economy

A bill to change Michigan’s minimum wage law ahead of it taking effect passed the state Legislature Wednesday. The law is scheduled to take effect Friday.

Revenue in Michigan fell a little last month compared to a year ago. That’s according to recent reports from the state House and Senate Fiscal Agencies.One of the main areas where revenue fell was business tax collections. The Senate Fiscal Agency blames some of that on refunds outpacing collections in some areas.

The Legislature faces a Friday deadline to make alterations to Michigan’s earned sick leave and minimum wage laws before a state Supreme Court order takes effect. Business groups and some tipped workers are pressing the Legislature for changes to the court-ordered resolution. They say the scheduled hikes in the minimum wage and a lot of the rules surrounding the earned leave policies would pose a hardship for small businesses, public safety agencies and employees who earn tips.

Today, what President Trump's proposed tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico might mean for Michigan businesses. Then, the legacy of Grand Rapids restauranteur Marie Catrib. Plus, a new bakery in Midland run by Ukrainian refugees.

Today, a Michigan economist who studies consumer habits talks about what’s going on this holiday season, and the outlook for next year. Also, ecologist David Strayer pulls back the curtain on the most interesting ecosystem you’ve never seen on a poster: life in fresh water.

Today, a discussion about the information provided at the University of Michigan’s Economic Outlook Conference. Then, how six Detroit singer-songwriters prepare for a Writer’s Round. Additionally, a partnership to create a book to assist in demarginalizing tribal communities in legal education.

Today, a look into efforts to make Michigan a tech-forward economy. Then, a group in Grand Rapids putting together a community-wide wedding celebration for LGBTQ couples.

Today, dissecting the president-elect's economic promises. Then, scientists bringing shipwrecked seeds back to life. Later, the cyanobacteria in the lakes. Plus, a boy disappears 12 feet into a sand dune.

In this week’s It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta dig into the state’s latest unemployment numbers, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s big election announcement and how Governor Gretchen Whitmer plans to work with President-elect Donald Trump.

Today, what Michigan voters hope the next president will do to help the economy. Also, studying up on candidates for the Detroit School board.Then, hurricane storm damage throws Michigan’s supply of needed synthetic medical fluids into turmoil. And, how a tradition of community service made Black sororities and fraternities an election force to be reckoned with.