Your guide to unemployment and other payments as Michigan deals with the devastating economic impact of a deadly virus
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 now second in nation for jobless claims amid coronavirus pandemic
Despite widespread complaints over a sluggish website and slammed call center, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency successfully processed 817,185 initial benefits claims between March 15 and April 4, second only to the more populous state of California.
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Few coronavirus cases, but hundreds still victims in U.P. tribal community
Bryan Newland, chairman of the northeastern Upper Peninsula tribe, said Bay Mills Indian Community leaders had no choice but to stop paying employees of the tribe’s resort and casinos after a request for federal relief loans went unanswered.
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Coronavirus shutdown could leave 1 in 4 jobless in northern Michigan
Already gearing for a recession, Michigan faces billions of dollars in lost wages and tens of thousands of job cuts. Using maps and charts, Bridge explains how the impact of the coronavirus shutdown will vary widely by industry and maps.
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As coronavirus slams businesses, some small Michigan newspapers struggle
As the coronavirus crisis slams Michigan businesses, some local newspapers are struggling to stay open amid declining ad revenue. C&G Newspapers is suspending publication for 2 to 4 weeks, while the Metro Times in Detroit laid off staffers.
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Guns and viruses: Why Michigan gun and ammo sales are exploding
Michigan gun shop owners report booming sales of guns and ammo as coronavirus spreads. Self-protection is a big theme, but that doesn’t mean deer are safe.
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How to apply for unemployment benefits in Michigan amid coronavirus crisis
Michigan expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits for workers on March 16 as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
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Michigan business in brief: Big Three shut down over coronavirus fears
More than 60,000 auto workers in Michigan are affected by the closure of plants due to the coronavirus. Banks and credit unions also are moving to increase lending.
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Should Michigan tap its $1.2B rainy day fund for coronavirus crisis?
Michigan OKs $150M in help for the global pandemic. But as coronavirus grinds the economy to a halt, some say now is the time to tap the state’s $1.2 billion reserve fund.
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Coronavirus will hammer Michigan economy. Only question is how much.
How bad will it get? Many economists agree a major downturn is coming along with perhaps hundreds of thousands of layoffs. But others say if the coronavirus is contained soon, the economy could roar back.