Business owners fear a flood of lawsuits because of exposure from the coronavirus. Lawmakers may soon consider legislation that would grant them protections if they follow precautions.
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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Michigan property owners have until Aug. 31 to appeal 2020 taxes
Michigan moved its appeal deadline because of the coronavirus pandemic. So far, nearly 1,400 commercial property owners seek to reduce their taxes, while cities brace for a decline in revenues.
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Q&A with Sandy Baruah: ‘To keep businesses open, wear a mask’
The leader of the Detroit Regional Chamber says the most important thing Michiganders can do for businesses during coronavirus is to help them keep their doors open.
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Whitmer orders Michigan stores to refuse entry to those not wearing masks
With coronavirus cases rising, Michigan’s governor toughened state face mask requirements. Starting Monday, expect to be refused entry to stores and restaurants if you’re not covered. Customers face fines, stores face closure for ignoring.
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$100M in ‘critical’ coronavirus relief coming to Michigan small businesses
With uncertainty growing along with coronavirus cases across the U.S., the state says the new grants are ‘critical’ to helping them survive the pandemic. Another $15M targets farms
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Michigan ammo dealer markets to ‘Boogaloo,’ which awaits second civil war
Some ammo makers and gun shops in Michigan and beyond are invoking the memes and rhetoric of an extremist, anti-government ideology during the coronavirus outbreak.
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After 100-plus coronavirus cases, Michigan bar owner urges more testing
“People say to me, ‘I feel so bad for you being demonized as far as the numbers,’” said the owner of Harper’s in East Lansing.“If we don’t have the numbers, we don’t know what’s out there.”
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Michigan bars worry as East Lansing bar’s coronavirus tally tops 70 cases
Bars, particularly in college towns, have an avalanche of challenges as they try to reopen: limited seating, rude customers and young people who didn’t come to stay socially distant. And then there is Harper’s, which is facing the fallout from a packed house.
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Michigan auto, business groups pan Trump's halt on foreign workers
President Trump’s suspension of visas during the coronavirus outbreak cuts off critical foreign supply, business and industry groups say. Backers of the order say it provides more openings for U.S. workers during an economic crisis.
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Jigsaw puzzles show off ‘love and pride’ in Michigan — and its history
State-themed puzzles started as a ‘history side hustle,’ but now staff and volunteers at the Michigan History Center are riding increased sales as interest in the hobby takes off.