Detroit’s public university will welcome students back for the fall, but it will be anything but a normal semester.
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 Education Watch
Michigan schools lean toward returning kids to classrooms amid coronavirus
Students may wear face masks and may eat lunch at their desks, but the majority of Michigan schools that have announced plans for the fall are planning to offer families the option of full-time, face-to-face instruction.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Violence erupts in Michigan over state mask mandate ‘powder keg’
Tensions are boiling over as confrontations increase over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s mask rule designed to contain COVID-19 becomes “the number one anxiety-producing pain point for retailers right now.”
Posted inBusiness Watch
Whitmer orders Michigan stores to refuse entry to those not wearing masks
With coronavirus cases rising, Michigan’s governor toughened state face mask requirements. Starting Monday, expect to be refused entry to stores and restaurants if you’re not covered. Customers face fines, stores face closure for ignoring.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Whitmer: Michigan school reopening threatened by rising coronavirus cases
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer warned Michigan families Thursday: If you want kids back in school in September, wear face masks today. She also hinted at stronger enforcement actions in the coming days.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Huge drop in Michigan vaccinations scares experts during coronavirus
Michigan vaccinations in May were down 46 percent, raising health concerns about the flu and other illnesses. More troubling: rates for children 9 to 18 were down 66 percent, casting doubt on whether they will be allowed to enroll in school in the fall.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Nessel sues DeVos to stop coronavirus funding to Michigan private schools
Michigan’s attorney general joined AGs in several states in suing U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos over CARES Act dollars going to private schools. A DeVos spokesperson said the funding is intended for all students.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Here’s why Michigan won’t require social distancing in schools this fall
Desks won’t be six feet apart at your child’s elementary school in September, even if that’s the rule in restaurants. School officials say bringing students back full time would make social distancing nearly impossible.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan calls on schools to have masks but no social distancing in class
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s school reopening plan has one surprising takeaway: Schools can choose whether or not to bring all students back to class at the same time, with no state requirement that forces schools to run classes in shifts.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan parents: School coronavirus measures great, but don’t stop sports
Most parents want schools to reopen in September, according to a University of Michigan poll.