Bridge obtained a copy of the 300-page report into treatment at Michigan’s tribal boarding schools that was squelched by state officials. Among other recommendations, authors sought an apology and money to teach what was lost.
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
Michigan spent $1.1M probing tribal boarding schools, then buried the results
The author of a report into treatment at state Native American schools is accusing Michigan of trying to ‘whitewash’ history. Tribes are worried nothing will come of the inquiry.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan gets low marks for traffic safety laws in national report
Traffic deaths have jumped since the pandemic nationally, and even more so in Michigan.
Posted inTalent & Education
Rural Michigan broadband access to jump with $920M in fed funding
There are 22 counties — mostly in northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula — where under 60% of homes have broadband access.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Suicides plague Michigan farms. Michigan just ended money to help
Generational pride and everyday despair coexist on Michigan’s 44,000 farms, fueling a suicide rate five times the state average. In this year’s budget, Michigan ended funding for counseling some credit with saving lives.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Suicide rate highest in northern Michigan: services are scarce, guns plentiful
More people die by suicide than in car crashes or homicides. Deaths are rising, and rural areas have higher rates because of isolation and access to care and firearms.
Posted inBusiness Watch
So long, pennies! US stops making cents. Michigan customers feel the pinch
From rounding to the nearest nickel to bonuses at banks, the penny shortage is hitting home in Michigan.
Posted inOutdoors Life
How a bonus led to Edmund Fitzgerald sinking. And 6 more surprises about ship
The Great Lakes’ most famous shipwreck was 50 years ago. Theories abound, but the Fitzgerald wouldn’t have even been on Lake Superior if not for the medical bills of the captain’s wife.
Posted inTalent & Education
Unlike Michigan, Indiana got tough on missing school. It’s already working
Cross the border into Indiana, and chronic absenteeism rates are often half of what they are in Michigan. That’s because Indiana noticed a problem and passed laws demanding accountability.
Posted inTalent & Education
As Lansing mulls change, Michigan schools face uphill fight against absenteeism
Educators send letters to parents, host meetings and even pick up students to combat absenteeism as lawmakers consider a stronger approach.