Mike Wilkinson

Reporter at Bridge Michigan

Staff writer, Bridge

Articles

Michigan lawmakers seek $3.3B for nearly 800 pet projects

1 week 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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?

3 weeks 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.
Planned Parenthood’s Michigan closures leave UP without an abortion clinic

1 month ago | bridgemi.com | Mike Wilkinson

Planned Parenthood of Michigan is closing three clinics — including two in northern Michigan — citing funding threats and political pressure from the Trump administration Closures leave Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and much of northern Michigan without an in-person abortion provider Critics of Planned Parenthood and abortion rights hailed the news Planned Parenthood of Michigan will close three clinics this month, including two northern Michigan locations, blaming funding “threats” from the...
Michigan districts brace for cuts, as number of needy students falls

1 month ago | bridgemi.com | Isabel Lohman |Mike Wilkinson

Michigan has 58,000 fewer K-12 students classified as economically disadvantaged this school yearLargely the result of families no longer qualifying for Medicaid, the drop also means less money for districtsSchool leaders warn that funding reductions could impact tutoring, summer school, class sizes and staffing Over 58,000 fewer K-12 students in Michigan are now considered “economically disadvantaged,” a change that will cause hundreds of districts to get less state aid next year , experts say.
Michigan spent millions lowering college costs. Enrollment has barely budged

1 month ago | bridgemi.com | Isabel Lohman |Mike Wilkinson

Michigan high grads are choosing to enroll in college at a lower rate than pre-pandemicState leaders have invested millions to help make college more affordableA state leader says it takes time to show students that college can be in financial reach Michigan’s rate of sending high school graduates to college has barely budged since the pandemic, despite a huge infusion of state scholarship aid that has drastically cut tuition for most.
How many high school grads in your district went to college? Use this database

1 month ago | bridgemi.com | Mike Wilkinson

College enrollment among recent high school graduates fell sharply during the pandemic. Just 53.4% of 2024 high school graduates went off to college within six months of graduation.
Michigan public K-12 school enrollment falls again

Feb 13, 2025 | bridgemi.com | Mike Wilkinson |Isabel Lohman

K-12 student enrollment is down about half a percent from the previous school yearSome districts gain students including virtual schools and the state’s largest district, Detroit Public Schools Community DistrictThe declines follow years of student migration to private schoolsEnrollment in Michigan’s K-12 public schools fell again in 2024-25, though it was the smallest drop in several years, according to a Bridge Michigan analysis of state enrollment data released Thursday.