The coronavirus has left college officials with hard choices about the fall semester — bring students back, continue remote learning, or find a hybrid approach. Bridge will track plans as they are announced.
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
With ‘no way’ to stay safe, coronavirus drives Michigan teacher to quit
Liza McArdle taught foreign languages for 27 years. Now, she’s saying adios to teaching, saying she fears safety precautions won’t be enough to protect her from catching potentially deadly COVID-19 at Huron High School.
Posted inTalent & Education
Whitmer: Michigan students can return to class if coronavirus stays steady
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday that schools will reopen in September. But what those classrooms will look like will vary greatly among school districts.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan colleges vow to reopen in fall. Experts say read the fine print.
Many colleges and universities are planning for students to return to campus in the fall. But there are caveats due to the unpredictability of COVID-19. And on campus or off, college life promises to be much different.
Posted inTalent & Education
No band, buses or sports? Budget cuts could cripple Michigan schools
School leaders across the state are pleading for federal funding to ease otherwise crippling budget cuts caused by coronavirus revenue shortfalls.
Posted inTalent & Education
Nearly a third of Michigan educators mull quitting because of coronavirus
A survey of Michigan educators reveals that thousands may flee schools because of the pandemic, putting further strain on a school system facing budget cuts and uncertain public health restraints.
Posted inTalent & Education
MSU’s likely fall plan: face masks, takeout food and Saturday classes
College will be a far different experience for students in East Lansing in September, as the school works to keep students and staff safe from the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inTalent & Education
MSU football may return amid coronavirus but with fewer fans and face masks
MSU President Samuel Stanley suggests college football could return safely, but with lots of testing, only 20 percent of Spartan Stadium filled and fans in face masks. Welcome to COVID college football.
Posted inUrban Affairs
White cops in black communities underscore tension in Michigan protests
Police departments in several Michigan cities have a lower share of African-American officers than the communities they serve, leading to some scars that have yet to heal.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan State to bring students back to campus in fall amid coronavirus
Classes will be back in session in East Lansing, but students will leave at Thanksgiving. Football weekends? Those are still up in the air.