There are as many COVID cases today as a year ago despite the availability of vaccines. The reasons are both complicated and simple.
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 inBusiness Watch
Child care as economic development? You bet. $1.4B in aid coming to Michigan
The high cost of childcare and limited state aid has shrunk the workforce. In a rare area of bipartisan consensus, Democrats and Republicans are working to boost pay and subsidies.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Rising wages, few workers: A small town in Michigan adjusts to the new economy
Fewer workers mean big changes across Michigan, as hourly wages reach new peaks to lure employees. But people also want more from how they earn a living, like flexibility and satisfaction. The result is creating new pressures that won’t end soon.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Hospitals filling up as Michigan records highest COVID case rate in U.S.
Doctors warn of dangerous days ahead as the state’s hospitals care for more than 3,200 patients with COVID for the first time since early May. That’s a 40-percent jump in two weeks.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan redistricting panel OKs three congressional maps; more tweaks likely
The state delegation could remain split. More maps could be coming as emotions turn raw during debate about Detroit districts.
Posted inMichigan Government
Commission approves Senate maps that favor Michigan Democrats
Republicans have controlled the chamber since the early 1980s. The new districts lean Democratic 20-18. Now begins a 45-day public comment period before final approval.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan college COVID outbreaks plummet as students vaccinate and mask up
Cases related to outbreaks are down at colleges this fall, but have risen sharply in the state’s K-12 system, where students are far less likely to be vaccinated or required to wear a mask.
Posted inMichigan Government
Republicans have edge, but Michigan House drafts include plenty of surprises
Detroit gains districts, Republicans could keep control, but new maps also provide a path for far closer elections in the Michigan House.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan redistricting drafts could make state Senate a toss-up
Republicans have controlled the Michigan Senate for decades. Three new draft redistricting plans could allow Democrats to at least cut into that advantage.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan congressional redistricting drafts are done. Few incumbents are safe
Eight incumbents would be clustered in districts with at least another representative. The maps now go to the public for hearings before final approval.
