Economy Archives

U.S. Hiring Slows Sharply As Michigan Faces Higher Unemployment

U.S. Hiring Slows Sharply As Michigan Faces Higher Unemployment

WASHINGTON — A sharp slowdown in U.S. hiring could be particularly troubling for Michigan, where unemployment already stands at 5.0 percent — well above the national rate — and the state lost 25,000 employed workers in August. The U.S. economy added just 29,000 jobs in September, while the national unemployment rate increased to 4.2 percent,

By Mike Brennan|2026-10-02T09:48:20-04:00October 2nd, 2026|Economy|

Trump Escalates Canada Trade War — Michigan Auto Jobs, Suppliers Face Growing Risk

Trump Escalates Canada Trade War — Michigan Auto Jobs, Suppliers Face Growing Risk

More than 1.2 million Michigan jobs are directly or indirectly tied to the state’s automotive and mobility industry. Now President Donald Trump’s escalating trade confrontation with Canada is creating new uncertainty for the deeply integrated Michigan-Ontario manufacturing economy — with auto industry leaders warning of supply-chain disruption, financial strain and risks to jobs. DETROIT —

By Mike Brennan|2026-09-30T10:58:36-04:00September 30th, 2026|Economy, Featured, News|

Michigan Communities Move To Rein In Data Centers Before Big Tech Comes Calling

Michigan Communities Move To Rein In Data Centers Before Big Tech Comes Calling

Michigan wants billions of dollars in AI data center investment, but local communities increasingly want rules covering electricity, water, noise and infrastructure costs before Big Tech comes knocking. Saginaw could become the latest city to act Monday. SAGINAW — Michigan communities increasingly aren't waiting for massive data centers to arrive before deciding how they should

By Mike Brennan|2026-09-27T10:53:08-04:00September 27th, 2026|Artificial Intelligence, Economy, Government/Politics, Politics, Politics/Government|

Michigan Economy Checkup: Jobs Slip Statewide While West Michigan Manufacturing Holds Strong

Michigan Economy Checkup: Jobs Slip Statewide While West Michigan Manufacturing Holds Strong

ANN ARBOR - Michigan lost 25,000 employed workers in August, its unemployment rate climbed to 5%, and manufacturing payrolls declined. But West Michigan manufacturers continue to report surprisingly strong business conditions — another sign that Michigan increasingly looks like several different regional economies. Michigan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.9% in July to 5.0%

By Mike Brennan|2026-09-17T12:07:42-04:00September 17th, 2026|Economy, Government/Politics, Politics, Politics/Government|

Fed Raises Rates: Michigan Jobs, Auto Sales And Economy Face New Pressure

Fed Raises Rates: Michigan Jobs, Auto Sales And Economy Face New Pressure

ANN ARBOR - Michigan jobs, auto sales, home purchases and business investment face new pressure after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates Wednesday, making borrowing more expensive at a time when the state's economy is already growing slowly. For Michigan families and businesses, the impact can be measured in monthly payments. A $40,000 five-year auto

By Mike Brennan|2026-09-16T15:14:50-04:00September 16th, 2026|Economy|

Michigan Hit With America’s Highest Tariff Cost Per Household — $5,619 And Counting

Michigan Hit With America’s Highest Tariff Cost Per Household — $5,619 And Counting

DETROIT — Michigan has absorbed the highest estimated tariff burden per household in America — the equivalent of $5,619 per household since President Donald Trump returned to office — largely because the state's automotive and manufacturing economy sits directly in the path of the global trade war. Michigan businesses have been hit with an estimated

By Mike Brennan|2026-09-14T11:38:33-04:00September 14th, 2026|Auto Tech, Economy|

Michigan’s 50 Hottest Jobs Through 2034: You May Not Need A Four-Year Degree

Michigan’s 50 Hottest Jobs Through 2034: You May Not Need A Four-Year Degree

AI, health care, advanced manufacturing and skilled trades dominate Michigan's new Hot 50 forecast — offering a road map to where the state's economy is heading. LANSING — Michigan's economy may increasingly run on artificial intelligence, automation and massive computing power. But somebody still has to build it, wire it, repair the machinery and keep

By Mike Brennan|2026-09-10T12:52:26-04:00September 10th, 2026|Economy, ESD|

Canada Hits Back At Trump With New Tariffs — Michigan Is In The Crosshairs

Canada Hits Back At Trump With New Tariffs — Michigan Is In The Crosshairs

DETROIT — Canada's new retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products took effect Tuesday, putting Michigan jobs, small businesses, manufacturers, farmers and potentially grocery bills directly in the middle of an escalating trade war with the state's largest foreign customer. For Michigan workers, the most immediate concern is jobs. Michigan exports support an estimated 230,000 jobs, including

By Mike Brennan|2026-09-08T13:41:51-04:00September 8th, 2026|Auto Tech, Economy|

$4 Gas Is Just The Beginning? Iran War Could Put Michigan Winter Heating Bills At Risk

$4 Gas Is Just The Beginning? Iran War Could Put Michigan Winter Heating Bills At Risk

About 77 percent of Michigan homes rely on natural gas for heat. As families finish a summer of $4 gasoline, the prolonged Iran war raises another pocketbook question: What happens to heating bills this winter? ANN ARBOR — Michigan families are ending the summer driving season paying more than $4 a gallon for gasoline. Now

By Mike Brennan|2026-09-07T12:20:04-04:00September 7th, 2026|Economy|

Labor Day 2026: Are American Workers Better Off Than When Trump Took Office?

Labor Day 2026: Are American Workers Better Off Than When Trump Took Office?

WASHINGTON DC - American workers are earning bigger paychecks than when President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. But after accounting for inflation, much of that increase has disappeared. Energy costs have risen sharply. Food and housing cost more. Mortgage rates remain near 7 percent. And in Michigan, the labor force

By Mike Brennan|2026-09-07T12:21:09-04:00September 7th, 2026|Economy, Featured|