President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, launching a November tradition. It was also tradition to name municipalities, schools and roads after Lincoln.
Mike Wilkinson
Mike has been a reporter for Bridge Michigan since 2013 and focuses on data-assisted reporting, often finding stories by analyzing maps and data sets and has created Bridge's dashboards on COVID-19, the state's economy and Michigan's elections. He held similar positions at The Detroit News and The Blade of Toledo. A native of Michigan, Mike grew up in Macomb County, graduated from the University of Michigan and started his reporting career in New Baltimore before his career took him to Illinois, Tennessee and Ohio. You can reach him at mwilkinson@bridgemi.com
Posted inTalent & Education
How can Michigan improve schools? Mississippi’s ex-superintendent has ideas
Mississippi transformed from last to near-top in reading after unified political support, early-grade intervention and strict science-of-reading reforms. Former state superintendent Carey Wright, now in Maryland, says success required consistency, teamwork, and keeping politics out — lessons Michigan will face as education becomes a 2026 campaign issue.
Posted inTalent & Education
Alpena schools get tough on absenteeism. Parents don’t make it easy
Educators are warning parents, scheduling meetings and even threatening charges. Many still miss school: ‘It’s like they’re not afraid of the consequences at this point,’ one says.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan K-12 crisis: State slow to respond as kids miss school, scores fall
Michigan has some of the highest absenteeism rates in the nation — and worst reading scores. It’s not a coincidence, but unlike other states, Michigan has been slow to pursue reforms.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: Trump promised Michigan peace in Mideast, not troops on US streets
President Donald Trump made big promises to Michigan voters last year. Nine months in, he’s made progress in the Middle East, but the state economy remains sluggish.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers reject money for Gretchen Whitmer’s population growth office
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sought $10 million for her Michigan Growth Office. Lawmakers said no.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan church shooting: Gunman was former Marine, Iraq veteran, hunter
Police have not released a motive about the gunman, who was shot and killed by police. Online records indicate he’s a former Marine whose father was ‘very proud’ of his service.
Posted inTalent & Education
Case may decide if Michigan schools must tell parents of kids’ gender identity
A federal lawsuit challenges Rockford schools’ decision to call a child by a different name and pronouns without telling parents. That may have violated the couple’s constitutional rights, a judge ruled last week.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan chronic absenteeism inches down but remains higher than pre-pandemic
More than 1 in 4 students are chronically absent across the state. School leaders told researchers that absenteeism was a top priority in 2024-2025 school year.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan earmarks face scrutiny as judge reviews millions for ballparks
A Michigan judge is considering whether taxpayer funded earmarks, which have totaled over $1 billion in recent years, violate the state Constitution.