Business & Economy - Page 2
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Pennsylvania Sets New Rules for Data Center Projects Statewide
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order making stricter standards mandatory for new data center developments in Pennsylvania, responding to mounting criticism and concerns about local impacts and energy use
Four Charged in Multi-State Retail Theft Scheme Affecting Maryland
Authorities in Maryland have charged four individuals in connection with an organized retail theft ring that targeted stores in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, resulting in losses exceeding $48,000 between October 2025 and April 2026
North End Taproom in Royal Oak to Close After Three Years
North End Taproom, a self-pour bar in downtown Royal Oak, will close its doors on August 30, citing sustainability challenges. The closure marks the end of a business that helped pioneer Michigan's self-serve taproom model.
Rochester Approves Downtown Social District to Boost Local Business
Rochester City Council has approved a new social district downtown, allowing customers to carry alcoholic beverages outdoors within a designated area. The plan aims to increase foot traffic and support businesses, pending state review.
Huntington Thrift in Huntington Station to Close September 20
Huntington Thrift, a longtime vintage and antiques shop on New York Ave. in Huntington Station, will close its doors for good on September 20, 2026, following a final clearance sale. The store thanked customers for years of support.
Waymo Approved to Expand Driverless Rides in 18 California Counties
Waymo has received state approval to expand its driverless passenger service across 18 California counties, including new areas in the Bay Area, but has not yet announced when rides will begin in the newly authorized locations
Local Governments Shift Toward Leaner, Accountable AI Systems
Cities and public agencies are moving away from massive, generic AI models in favor of smaller, purpose-built systems that prioritize efficiency, transparency, and local needs. The change aims to improve service delivery and meet strict governance standards.
Texas Data Center Audit Raises Questions as Grid Connections Paused
Texas has paused new data center grid connections for an audit, but key details remain unclear. Tech companies support the move, yet policy experts question whether the audit will slow rapid data center growth or address local concerns.
Meijer to Open Smaller Grocery Store in Livonia August 2026
Meijer will launch a new 75,000-square-foot grocery-focused store at Seven Mile and Farmington roads in Livonia on August 19, 2026, offering food, essentials, and local features in a smaller format than its supercenters.
California Wineries Remove Vineyards as Wine Sales Hit 20-Year Low
California wine growers are pulling out and burning vineyards as national wine sales drop to their lowest point in decades, with shifting consumer habits and health concerns driving the decline
Illinois Lottery Player Wins $1.04 Billion Powerball Jackpot
A single ticket sold at a Quincy gas station matched all six numbers to win the $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot, marking the largest U.S. lottery prize awarded so far this year and the eighth-largest in Powerball history.
Online Pharmacies Expand as Michigan Drugstores Face Closures
More Michigan residents are turning to mail-in prescriptions as insurance plans favor online services, but the shift is contributing to the closure of hundreds of local pharmacies, especially in rural areas, according to state officials and pharmacists
Free Play Pinball Arcade Brings Classic Games to Livonia
Free Play Pinball Arcade has opened in Livonia, offering unlimited access to nearly 100 vintage arcade and pinball machines for a flat fee. The new location aims to provide a family-friendly space for all ages to enjoy classic games.
Dunkin' Teases Possible Free Drink Code Drop for Rewards Members
Dunkin' rewards members may have a chance to claim a free drink soon, as social media posts hint at a new code drop possibly happening Monday, August 10. The company has not officially confirmed the promotion or released a code yet.
Farmington Retail Incubator Offers Short-Term Storefronts to Entrepreneurs
A new retail incubator in downtown Farmington is giving small business owners a chance to test brick-and-mortar locations with 90-day leases, helping them move from online or pop-up sales to permanent shops.
Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Guardrails for Data Center Expansion
A Michigan House representative is urging the state to adopt clear rules for new data centers, focusing on land use, water, electricity, and noise, as Michigan seeks to attract AI-driven industry while protecting local resources.
Bay City Charter School Expands Free Lineman Training for Teens
The Tri-County Trades High School Lineman Program in Bay City offers free, hands-on training for high school juniors and seniors, preparing them for skilled jobs in the electrical trades immediately after graduation.
U-M Confirms $1.2B Data Center in Ypsilanti Township Despite Opposition
The University of Michigan will move forward with a $1.2 billion research computing center in Ypsilanti Township, partnering with Los Alamos National Laboratory. Local officials say too many project details remain undisclosed and vow to keep fighting.
Senator Proposes New Federal Tax on AI Data Centers
A draft proposal from Sen. Ron Wyden would remove current tax breaks for new data centers and introduce an excise tax on facilities handling AI workloads, aiming to address rising energy costs and community impacts. Public feedback is open through August 31.
Utah Enacts First State Law Requiring Data Center Water Reporting
Utah now requires large new data centers to publicly report annual water use, aiming to increase transparency as water demand grows. The law, signed in March, is already influencing similar efforts in other states.
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