Bridge is welcoming interns from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and a recent graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology.
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
In west Michigan, library that survived LGBTQ book flap closes as staffers quit
Tensions are high again in Ottawa County, as staffers quit the Patmos Library after a conservative board takes over.
Posted inTalent & Education
‘Gutted.’ Michigan losing $200M in fed research funding, with more in limbo
Research at Michigan universities and hospitals – including work on cancer treatments and Great Lakes algae blooms — is being pared back or delayed as the Trump administration slashes federal spending.
Posted inMichigan Government
‘It’s devastating’: Michigan loses about $15M in federal AmeriCorps cuts
The cuts to the program will impact literacy tutors, homeless assistance and the Special Olympics as a result of efforts to slash the federal budget.
Posted inMichigan Government
Trump tried to fire Michigan workers. For now, he’s paying them to sit at home
Michigan has 79,000 federal workers. Some placed on administrative leave have a message for Washington: If you’re paying us, let us work.
Posted inTalent & Education
Donald Trump restores student visas after revoking 70-plus in Michigan
Government lawyers said the federal government is reversing the termination of legal status for international students after lawsuits across the country, including in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Travel from Canada to Michigan plummets amid tariffs, border scrutiny
Border crossings from Canada to Michigan have dropped significantly, especially by car, amid heightened security and a Canadian travel boycott sparked by US tariffs.
Posted inTalent & Education
Records: Feds use arrests, not convictions, to revoke Michigan student visas
New court filings show four Michigan students who now face deportations had run-ins with police years ago. There is no evidence the arrests led to charges, let alone convictions.
Posted inTalent & Education
Studies raise warnings about Michigan child care access, cost
Families can’t afford to pay and workers can’t afford to stay. Michigan’s child care crisis is crimping family budgets and hobbling Michigan businesses.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Crush of retirees a crisis in Michigan. State unprepared to meet their needs
Michigan spends more than many states and gets less in return on services for seniors, who face long waits for care, transportation gaps and bureaucracy that pushes them to nursing homes. The problems will only get worse.