Record outside spending in the U.S. Senate race, and armored truck-loads of cash from unknown donors. Welcome to Michigan elections.
Election cash: How Super-PACs and ‘dark money’ are dominating state races
Posted inMichigan Government
A Bridge primer on how to gauge the credibility of political polls
Michigan voters are being inundated with horse-race poll results showing which candidates are up or down. Before taking those results as gospel, consider the source. Bridge shows you how.
Posted inMichigan Government
12 questions to ask about political polls
Judging the independence and reliability of polls during election season can difficult, even for politically astute voters. Here are a few questions to ask to help determine a survey’s credibility.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Snyder tied, or way ahead ‒ which poll is right in governor’s race?
Two automated polls show a tight race, while a third that relies on live interviewers shows Snyder comfortably leading challenger Mark Schauer. What’s a partisan to believe?
Posted inPhil's Column
Commoditizing politics and football
When campaigns are driven by dark money and college sports are “branded” like Viagra, society dies just a bit
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
If you #lovelansing – or any community or charity – consider Giving Tuesday
When you’re doing your holiday shopping, don’t forget the charities that need tending, especially at this time of year. Giving Tuesday, after Thanksgiving, is the newly designated day.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Border crossing – the long, fraught history of the Detroit-Grosse Pointe divide
The sudden closing this summer of a road leading from Detroit into Grosse Pointe Park reignited accusations that Detroit’s largely African-American and poor population was not welcome. Residents on both sides are pushing for change.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Making Detroit’s streets safer
The Motor City was designed for residents who buy and drive cars and trucks. But those planning Detroit’s future envision a design that is more friendly and safe for pedestrians, bikers and people using public transportation.
Posted inTalent & Education
State schools chief: Michigan is 10 years behind leading states
Superintendent Mike Flanagan tells Bridge he is baffled by Michigan’s poor scores on national tests, has been slow to act on key reforms, and may have stayed in his job too long.
Posted inPhil's Column
Across Michigan, groups are daring to collaborate
From building workforce skills to economic development, Michigan works best when groups inside and outside government share smart ideas.