President Donald Trump is taking steps to further shrink the Department of Education’s influence in education.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel Lohman reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan, tracking how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. She has closely reported on literacy, absenteeism and special education. Isabel was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit's 2026 Young Journalist of the Year award. Before joining Bridge, she covered children's issues for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, reporting on COVID-19 in schools and communities coping with gun violence.
Isabel grew up outside of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2022.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan districts brace for cuts, as number of needy students falls
The number of students considered ‘economically disadvantaged’ students in Michigan fell 7.5% this year. That means millions less for schools, even if the finances of the students’ families haven’t necessarily changed.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan spent millions lowering college costs. Enrollment has barely budged
Last year, Michigan invested well over $100 million in student scholarships. Even so, the rate of high school grads going to college is still below pre-pandemic levels.
Posted inTalent & Education
U-M, Grand Valley targeted for civil rights probes by Trump administration
The Trump administration announced new civil rights investigations into two universities in Michigan.
Posted inTalent & Education
How Michigan may be impacted by Trump plan to gut Department of Education
The president intends to slash in half the number of employees in the department starting March 21. What cutting the agency does — and doesn’t — mean for states, college loans and services to disabled students.
Posted inTalent & Education
Trump admin to University of Michigan: Stop antisemitism, or face 'enforcement'
Trump administration warns 60 schools — including University of Michigan — they must do more to protect Jewish students from discrimination after pro-Palestinian protests over the Israel-Hamas war.
Posted inTalent & Education
Facing deadline to end DEI, Michigan schools ask crucial question: What is DEI?
What is DEI? Leaders say it depends who you ask. But federal funding to schools could be on the line.
Posted inTalent & Education
U-M squeezed by Trump cuts; Social Security research project halted
U-M is part of a halted, $15M research project that conducts Social Security research. University president Santa Ono tells staff to expect ‘significant repercussions’ due to federal cuts.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan high school graduation rates reach new high
Michigan leaders cite several reasons for the increase: opportunities to make up class credit, career and tech classes that students enjoy and more.
Posted inTalent & Education
Two years later: How Michigan State University has changed campus safety
MSU has installed classroom door locks, added cell phone numbers to emergency alerts and installed more cameras. Leaders say a centralized security system enhances overall safety too.
