Economy https://www.wcmu.org/tags/economy Economy en-US Copyright Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:18:00 GMT Fed up with sky-high beef prices? Some people are stocking their freezers with a whole cow https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-27/beef-prices-bulk-whole-cow 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. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:18:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-27/beef-prices-bulk-whole-cow Michael Marks CMU custodians seek new union contract amid worker shortage, shrinking budget https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-04-13/cmu-custodians-seek-new-union-contract-amid-worker-shortage-shrinking-budget 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. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-04-13/cmu-custodians-seek-new-union-contract-amid-worker-shortage-shrinking-budget Cristin Coppess Great Lakes shipping season starts with carriers beset by ice https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-03-27/great-lakes-shipping-season-starts-with-carriers-beset-by-ice As many as 11 Great Lakes shipping vessels near Sault Ste. Marie have been delayed due to icy conditions since the shipping season got underway Wednesday morning with the opening of the Soo Locks. Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:36:48 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-03-27/great-lakes-shipping-season-starts-with-carriers-beset-by-ice Rick Brewer Report: Despite workforce growth, businesses are still experiencing employee shortages https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-03-27/report-despite-workforce-growth-businesses-are-still-experiencing-employee-shortages A recent economic impact report shows businesses in northwest Michigan are experiencing a workforce shortage even with recent growth. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:49:57 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-03-27/report-despite-workforce-growth-businesses-are-still-experiencing-employee-shortages Emma George-Griffin Michigan farmers experience fertilizer shortages, price hikes following war in Iran https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-03-16/michigan-farmers-experience-fertilizer-shortages-price-hikes-following-war-in-iran A key waterway in the Middle East known the Straits of Hormuz is blocked off because of the war, which is preventing large amounts of oil, natural gas and nitrogen-based fertilizer to get through. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 22:10:13 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-03-16/michigan-farmers-experience-fertilizer-shortages-price-hikes-following-war-in-iran Emma George-Griffin New Michigan program aims to help farms continue by connecting buyers with sellers https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-18/new-michigan-program-aims-to-help-farms-continue-by-connecting-buyers-with-sellers Michigan has lost thousands of farms in recent years as farmers retire or sell their land. A new program connects aspiring farmers with farmers looking to retire so those farms might continue. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:08:05 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-18/new-michigan-program-aims-to-help-farms-continue-by-connecting-buyers-with-sellers Miles MacClure, for the Northern Michigan Journalism Collaborative Trump defends tariffs at Dearborn Ford plant, Detroit Economic Club https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-01-13/trump-defends-tariffs-at-dearborn-ford-plant-detroit-economic-club President Donald Trump says his tariffs are the reason the country's trade deficit has decreased and claims he's revived Detroit's auto industry — though companies have had mixed success recently. Wed, 14 Jan 2026 03:35:53 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-01-13/trump-defends-tariffs-at-dearborn-ford-plant-detroit-economic-club Zena Issa, Sarah Cwiek, Quinn Klinefelter | WDET, Russ McNamara | WDET, Brett Dahlberg From 'Grinchmas' to chestnut roasts, these rural towns make the holidays central to their economy https://www.wcmu.org/2025-12-22/small-town-christmas-rural-economy Winter holiday festivals have become a regular way to grow revenue for America’s smallest towns. And with more people shopping online, those events are key to pulling people away from their screens and into stores. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 22:28:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2025-12-22/small-town-christmas-rural-economy Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval Study: 31% of Michigan local governments experiencing 'medium levels of fiscal stress' https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-12-18/study-31-of-michigan-local-governments-experiencing-medium-levels-of-fiscal-stress Officials in rural areas and small cities reported the highest levels of financial discomfort in a new study from the University of Michigan that surveyed 1,328 counties, cities, villages and townships. Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:25:23 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-12-18/study-31-of-michigan-local-governments-experiencing-medium-levels-of-fiscal-stress Alvin (AJ) Jones Small businesses feel more uneasy ahead of the holidays after a year of slow sales and high costs https://www.wcmu.org/2025-11-24/small-businesses-main-street-survey-rural A national survey found the smallest business owners are feeling less confident as they close out the year. Inflation, tariffs and shifts in consumer spending are some of the reasons why. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:59:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2025-11-24/small-businesses-main-street-survey-rural Rachel Cramer