DETROIT - Michigan drivers already angry over rising gasoline prices may not have seen the worst yet. That blunt warning comes as global energy executives, oil traders, economists, and shipping companies increasingly focus on one narrow waterway half a world away: the Strait of Hormuz. The concern intensified after ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods warned that
WASHINGTON DC - The political warning signs for Republicans are growing more complicated heading into the 2026 midterm elections. President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have weakened nationally amid concerns over inflation, energy prices, tariffs, and rising tensions with Iran. Yet at the same time, Trump continues demonstrating enormous influence inside Republican primaries — a dynamic
ANN ARBOR - Americans may soon feel the economic impact of the escalating Iran conflict in one of the most familiar parts of daily life: the cost of an oil change. Industry analysts are warning that synthetic oil changes — already approaching $100 for many vehicles — could surge to $120 or more if tensions
SOUTHFIELD - Michigan is once again putting taxpayer-backed resources behind its effort to become the national center for next-generation mobility, autonomous systems, AI-driven manufacturing, and advanced industrial technology. The Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University announced a new funding round for its “Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant Program,” offering up to $500,000 in
Part 2 of a series on how huge increases in gas prices are impacting Michigan's economy and politics. ANN ARBOR = As gasoline prices climb toward $5 per gallon across parts of Michigan, economists and political analysts are beginning to examine whether the growing global oil shock could eventually reshape the state’s 2026 midterm elections.
ANN ARBOR - A new Gartner study is raising serious questions about one of corporate America’s biggest assumptions surrounding artificial intelligence: that companies can rapidly replace workers with AI systems and dramatically improve profits. Instead, Gartner analysts found many organizations pursuing AI-driven layoffs are discovering the financial returns are far more complicated than expected. The
GRAND RAPIDS - West Michigan’s economy continued to expand in April, but rising oil prices, tariff uncertainty and growing fears about a broader national slowdown are beginning to cloud the outlook across the entire state of Michigan. That was the takeaway from the latest monthly industrial survey by Grand Valley State University economist Brian Long,
Part 2 or a 2 part series on the national debt crisis. WASHINGTON DC - America’s national debt is approaching $39 trillion, and the federal government is now borrowing at a pace once associated only with wars, recessions and economic emergencies. But unlike previous crises, today’s trillion-dollar deficits are becoming permanent. The Congressional Budget Office
ANN ARBOR - Michigan’s economy could face mounting pressure later this summer as rising oil prices tied to the growing Middle East conflict begin spreading through the state’s three largest economic pillars — the auto industry, tourism and agriculture. Economists warn the full impact of the global energy shock may not hit consumers and businesses
DETROIT - Automotive News reported Monday that General Motors has eliminated additional information technology jobs as the automaker continues restructuring efforts aimed at lowering costs and accelerating its transition into a software-driven automotive company. The layoffs come as GM faces a difficult balancing act: funding billions of dollars in electric vehicle development, battery plants, software
