National Economy & Michigan
29 storiesCoverage includes national trend analysis, Michigan-impact explainers, cost and labor reporting and economic-policy updates. Stories translate broad indicators into effects on manufacturing demand, household expenses, borrowing, hiring and regional business conditions without turning the section into a generic national market feed.
Federal judge throws out Michigan antitrust suit against oil giants
A federal judge in Michigan has tossed out the state's antitrust case against BP, Chevron, Exxon, Shell, and the American Petroleum Institute, ruling the alleged impact on energy prices is too distant to support damages or an injunction.
UHY brings Corpus Christi's largest CPA firm into its Texas network
UHY has bought Adamson & Company, the top independent CPA firm in Corpus Christi, Texas. This move pushes UHY's reach past Houston and brings over 2,000 professionals together under one national brand.
Michigan Governor Visits Taiwan to Strengthen Tech and Talent Ties
Governor Gretchen Whitmer led a Michigan delegation to Taiwan, meeting with local leaders and university alumni to discuss new opportunities for trade, technology, and workforce development between Michigan and Taiwan.
Six Charged in Michigan COVID Loan Fraud Sweep Targeting $8 Million
Federal prosecutors have charged six individuals in Michigan with COVID-era loan fraud totaling $8.2 million as part of a national crackdown that has identified over $245 million in intended losses.
Michigan fuel prices hit record highs as diesel tops $6.50 per gallon
Drivers across Michigan are seeing steep increases at the pump, with diesel reaching $6.54 per gallon and gasoline nearing $5 in some areas. The spike is raising concerns about rising costs for households and businesses as global conflicts disrupt oil supplies.
Voters Push for Childcare and Equal Pay as Economic Solutions
A new national poll finds most voters now see childcare, elder care and equal pay as essential responses to rising living costs, with many demanding concrete policy action within two years.
Rising National Debt Limits Michigan Infrastructure and Health Services
Michigan's $40 trillion national debt burden is forcing rural communities to make tough choices as interest payments crowd out funding for bridges, broadband and hospitals. Local leaders warn that essential projects may be delayed or cut as federal dollars shrink.
Michigan Farm Bureau Presses Washington for Clear Support Amid Rising Imports and Policy Shifts
Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross is urging federal officials to take a clear stand for American farmers, citing policy confusion and growing imports as threats to Michigan agriculture and food security.
US Consumer Sentiment Drops as Fuel Prices and Inflation Weigh on Households
The University of Michigan's latest survey shows consumer sentiment has fallen to its second-lowest level on record, with rising fuel prices and inflation expectations driving the decline and raising the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike.
Canada Imposes New Tariffs Targeting Michigan Exports and Jobs
Canada's latest tariffs on U.S. goods have taken effect, directly threatening Michigan's manufacturing, agriculture and small businesses as the state's largest export customer responds to U.S. trade actions
Michigan Auto Industry Faces Higher Costs After Canadian Tariffs
New Canadian tariffs on US goods have driven up costs for Michigan automakers and suppliers, with immediate effects on profits and operations as cross-border trade becomes more expensive
Federal Job Cuts Reduce Services for Michigan Veterans and Families
Michigan has lost thousands of federal jobs in the past year, affecting veterans, nurses, inspectors and local economies as service delays and longer wait times become more common across the state
Federal Order Halting Invasive Carp Project Lifted After Whitmer-Trump Call
Work on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project to block invasive carp from Lake Michigan resumed after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directly appealed to President Donald Trump, highlighting the urgency as carp were detected just 80 miles from the lake.
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
Poll Finds Data Centers Least Supported by U.S. Communities
A new national survey shows nearly half of Americans oppose new data centers in their neighborhoods, with concerns over energy, water use, and AI growth driving resistance. Support for other developments remains much higher.
JD Vance Rallies Michigan GOP, Criticizes El-Sayed in Senate Race
Vice President JD Vance visited Sterling Heights to support Michigan Republican candidates and challenge Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, as the state's high-profile Senate race intensifies ahead of the 2026 midterms
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.
Mobile Driver's Licenses Expand as States Push Toward Digital IDs
Mobile driver's licenses are now available in 21 states and Puerto Rico, with over 8 million active credentials. Wider adoption and remote verification could soon make digital IDs a practical tool for banking, employment, and age verification.
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.
Trump Hints at Post-2028 Plans as He Balances Legacy and Term Limits
President Donald Trump continues to reference a possible third term, but recent remarks suggest he is increasingly focused on life after leaving office in January 2029, raising questions about his legacy and the limits of presidential power
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.