The ‘most transmissible variant’ yet has hit the Northeast and appears headed to Michigan. Doctors say it evades immunity, but much remains unknown about the latest strain.
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
Michigan Republicans lost badly statewide, but scored big in county races
Despite a solid victory for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and fellow Democrats in the Michigan Legislature, Republicans increased their share of county commission seats, where maps are still drawn by local politicians.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID-19 in 2022: Deaths fall, but Michigan had 5th most in US
The virus, now a part of daily life, kills far fewer in Michigan in 2022 but remains the No. 3 cause of death in the state.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Census: Michigan’s population falls a hair in 2022
Michigan’s population declined by a few thousand, but experts say it should begin to grow again in a few years.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As flu slams Michigan, COVID-19 hospitalizations rise as well
After virtually vanishing amid the pandemic, influenza is back big time. Hospitals are handled the uptick so far, but White House warns of winter COVID surge.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gerrymandering never died in Michigan. It still haunts county boards, foes say
Voters created an independent panel in 2018 to draw fairer lines for state races. Partisans, though, still control the process for counties, and some commissions clearly favor one party.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Right-to-Work battle looms in Michigan: Businesses fear repeal by Democrats
Business leaders warn against picking a divisive fight and urge Democrats to work with Republicans to improve Michigan’s business climate. Data is inconclusive on how the anti-union law impacted Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Study: Michigan’s 75 mph speed limit caused more crashes, deaths
Crashes up 17 percent; fatal crashes climb 63 percent along the 600 miles of rural freeways that increased speed limits in 2017.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Give thanks: No fall wave of COVID in Michigan
Cases have declined steeply and hospitalizations are dipping, but the virus is still killing more than 500 people per month.
Posted inMichigan Government
Analysis: Absentee voting gave Democrats big lead before Election Day
More Michigan Democrats than Republicans voted absentee instead of in person this year. That means many voters had decided before seeing late advertising and even the second debate.