Business & Economy
50 storiesCoverage includes company reporting, labor-market analysis, cost explainers and local or statewide economic updates. Stories connect business openings and closures, hiring, consumer pressure, development and broader economic trends to the practical effects on households, workers and communities.
U.S. Jobless Claims Edge Up, But Layoffs Remain Uncommon
Unemployment claims in the U.S. rose slightly to 206,000 last week, but the job market continues to show stability with layoffs still rare and hiring activity subdued, according to the latest Labor Department data
Farmington Hills Woman Charged in $200,000 Investment Fraud Scheme
Federal prosecutors allege Shannon Monet Steel posed as an ambassador and bank owner to defraud a California investor out of $200,000. The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to address complex financial fraud in Metro Detroit.
Four Michigan Colleges Launch Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Programs
Davenport University, Adrian College, Northwood University and the College for Creative Studies are now offering three-year bachelor's degrees, aiming to reduce costs and attract more students as enrollment challenges persist across Michigan.
Michigan Gas Prices Top $4 for Labor Day, Up Sharply From 2025
Drivers across Michigan are paying more than $4 per gallon for regular gas this Labor Day weekend, a significant increase from last year. AAA attributes the rise to global oil market disruptions and offers tips to help residents save.
Nine Metro Detroit Restaurants and Breweries Announce Closures
Several well-known restaurants and breweries in metro Detroit are closing or have closed, with some citing rising costs and challenging business conditions. Closures affect Detroit, Taylor, Canton, Farmington, Troy, Redford, and Wyandotte.
U.S. Forms Oil Partnership in Venezuela With Pentagon Stake
The White House has announced a new partnership with North American Blue Energy Partners to create a U.S.-backed oil company in Venezuela, giving the Pentagon a 35% stake and the State Department rights to purchase a portion of the output at cost.
17 New Restaurants Open in Metro Detroit, 6 Close in August
Metro Detroit saw 17 new restaurants, bakeries, and bars open in August 2026, while six local favorites closed their doors. Residents can expect new dining options in Royal Oak, Novi, Dearborn, and more.
G20 Finance Leaders Meet in Asheville Amid U.S. Tariff and Iran Tensions
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is hosting G20 finance ministers in Asheville, North Carolina, as the U.S. seeks support on Iran and faces strained trade relations with key allies. The meetings follow renewed hostilities and recent hurricane recovery efforts.
Six Months Into Iran War, Economic Impact Hits Travelers and Consumers
Half a year after the U.S. and Israel began military action against Iran, global markets have stabilized, but higher fuel and travel costs are affecting everyday Americans while some investors and defense companies see gains
Colorado River Water Cuts Leave Western Towns and Farms Facing Uncertainty
A new federal plan to reduce Colorado River water use is forcing Arizona towns and farmers to reconsider their future, as reservoirs hit record lows and legal battles intensify over shrinking supplies
RH Outlet Opens in Farmington Hills as Hunter's Square Redevelopment Begins
RH Outlet has opened its doors at Hunter's Square in Farmington Hills, launching a wave of new retail and restaurant additions as part of the plaza's ongoing redevelopment. The project aims to revitalize a once-vacant shopping center along Orchard Lake Road.
Fed Chair Warsh Warns Interest Rate Hikes May Be Needed to Tame Inflation
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signaled that further interest rate increases could be on the table as U.S. inflation remains above the central bank's 2% target, raising questions about the timing and impact of future Fed decisions.
Michigan Primary Election Process Earns Praise for Accuracy
Michigan's recent primary election saw all 83 counties complete ballot counting and certification without incident, reinforcing public trust in the state's election system ahead of a closely watched November vote
Farmington Hills Junk Removal Company Offers Back-to-School Decluttering Tips
As the new school year approaches, Two Men and a Junk Truck in Farmington Hills is helping families clear out unwanted items with full-service removal, donation partnerships, and a free community event on September 15
Michigan Family Farms Shrink as More Land Enters Preservation Programs
Michigan is seeing a steady decline in family-owned farms, but more farmland is being protected through conservation programs as land values rise and development pressures increase, especially in northern regions.
Key Inflation Gauge Stays High as Gas and Service Costs Weigh on Households
A federal inflation measure remained at 3.7% in July, with persistent high prices for services and gas affecting American families. Upcoming changes to how inflation is calculated could lower future readings, but relief remains uncertain.
Canada Imposes $20 Billion in Tariffs on U.S. Goods Amid Trade Dispute
Canada has enacted retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of American products valued at $20 billion, escalating a trade conflict with the United States and raising concerns for businesses and consumers ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.
US-Canada Trade Dispute Raises Tariffs and Uncertainty for Businesses
The United States and Canada have imposed new tariffs on each other's goods, escalating a trade dispute that could impact $20 billion in imports and key industries. Both governments say they are prepared for further action if negotiations fail.
Farmington's Civic Theater adds bar, events to boost attendance
Farmington's Civic Theater is introducing a new bar, expanded event programming, and plans for seating upgrades as it works to recover from pandemic-era declines in movie attendance and repay city support funding.
Michigan Approves $50M Grant for Copperwood Mine in Upper Peninsula
The Michigan Strategic Fund has awarded $50 million in state grants for land and road improvements at the proposed Copperwood Mine in Gogebic County, aiming to revive the region's economy despite ongoing environmental concerns and public opposition.
SpaceX to Build $100 Billion Rocket Launch Site in Louisiana
SpaceX will invest $100 billion to construct its largest rocket launch facility on Louisiana's southern coast, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and the first launches as early as 2029. The project is set to create 3,000 jobs over ten years.
States Shift AI Focus From Competition to Community Impact
California, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina are rethinking artificial intelligence oversight, prioritizing public benefit and risk over industry competition as new systems enter workplaces and public services.
American Arab Chamber Director Fired Amid Investigation of Missing Funds
The American Arab Chamber of Commerce in Dearborn has dismissed Executive Director Bilal Hammoud after discovering unaccounted funds, with authorities now investigating possible misdirection of state economic development grants.
Middle-Class Income Thresholds Rise Sharply in California Cities
New research shows that in several California cities, households now need incomes approaching $300,000 to be considered middle class, as housing and living costs continue to outpace wage growth across the state.
TeraWulf Pledges to Meet Kentucky Data Center Rules at Hancock Site
TeraWulf plans to build a 482-megawatt data center at a former Hancock County aluminum smelter, promising to follow Kentucky's new requirements on taxes, transparency, and environmental compliance as state regulators review its energy contract.
Corewell Health Nurses Approve First Contract With 15% Pay Raise
Registered nurses at Corewell Health East hospitals in southeast Michigan have ratified their first union contract, securing a 15% wage increase over three years and new workplace protections after more than a year of negotiations
Key Issues Shape Michigan Senate Race Between Rogers and El-Sayed
Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat has sparked a high-stakes contest between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed, with voters focused on health care, affordability, and the candidates' ties to national figures ahead of the November election
Windham Non-Profit Expo Set for October at High School
More than 50 nonprofits and community organizations will gather at Windham High School on October 21 for a free expo, offering residents a chance to connect with local services and explore volunteer opportunities.
Dunkin' Brings Back Pumpkin Spice and New Fall Menu Across Michigan
Dunkin' has launched its 2026 fall menu in Michigan, featuring the return of pumpkin spice drinks, new tiramisu-inspired beverages, and a limited-time breakfast combo. The seasonal offerings are available at locations statewide starting August 19.
Cloud Security Gaps Challenge Local Governments Adopting New Systems
Local governments are moving finance operations to cloud-based ERP systems, but experts warn that misconfigurations and overlooked security practices can leave sensitive data at risk despite modern technology.
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