EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called the flurry of directives the ‘most consequential day of deregulation in American history.’ Michigan environmentalists agree — but they don’t think it’s a good thing.
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
How Michigan may be impacted by Trump plan to gut Department of Education
The president intends to slash in half the number of employees in the department starting March 21. What cutting the agency does — and doesn’t — mean for states, college loans and services to disabled students.
Posted inTalent & Education
Trump admin to University of Michigan: Stop antisemitism, or face 'enforcement'
Trump administration warns 60 schools — including University of Michigan — they must do more to protect Jewish students from discrimination after pro-Palestinian protests over the Israel-Hamas war.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan food banks hit by Trump funding freeze to local farmers
A Biden-era program that pays local farmers to supply food for the needy is one of dozens of programs that Donald Trump has temporarily halted amid efforts to examine government spending.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan automakers get break on Trump tariffs — for now
Facing supply chain chaos and higher costs for consumers, Michigan auto leaders convinced President Donald Trump to give them a temporary exemption to 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
Posted inMichigan Government
Trump tariffs spark ‘trade war’ with Michigan’s biggest trade partners
Trump argues tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China will ultimately benefit states like Michigan and its dominant auto industry. But foreign leaders are fighting back with retaliatory tariffs.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Fentanyl came to a tiny UP town. Then the funerals began
One after another, Rapid River’s young people died of overdoses, as a small town learned it can’t escape Michigan’s opioid crisis.
Posted inTalent & Education
A stampede for child care in Traverse City reveals ‘heartbreaking’ crisis
This month in Traverse City, 240 child care slots were snapped up in 2 minutes, the latest sign of a statewide crisis that costs Michigan some $3 billion annually and creates countless headaches.
Posted inMichigan Government
In Detroit, worried immigrants ask: ‘Who will take my kids if I’m deported?’
There has been a rush of immigrants facing possible deportation to create guardianships to protect their children.
Posted inMichigan Government
From Sleeping Bear to North Country Trail, advocates fear worst from Trump cuts
At Michigan national parks, lakeshores and hiking trails, officials are grappling with a hiring freeze and potential loss of federal funding under Trump, who is vowing to cut wasteful government spending.