Economy

First-time unemployment claims fell to levels not seen since March, but they're still far above pre-pandemic levels.

The sides are still talking about the next coronavirus relief package, but the chances of it coming before the Nov. 3 election are dimming.

Halloween is likely to be slower this year for retailers and trick-or-treaters, but experts say there will still be opportunities to celebrate.

While federal lawmakers and President Trump wrangle over a new COVID-19 relief package, first-time unemployment claims ticked up to nearly 900,000 last week.

Experts say diners are likely to see innovations in their restaurants -- including robots -- as owners figure out their strategy moving forward.

Management expert Kristi Stepp of Sigred Solutions says the blended home-work space is going to be around for awhile.

Economist Mark Zandi said the last six months have been "unprecedented" for the U.S. economy, and that the next president needs to "step on the accelerator" to get it going.

Basically re-creating limits imposed by orders issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer before her powers were struck down by the state Supreme Court, the state health department Friday issued new guidelines on masks, venue capacity and other restrictions.

The U.S. Small Business Administration yesterday released a new, simpler loan forgiveness application for businesses that took Paycheck Protection Program loans of $50,000 or less.

West Michigan is known for a variety of things, including its art, small-town atmosphere and beauty. The Grand Rapids Chamber this week launched a marketing campaign aimed at drawing companies to West Michigan to take advantage of those attractions.

Oakland County has spread the wealth since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, handing out more than $140 million in small-business grants.

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer does not have the authority to declare a state of emergency, meaning the governor and the Republican-led state Legislature will have to work together to fight COVID-19.

The U.S. added 661,000 jobs in September, but the airline industry is eyeing layoffs unless federal aid is approved. Meanwhile, first-time unemployment claims remained under 1 million for the fifth week.

After leading The Right Place, the economic development leader for west Michigan for more than 30 years, Birgit Klohs announced she's retiring, effective Jan. 31.

Movie theaters, bowling alleys and other performance venues can reopen beginning Oct. 9, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order to that effect.

Michigan's weekly unemployment claims drop, but overall stastistics are still historically bad since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state Legislature have reached agreement on a 2021 budget, though concerns still exist over a likely 2022 shortfall.

The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a variety of growth and revitalization projects the MEDC says "lay a path forward" in the state's economy.

United Wholesale Mortgage announced a merger with Gores Holdings IV officials say will value the company at some $16.1 billion.

Olga's Kitchen is recognizing a half-century in business. To celebrate the anniversary, Olga's is holding a party both at its restaurants and through its app.