The attorney general is investigating both projects, which lawmakers say ‘fell short’ of expectations. Legislators move to claw back at least $34 million.
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 inMichigan Government
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. makes Michigan ballot, seen as spoiler to Biden, Trump
The son of the former U.S. senator will run under the banner of the Natural Law Party. Michigan is the highest profile state where Kennedy has made the ballot.
Posted inMichigan Government
Key figure in $25M Clare health campus controversy pleads guilty to fraud
Anthony Demasi served time in prison before helping lead a politically connected project that received a no-bid state grant. That project is now under investigation, and Demasi has pleaded guilty to separate charges.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Eclipse blocks sun, brings out smiles from Michigan to Ohio
Michigan welcomed a total solar eclipse to a tiny sliver of the state in Luna Pier Monday but thousands of others drove to Ohio and beyond to witness the last total solar eclipse that many will see for 20 years, turning highway traffic to a standstill.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan population may plummet by 700K in 26 years, report warns
The population could drop 7% as deaths exceed births, warns a report. Michigan’s best hope — luring people from other states —would stem some losses. But population woes will persist.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Wolf killed in southern Michigan is first sighting in more than 100 years
State officials confirmed a hunter killed a gray wolf while hunting coyotes in Calhoun County in January. The closest known wolf population is in the Upper Peninsula; officials downplayed any risk to the public.
Posted inMichigan Government
How new Michigan House maps uncouple Detroit, suburbs to boost Black voters
New legislative maps ordered by a federal court panel reduce the number of districts that include both Detroit and its northern suburbs in an effort to restore electoral power of Black voters.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers defend $1.4B in no-bid grants — months after approval
Michigan legislators added more than 350 earmarks to the state budget last fall. They are only now providing written “justifications.” Read them here.
Posted inMichigan Government
Northern Michigan, after years of struggle, is gaining residents again
The growth is small but conclusive: Northern Michigan areas like Crawford County, whose population had declined since 2000, gaining residents. West Michigan leads the pack, while metro Detroit is hit hard.
Posted inBusiness Watch
See where Michigan is giving corporate subsidies for expansions, new jobs
The state awarded $335 million in job-growth subsidies in 2023. Use this map find out where, pay for jobs and investment details.