Mike Wilkinson

Optimism is beginning to percolate across much of the city, as a can-do mayor attempts to make good on bold promises. Hard numbers are more difficult to come by.

A majority of residents are sending politicians a clear message that it’s time to spend more on Michigan roads. Even if it means raising taxes.

Michigan's school districts and charter academies vary widely in the amount of money each gets from state, local and federal sources. Use our tool to find your own.

In the last eight years, roads have taken a pounding, with Michigan spending the least in the nation on road work. Use our searchable database to find the current condition of roads in your community.

Detroit, Flint and other poor, mostly African-American school districts get the bulk of the blame for the state’s declining test scores. But the latest research shows Michigan students of all stripes are falling behind their peers nationally – yes, even white, middle-class students. A Bridge Special Report.

Detroit owes thousands of people, businesses and banks roughly $18 billion. Does it owe you? Scan the Bridge database for the names of city creditors and what they’re due.

A bankruptcy judge has yet to sign off on Detroit’s proposal for paying thousands of creditors. But there are signs of who is likely to benefit most when the bankruptcy dust settles.

Gov. Rick Snyder has pushed hard to make Michigan welcoming for immigrant entrepreneurs and international students at our colleges and universities. New Census data shows just how valuable well-educated newcomers are to Michigan’s economic recovery.

Mayor Duggan vows to improve services in six months. We have broader ambitions – to mark where Detroit stands today on jobs, safety and other key measures, then hold leaders accountable in the year ahead.

Money may not solve everything, but it would sure help ordinary Detroiters when they need working fire trucks, ambulances and police cars. Bankruptcy savings may provide a real boost.