The incomes of Michigan workers took a big hit during the Great Recession. Incomes have recovered somewhat in recent years, but Michigan has not returned to its high-wage reputation.
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 Truth Squad
Michigan Truth Squad: Gretchen Whitmer’s role in Larry Nassar case
Truth Squad explores Gretchen Whitmer’s mantle as an advocate for sexual assault victims after a cop accuses her of hesitating to prosecute a sexually abusive doctor.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Map: Find PFAS chemical threats to Michigan drinking water near your town
A group of industrial chemicals increasingly is found in Michigan’s environment. See where regulators have flagged them so far.
Posted inMichigan Government
Detroit Dems seek alternative to Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan governor race
Concerns about polling, fundraising and Gretchen Whitmer’s name recognition prompt “hand wringing” among party insiders, led by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. But others see sexism at play.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Residents are moving again. That’s good news for Michigan’s economy.
(See maps) Moving vans are more likely to take folks between counties and regions, an internal migration that’s a positive sign for Michigan.
Posted inTalent & Education
Why Michigan needs newcomers. Told in 5 data maps.
Michigan’s economy would improve if more adults had diplomas. Why our future may depend on immigrants and other transplants.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan GOP hopefuls have a choice: Love Trump or leave race.
To win the primary for governor, Republicans must remain loyal to the president. But that could hurt them in the general election.
Posted inChildren & Families
Detroit demo blitz linked to rising lead levels in children
(With map) City’s former health leader charges that officials considered health concerns a ‘nuisance,’ and focused solely on tearing down blighted homes fast.
Posted inChildren & Families
It’s not just Flint: Michigan lead levels up after long decline
(With new statewide lead map) ‘It’s really unknown why,’ Michigan’s chief medical officer tells Bridge.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan is shortening school assessment tests – by reducing writing
Many say students spend too much time taking state tests. But some question whether dropping math and critical thinking questions sends the right message.