Economy

Conflicts in Iran and Russia are causing diesel prices to spike globally. That’s especially hurting U.S. farmers as they head into harvest season, the most fuel intensive period of the agricultural year.

More than 5 million people are no longer getting food aid in the wake of a slew of cuts and changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. As changes to the program continue to unfold, rural Americans face unique problems.

Democratic candidate for Michigan's open U.S. Senate Abdul El-Sayed slammed the war in Iran and touted "Medicare for All" at a campaign forum in Traverse City Monday.

The Chamber of Marine Commerce, who represent shipping companies on both sides of the border, warn that raw materials may get more expensive as a result of the failed trade talks.

Copperwood Resources will receive $44.9 million in Strategic Site Readiness Program grants, while the Gogebic County Road Commission will receive $5 million.

Corn and soybean growers have seen several years of low commodity prices and increased costs for supplies like fertilizer and fuel. That has many farmers worried about whether they'll turn a profit this year and drawn some comparisons to a dark time in American agriculture.

"We don't have a clear answer from Dow as to how many employees in Midland are going to be affected," Dave Clark, editor of the Midland Daily News, said.

Michigan State University research estimates that grower production costs had risen from 35 cents per pound in 2022 to 44 cents per pound in 2024.

Once considered a premium option, buying beef in bulk from a rancher has become comparatively affordable as retail prices rise. But it requires paying more upfront — and enough freezer space.

A decline in international student enrollment at Central Michigan University has left a multi-million-dollar gap in its budget, leaving union officials concerned that impending cuts will interfere with their contract goals.