A soon-to-be published book chronicles a Michigan journalist’s journey to uncover her family’s history in the state’s notorious Indian boarding schools.
Ron French
Ron French is the senior enterprise reporter at Bridge Michigan, covering a wide range of topics including rural communities, federal policy impacts, education and public health. Born and raised in Indiana, Ron came to Bridge in 2011 from The Detroit News, where he was a project reporter, and previously reported for newspapers across Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University.
Rooted in Okemos, Ron has become a true Michigander — complete with a family cabin Up North.
Posted inMichigan Government
Other states shrink local governments. Michigan law preserves archaic ‘mess’
Michigan has more local governments and puts more tasks on them than most other states. Other states have shrunk government, but Michigan law makes mergers or dissolving extremely difficult.
Posted inMichigan Government
Facing money woes, Michigan villages mull extreme solutions: ceasing to exist
Michigan has 252 villages. Some are older than the state and want to disband. Experts say that should set off alarms in Lansing.
Posted inMichigan Government
Rural Michigan in crisis: Too many governments that too few want to lead
Many of Michigan’s nearly 1,500 townships and villages are run by part-time retirees in their 80s who are begging for help. The system is frayed and, without reform, communities could falter. Lansing isn’t coming to rescue.
Posted inMichigan Government, Quality of Life
Michigan preps for an American birthday party muted by political divides
Michigan towns will host big fireworks and dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence. But amid partisan divides, some aren’t in the mood to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Posted inTalent & Education
Northern Michigan found a way to cut school absenteeism. Lansing may defund it
One reason Michigan is behind other states in test scores is because kids miss so much school. But a program hailed as a model is at risk of losing nearly half its funding.
Posted inMichigan Government
Perry Johnson makes it on GOP governor ballot despite last-minute allegations
The Oakland County businessman is one of 4 Republicans on the Aug. 4 primary. A board had not received complaints about petition irregularities before approving the ballot on Thursday.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan cities, counties have spent 18% of opioid settlement funds
The one-time funds meant to battle the opioid crisis are being spent slowly. That may not be a bad thing, says one expert.
Posted inBusiness Watch
A victim of its popularity, Petoskey struggles as home prices hit $1 million
With half of its homes occupied only a few months of the year, Petoskey is facing a housing crisis for year-round residents.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan farms ‘losing money on every acre’ as war spikes costs
Rising diesel and fertilizer prices are pinching Michigan corn farmers as they prep for planting season.