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
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
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.
Posted inBusiness Watch
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.”
Posted inBusiness Watch
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.
Posted inBusiness Watch
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.
Posted inBusiness Watch
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.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan may have lost millions to over 100,000 fake unemployment claims
The state’s investigation into international fraud found 1 in 5 frozen accounts are still considered suspicious.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan legislators want unemployment offices reopened
Jobless workers continue to say they’re struggling to reach Unemployment Insurance Agency employees to resolve issues with unpaid claims that in some cases may go back months
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan manufacturers want incentives, eye automation in pandemic
John Walsh, CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association, says the sector is ramping up amid softer global demand after coronavirus. Now it’s evaluating what it needs to gain ground, including ensuring worker safety and perhaps more automated jobs.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan jobs go unfilled when workers make more from unemployment
‘How do we get people back to work when there’s really no incentive for them to?’ asked one employer about not being able to compete for workers earning generous jobless benefits.