Residents owe a total of $51 billion in Michigan. Here’s a primer on what we know so far about a plan to forgive some — or all — of that debt.
Ron French
Ron reports on a variety of subjects across the state. Ron came to Bridge in 2011 from The Detroit News, where he was a project reporter. Born and raised in Indiana, Ron graduated from Purdue University. He reported for newspapers across Indiana before moving to Michigan in 1995. Ron lives in Okemos, and like the true Michigander he’s become, he now has a family cabin Up North. You can reach him at rfrench@bridgemi.com or 517-214-3636.
Posted inTalent & Education
At MSU, isotope center opens to unlock universe, revolutionize medicine
Scientists from around the world are expected to flock to East Lansing to conduct research at the $730 million Facility for Rare Isotopes, which officially opens Monday. Its particle accelerator is faster than yours.
Posted inTalent & Education
At Michigan State, graduation haunted by ‘what could have been’ without COVID
The pandemic didn’t hospitalize or kill as many college students as it did their grandparents, but it still left a mark on “the best four years of your life.”
Posted inTalent & Education
Low-income Michigan students fare far better at some colleges than others
The majority of Michigan’s public universities, and half its private colleges, are below the national average in the percentage of their low-income students who earn a degree. Some do far better than others in ensuring these students graduate.
Posted inTalent & Education
MSU to drop mask mandate in May, but will keep COVID vax rule next year
The move by Michigan State University reflects the downward trend in new coronavirus cases in the state, as well as the removal of similar mandates in K-12 schools.
Posted inTalent & Education
With COVID masks gone, Michigan students relearn how to play and study
Pandemic measures such as masks and remote learning helped curb the spread of the virus. But educators across the state report they took a toll on young learners’ social and emotional development.
Posted inMichigan Government
Northern Michigan township official apologizes for ‘colored people’ remark
Whitewater Township Planning Commission member Mike Jacobson, 59, said he did not intend to offend, but used a term employed by his parents and grandparents from the 1960’s. In his mind, he said, it was not much different from the term, “people of color.”
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan wine country again confronts race, and its own isolation
In an overwhelmingly white region around Traverse City, residents are divided over the implications of the latest incident, in which a public official made reference to “colored people.”
Posted inTalent & Education
For Michigan high school seniors: How to select the right college for you
Pushing for the best price and finding a school that’s the right fit are just two factors to consider when deciding where to enroll in the fall, according to two top college advisors.
Posted inTalent & Education
Angry Up North: scars linger after Michigan school mask mandates end
Fissures over COVID safety protections in schools have left a region divided and sent a veteran health officer packing.