Phil's Column

Drunks in snowbanks, toes chopped off with an axe, and other pleasant tales from the arctic tundra.

The Center for Michigan and Bridge are embarking on the immense task of developing fact-based, statistical measures of Michigan’s economy, education system, health and environment to help solve the state’s most vexing problems.

Even the coldest, loneliest holiday season can be warmed with Handel, a pet wolf and a caribou roast

The U.S. Education Secretary nominee should recommend that the state markedly improve oversight of charter schools and demand the release of private charter companies’ financial statements.

A heavily censored Chinese media is not conducive to a well-informed citizenry. But free speech alone won’t solve problems facing the U.S.

Your tax-deductible investment in nonprofit journalism will help Bridge expand our data-driven policy analysis, political watchdog work and the best education coverage in the state

There is often a direct relationship between a candidate having a compelling vision for our society and the enthusiasm of the voter

When we cannot even agree on facts, how can we reasonably discuss politics or policy, much less governance?

Admiring the leadership traits that turned the University of Michigan student into the leading voice of the 1960s campus anti-war movement.

The RTA plan isn’t perfect, but it may be our last, best chance for moving our region forward.

Fighting the tide of media cutbacks, Bridge journalism provides insight into the events of the day and a sense of community togethernes

Here’s hoping the Senate won’t weasel out of a bill that makes lawmakers subject to the open records law. Lansing must also keep the rigorous M-STEP test, Michigan’s best bet for accurately gauging our students’ success.

Students today are being asked to assume debt levels that are far higher than they were before Lansing started cutting back on support for higher ed

As the state continues to starve Michigan cities of needed revenue, two civic-minded philanthropists are working to ease the financial burden on their beloved Kalamazoo.

A very big reason Michigan students are falling behind is the very structure of our education system blurs responsibility and eliminates accountability

History teaches that when political leaders are tone deaf, frustrated and aroused citizens often take things into their own hands.

Reflecting on the special glories of a Michigan summer holiday

Bridge Magazine’s new book on the Flint water crisis, “Poison on Tap,” reminds readers what can happen when our institutions start breaking down.

It’s time for leaders in the legislature to put aside short-term skirmishes that produce momentary headlines and focus on longer-term imperatives that will leave a lasting mark.

State policies over many decades are choking off revenue to cities across the state. Is Michigan willing to change?