New Census numbers show Michigan continues to fall further behind the nation in household income. States with higher incomes typically have more college graduates.
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
Fact check: Michigan school funding at historic highs. Is that enough?
Michigan boosted school funding in the past ten years at a higher rate than most states. Critics say schools are still underfunded by $4.5 billion. There’s data to support both arguments.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools are floundering. How some buck the trend, improve literacy
Michigan reading scores are at record lows. Some districts are boosting literacy by investing in training, curriculum and data. Can their success be applied statewide?
Posted inTalent & Education
See how your local Michigan school district did in the 2025 M-STEP
How did your local school district do on the latest state test? Use our tool to find out.
Posted inTalent & Education
M-STEP results: Third grade English language arts reaches new low
New state test scores show that less than 60% of third graders are proficient in English language arts. Meanwhile, leaders are investing millions in teacher training, new curriculum and literacy coaches.
Posted inMichigan Government
Drug use a growing factor in fatal crashes on Michigan roadways
New Michigan crash data show drugs now factor in one-quarter road fatalities, up from 19% a decade ago. Overall road deaths remain elevated since the pandemic, with teens, seniors, motorcyclists and bicyclists seeing increased risks.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Crumbling UP dam reveals potential risks of private hydroelectric ownership
An Upper Peninsula community is worried an aging dam that holds back a lake and feeds a river might not get the necessary repairs to make it safe. Since a 2020 dam failure in mid-Michigan, little has been done to increase oversight of dams in the state.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: Trump makes progress on policy promises to Michigan. Will growth follow?
Trump’s policy ‘wins’ on taxes, trade, and immigration enforcement come amid rising global tensions and economic uncertainty. Can he deliver on the ‘Michigan miracle’ he promised?
Posted inTalent & Education
School district lookup: How scores, staff, enrollment changed across Michigan
Enrollment in more than 70% of Michigan districts has fallen since 2014, while many added staff and test scores fell. Use these tools to search how districts statewide fared.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools on hiring spree. Can it reverse ‘Titanic’ learning losses?
Michigan has 21,000 more teacher aides than a decade ago helping a shrinking population of schoolkids. Hiring more adults has yet to reverse learning skids, but one lawmaker likens it to turning around the Titanic.