle production. The move could create 4,000 jobs.
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LG Energy seeks to tap Michigan’s $1B incentive fund for Holland expansion
The South Korean manufacturer seeks $525 million in incentives for an expansion that will create 1,000 jobs. It’s one of the first projects seeking to tap the state’s SOAR fund.
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Study shows Michigan's economy still struggles to compete with other states
Once ranked 49th in growth, the state is now 29th. If Michigan wants to crack the top 10, it needs to address vehicle electrification and ongoing labor shortages, a report finds.
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Northern Michigan studio belonging to iconic artist listed for sale
Gwen Frostic created a business around her wildlife art that survives 21 years after her death. A new owner will get a chance to own this piece of the state’s history near the Lake Michigan shore.
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Michigan unemployment fraud now at $8.5B. Legislators have more questions.
The pace of fraud has slowed, officials were told on Thursday. However, it remains unclear to what extent the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has fixed its problems or identified which cases amounted to crimes.
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High Court blocks COVID vaccine mandate for business, allows in healthcare
The U.S. Supreme Court said the Biden order overreached in covering every large business, regardless of risk. Healthcare workers are a different matter, the court decided.