When I broke into the newspaper business back in 1965, there were maybe a couple busloads of reporters working in Lansing. Today, you can count them on your fingers. Of course, this is the result of the decades-long deterioration of “mainstream media,” mostly newspapers. Information and advertising, especially, have migrated to the Web. Although newspapers are trying […]
Center for Michigan
Posted inSuccess
It's been a year already? Bridge turns 1.
Bridge Magazine is a year old today. Can it just be a year ago that we were “discussing” the best name for a new online news and analysis magazine focused on Michigan’s pressing problems … Beacon, 42 North, Bridge? To celebrate the first of what we are planning to be many years covering Michigan events, […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Education talks set for GR, Novi, Birmingham, Novi
Michiganians from Grand Rapids to Birmingham, Novi to Flint have opportunities in September and October to discuss K-12 education and reform as part of the Center for Michigan’s ongoing townhall series on the topic: WHEN: Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Dickinson Elementary, 448 Dickinson St., SE, Grand Rapids RSVP: Nan Evans — […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Education talks slated for East Lansing, Novi, Dexter, Grand Rapids
Michiganians in East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Dexter and Novi have opportunities in September to discuss K-12 education and reform as part of the Center for Michigan’s ongoing townhall series on the topic: WHEN: Sept. 7, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. WHERE: MEA Offices, 3rd floor, 1216 Kendale Blvd., East Lansing RSVP: Barbara Bonsignore, Michigan For […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Center for Michigan, Bridge win battle for transparency on welfare records
Bridge Magazine and the Center for Michigan prevailed in a Freedom of Information Act appeal, gaining access to records related to Michigan residents removed from cash assistance as a result of the state’s massive welfare reform. In May, Bridge requested data from the Michigan Department of Human Services documenting how many of the more than […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Join school discussions in Wayne County, online
Detroit and Wayne County residents concerned about the future of K-12 education in Michigan are encouraged to attend the next Center for Michigan Community Conversation, to be held at The Children’s Center of Wayne County on Saturday, Aug. 4. The session, co-sponsored by Michigan Radio and The Children’s Center, will be a town hall format, […]
Posted inPhil's Column
Teddy Roosevelt knew what Up North is worth
My family and I are observing a time-honored state tradition this week: Like thousands and thousands of Michiganders, I’m Up North with my family … in my case, way up north. Our cabin is on the south shore of Lake Superior, about an hour north of Marquette. When I got up at 6 a.m. the […]
Posted inPhil's Column
School reform push focuses on learning results, not funding buckets
They say great oaks from little acorns grow. Maybe the same thing will happen as a result of last Tuesday’s meeting in Lansing to consider how to re-work the School Aid Act into the “Michigan Education Finance Act of 2013.” The School Aid Act was originally written in 1979. It’s been amended many times since. At […]
Posted inSuccess
Are you Bridge's next intern?
Each year, the Center for Michigan selects an outstanding minority student for a paid internship with the Center’s Bridge Magazine. The Center seeks advanced undergraduate and graduate students who need intensive reporting experiences and clips to make the transition to professional journalism. The fellowship is for $8,000. The fellow is expected to work 20 hours […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
“Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment” — Lao Tzu, ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. * The Center for Michigan broke the story back in 2009 that the Michigan school calendar was shrinking right before parents’ eyes. The Legislature subsequently made changes to state law on the subject, but, for the 2012-13 […]