Retail Sales Drop as Consumers Pull Back on Spending: 6/20/2025
Earlier in the year, American consumers were spending money more freely in an attempt to be ready for sweeping tariffs being put in place by the White House. Not so much recently, as figures released by the Commerce Department this week show. Consumers pulled back from that kind of spending last month, precipitating a 0.9% dropped in sales at retail stores and restaurants, after seeing a 0.1% drop in April, both of which came after a 1.5% increase in March. The May numbers were affected by a steep drop
Ford Launches New Philanthropic Effort to Help Nonprofits
Ford Motor Company launched a new philanthropic initiative company officials said will meet the “rapidly evolving” needs of local communities in an effort they say continues a 122-year effort to stand with communities through good and bad times. In a statement posted to the company’s website, officials announced “Ford Building Together,” which increases volunteer hours and provides some $7 million in grants to nonprofits from its philanthropic arm. “Across the country, we hear from our Ford dealers,
Fed Leaves Key Interest Rate Unchanged
Despite pressure from the White House to cut interest rates, Federal Reserve officials decided again to leave rates where they are for now, while indicating at least a couple of cuts could be coming later this year. For the fourth straight meeting, the Fed kept its key rate unchanged, but said despite expectations that inflation will rise, they’re still thinking the rate will be cut twice by the end of the year, acknowledging in their report the U.S. economy is growing at “a solid pace.” It’s the same
DOJ's Civil Division Targets DEI Programs, Gender-Related Health Care and Immigration
DOJ Announces Aggressive Use of Civil Enforcement Tools to Promote Administration Policies Following leadership changes at the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Division, Brett Shumate, recently confirmed as the assistant attorney general, issued a memorandum directing DOJ attorneys to “use [their] enforcement authorities to advance the administration’s policy objectives” (the “Civil Enforcement Memo”). The June 11 Civil Enforcement Memo — which follows an earlier Criminal Division enforcement memo —
Little Caesars in Detroit Expands to India, Opens First Store in Delhi NCR
Little Caesars is expanding to Delhi NCR, India, marking its 30th country of operation. // Photo courtesy of Little Caesars Little Caesars in Detroit is expanding to India, marking its 30th country of operation. The first location is set to open this month in a “premium location” in Delhi NCR. The company’s entry into India reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to global growth. The new restaurant in Delhi NCR will be joined by additional locations. “Our mission has always been to offer delicious,
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GM to invest $4 billion in its U.S. manufacturing plants
General Motors today announced plans to invest about $4 billion over the next two years in its domestic manufacturing plants to increase U.S. production of both gas and electric vehicles. The new investment will give GM the ability to assemble more than two million vehicles per year in the U.S. This announcement comes on the heels of the company’s recently announced plan to invest $888 million in the Tonawanda Propulsion plant near Buffalo, New York to support GM’s next-generation V-8 engine. Plants in
U.S. Economy Adds 139,000 Jobs in May
The U.S. economy added more jobs than many analysts had reportedly expected, but the job growth overall is still slowing down. Employment data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the US. had added 139,000 jobs, a number that exceeded forecasts for about 120,000 payroll gains. Still, that number is down from the revised 147,000 jobs added in April. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, remaining near historic lows. NBC News reported that, heading into Friday’s report, other recent
Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports Doubled to 50%
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on June 3, 2025, which effectively doubles the tariffs applicable to most steel and aluminum imports into the United States. The new rate is 50%. The effective date for this change is June 4, 2025. These tariff rates, imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, are applicable to steel, aluminum and products derived from them. For products constructed only partially of steel or aluminum, the 50% Section 232 tariff applies to the steel and aluminum
‘Highly Engaged Team’ Key to OxBlue’s Success
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That old adage – or at least a derivative of it – is a priority for maintaining the workplace culture for the folks at OxBlue, an Atlanta-based technology firm that specializes in cameras for construction jobsites. OxBlue, whose stated mission is to “deliver exceptional service and a quality product that improves project delivery and enhances team communications has formulated success since its founding in 2001 using a team of highly engaged employees,” Briana Phillips,
Michigan launches public-private partnership with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy to boost manufacturing and support good-paying jobs
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy commit to leveraging purchasing power to support and grow Michigan manufacturers and clean energy startups Community & Worker Economic Transition Office launches MI Hub for Manufacturing with support from philanthropy Michigan is a top 10 state for clean energy jobs, leads the nation for total jobs in advanced materials and has the fastest-growing workforce for energy-efficient HVAC and renewable heating and cooling MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor
Logic Celebrates
Recently, Logic Solutions hosted an Open House for clients and friends from the tech community to celebrate the grand opening of our Innovation Center in Ann Arbor. This marks Logic’s 30th year in business and a return to Ann Arbor, a dynamic Midwest tech hub. Over 70 were present, representing businesses in mobility, education, logistics, and healthcare, plus partners like our good friends at SPARK Ann Arbor. Delicious food was served from local restaurant neighbors including Produce Station, Tea Haus,
Study: GM Improves, Ford and Stellantis Drop in 2025 Supplier Relations Study
General Motors placed third in the Plante Moran North American Automotive OEM – Supplier Working Relations Index, ahead of Ford and Stellantis. // Stock photo General Motors Co. in Detroit capitalized on its market strength and established relationships to better help suppliers manage costs, risks, and uncertainty, compared to Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn and Stellantis in Auburn Hills, according to Plante Moran’s 25th annual North American Automotive OEM – Supplier Working Relations Index (WRI). GM placed
Influencing the legal landscape
Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker PLLC Joins Kerr Russell Kerr Russell and Barris Sott, two long-standing Detroit-based law firms, have combined effective April 1, 2025.https://www.kerr-russell.com/kerr-russell-and-barris-sott-announce-combination/ Kerr, Russell and Weber PLC and Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker PLLC, two long-standing Detroit-based law firms, announced today that they are combining effective April 1, 2025. The resulting firm will have more than 60 attorneys working in Kerr Russell’s Detroit
