This is the story of two moms, and two Michigans — one eager for a maskless return to a post-COVID normal, the other still wondering if it is still just too soon.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel Lohman reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan, tracking how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. She has closely reported on literacy, absenteeism and special education. Isabel was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit's 2026 Young Journalist of the Year award. Before joining Bridge, she covered children's issues for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, reporting on COVID-19 in schools and communities coping with gun violence.
Isabel grew up outside of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2022.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan high school seniors crave normality after COVID
The high school class of 2022 has been through a lot. From virtual learning in their bedrooms, to mourning the death of loved ones. Four seniors spoke to Bridge about all that they missed, and vowed “never to take anything for granted.”
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers skirmish over Republican school transparency bill
GOP lawmakers defend a measure that would require schools to publicly post curricula, book titles, writing assignments and other material at the start of the school year or lose 5 percent of funding. Democrats call it a ploy to politicize education.
Posted inTalent & Education
New carpets, more supports: How Michigan colleges would spend Whitmer plan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed education budget plan focused mostly on the state’s struggling K-12 schools. But Michigan universities and community colleges would also get a big spending bump, assuming GOP lawmakers buy in.
Posted inTalent & Education
Survey: 1-in-5 Michigan teachers and staff said they will soon leave field
In a survey by the Michigan Education Association, the state’s largest teachers’ union, educators noted more shortages and disruption than before and said they are less satisfied with their jobs.
Posted inTalent & Education
How Gretchen Whitmer wants to spend $18.4 billion on Michigan schools
Schools are battling teacher shortages, mental health concerns and more. Gov. Whitmer said she wants to make “bold investments” in education with billions of additional dollars in state and federal funds. Republicans say they are eager to talk, but wary of the tab.
Posted inTalent & Education
As Gretchen Whitmer pitches Michigan education, a lag in college enrollment
COVID continues to disrupt the number of high school graduates enrolling in college, which has consequences for the state’s economy. School counselors are seeing the pandemic’s toll as the governor seeks to boost student success.
Posted inTalent & Education
Virtual learning and the end of Michigan snow days
Big storms used to mean snowball fights, not school. But remote technology has made it easier for schools to keep teaching in the pandemic. Educators say there are still kinks to figure out before snow days vanish.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan community colleges vie for 4-year nursing programs amid shortages
For years, community colleges have sought legislative approval for four-year nursing programs to help staff hospitals short on workers. But the state’s four-year universities fiercely oppose the move, leading to the latest turf battle in Lansing.