If you care about Michigan, please support our work.
Donate TodayPhil's Column
Phil Power is the founder and chairman of the Center for Michigan.
Articles
Crime, crime everywhere
A recent study co-written by the Mackinac Center shows how Michigan lawmakers have larded the criminal code with thousands of (often arcane) offenses that many folks wouldn’t consider inherently wrong.
Turning to families to improve children’s future
Plenty of evidence that gains in learning during a child’s development go right back to the day a baby is born.
Paying Jim Harbaugh millions to coach U-M makes business sense
Even at $5 million a year, hiring a big-name coach like Harbaugh – especially one the fan base thinks will walk on water – makes enormous sense when you consider ticket sales and Harbaugh’s professed interest in academics as well as football talent.
Detroit rescued by great leaders who kept showing up
A cast of judges, lawyers and politicians united by a shared sense of responsibility helped usher the city through bankruptcy with remarkable speed.
Transforming Detroit into a city that (also) works
By giving residents a point person in their district to solve problems, Detroit finally may be moving beyond the frustrating bureaucracy of generations past.
When Republicans have everything, will they have enough?
Republicans must quell disputes inside their own caucus and govern in a way that avoids the sin of overreach.
Why Bridge Magazine will never endorse candidates
Our work rests in the integrity of our journalism and the trust this earns with our readers. We do not want to do anything to be regarded as biased or partisan.
Commoditizing politics and football
When campaigns are driven by dark money and college sports are “branded” like Viagra, society dies just a bit
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.
Slamming the door on political ads
Both parties rightly complain of national party poo-bahs and bored billionaires messing with their effort to make their campaigns locally relevant to Michigan voters. Exhibit A: the wedding dress.
Detroit leaders display the art of governance
Retiring Congressman John Dingell says his biggest accomplishments over nearly six decades in Washington were brought about by bringing people together for the public good. That same philosophy is now playing out in Detroit.
Serious problems demand serious, experienced politicians
Michigan’s future leaders could do worse than to take part in the Michigan Political Leadership Program to hone their skills as capable public servants.
A dark-money cloud obscures issues that matter in Michigan
Who’s supporting the candidates running for office? How much are they investing in the outcome? Right now, we can only guess about much of it.
A new president, a noble history
Friday’s inauguration of Dr. Mark S. Schlissel at the University of Michigan was a moving demonstration of hope for our future.
Three years in, Bridge delivers the goods on public policy
Bridge is making good on its promise of fact-based, trustworthy, nonpartisan news and thoughtful analysis of the people’s business.
Hosannas to Free Press for exposing charter failings
What’s the sense in financially supporting charter schools if they are not producing better educational outcomes than the failing traditional public schools students are leaving behind?
The only cherry pie recipe you’ll need this summer
Tracing family roots to Michigan’s unparalleled sour cherry harvest.
What Michigan voters (really) want
Polls are a snapshot of public attitudes, but the state’s 2014 political candidates need the “Michigan Speaks” report to grasp what’s driving voters this election year.
A path through the political thicket for Bridge journalism
This publication’s reporting – and the Center for Michigan’s engagement work – led to two big wins for Michigan’s school children. Excuse us if we brag a little bit.