Mike Wilkinson

Reporter at Bridge Michigan

Staff writer, Bridge

Articles

Lawsuit: Michigan lawmaker pet project grants violate constitution

2 weeks ago | bridgemi.com | Mike Wilkinson

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is suing Michigan to block millions of dollars special grants Two grants awarding $2.5 million for professional baseball parks in Lansing and Utica are central to the lawsuit Lawmakers from both parties have used the grants, often approved late in budget sessions, to fund local priorities without much public review A lawsuit filed this week alleges Michigan lawmakers violated the state Constitution through a secretive process that has steered billions of...
Big goals take Eden Prairie girls to Norway

2 weeks ago | eplocalnews.org | Mike Wilkinson

Have soccer team. Will travel. This summer, a group of 15- and 16-year-old girls from Eden Prairie will travel not to Owatonna or Osseo, but to Oslo, Norway. The team - the Eden Prairie Soccer Club 09 Girls Red NPL squad - has earned a spot in the 2025 Norway Cup, the world's largest international youth soccer tournament. Held annually in Oslo, the tournament hosts teams from 50 to 60 countries. In 2024, more than 2,100 teams participated.
Detroit population gain fueled Michigan growth. See Census numbers for your town

3 weeks ago | bridgemi.com | Mike Wilkinson

Detroit gained nearly 6,800 residents from 2023 to 2024, fueled by new and rehabbed housing that boosted Michigan numbersSuburban townships in Macomb, Oakland, and Washtenaw counties also saw strong population increasesExperts say continued growth may depend on the economy, with inflation, interest rates, and tariffs prompting some developers to delay or pause planned housing projects.
Letter: Slow down for pedestrians

3 weeks ago | chemainusvalleycourier.ca | Mike Wilkinson

Recently the Cowichan Valley saw the sad reality of a teen losing their life in an interaction with a motor vehicle. Some drivers don’t seem to think they could be involved in such an incident, evidenced by their reluctance to slow down and/or move over into the oncoming lane (when safe to do so) when pedestrians or children or people with pets are walking along the roadside.
Letter: Slow down for pedestrians

3 weeks ago | lakecowichangazette.com | Mike Wilkinson

Recently the Cowichan Valley saw the sad reality of a teen losing their life in an interaction with a motor vehicle. Some drivers don’t seem to think they could be involved in such an incident, evidenced by their reluctance to slow down and/or move over into the oncoming lane (when safe to do so) when pedestrians or children or people with pets are walking along the roadside.
Michigan lawmakers seek $3.3B for nearly 800 pet projects

1 month ago | bridgedetroit.com | Jordyn Hermani |Mike Wilkinson |Simon D. Schuster

Michigan House lawmakers are requesting more than $3.3 billion for nearly 800 pet projects in their districts and across the stateThe requests vary from HVAC system upgrades for Michigan’s public schools to building a wellness and aquatic center in Benzie CountyIt’s the first time earmarks have been made public ahead of finalizing the budget.
Michigan earmark requests in 2025. See what lawmakers asked for

1 month ago | bridgemi.com | Mike Wilkinson

May 1, 2025Sponsor, amount: Rep. Brian BeGole (R-Perry), $207,700,000Description: Owosso Water and Sewer Infrastructure Investment Summary The City of Owosso is preparing for a generational reinvestment in its water and sewer infrastructure, with more than $207 million in improvements planned between 2025 and 2030. This includes $119.7 million for the drinking water system, $79.2 million for the wastewater treatment plant, and $8.8 million for the sewer collection system.
Michigan is evolving politically: Maps show how Trump won, state is changing

1 month ago | bridgemi.com | Mike Wilkinson

President Trump will mark his first 100 days in office with a rally in Warren in Macomb County, a key to his 2024 victory in MichiganMichigan this month released precinct-level election results of the electionThe data reveals how Michigan is evolving politically and how Trump won the reliably purple statePresident Donald Trump returns to Michigan Tuesday to celebrate 100 days in office, returning to one of his favorite — and crucial — stops in the seven swing states that helped reelect him.
Fact check: Is Donald Trump keeping his promises to Michigan voters?

1 month ago | bridgemi.com | Mike Wilkinson

President Trump is acting on many of the promises he made on the campaign trail in Michigan, enacting tariffs and boosting deportations His administration is also working to roll back back environmental rules and attempted to freeze funding for electric vehicle chargers Critics have challenged the decisions in courts across the country, and some experts warn the economy may be on verge of recession As President Donald Trump campaigned through Michigan in 2024, he made bold promises to address...
Federal budget cut fears ripple, but Eden Prairie impact appears limited

1 month ago | eplocalnews.org | Mike Wilkinson

Amid the uproar over "Signalgate," few issues have generated more concern in recent weeks than the sweeping federal budget and workforce cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Whether it's Social Security, farm subsidies, Pell Grants or the Voice of America, the actions of President Donald Trump - and Elon Musk, whom some critics have dubbed the administration's "hatchet man" for his role in leading proposed federal cuts - have drawn widespread attention across the country.