We’ve followed Michigan residents with diverse political views since the 2016 presidential election. They came together in one room on a recent morning. Here’s what happened.
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 inQuality of Life
Trump and anti-Trump Michiganders meet: A photo story
Coffee, donuts, laughs and a few tears: a year after a divisive presidential election, voters meet to swap political views amid hopes they can work together on some issues.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Michigan gerrymandering petition on pace for ballot. Will state justices stop it?
The 300,000-plus registered voters may not be as important as seven state Supreme Court justices in determining if an independent commission should set political boundaries rather than politicians.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
California holds clues to how a redistricting commission could change Michigan
More competitive races. More public input. But don’t look for a massive swing in electoral prospects.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
How much money Michigan would lose under Graham-Cassidy
Estimates range up to $8 billion-plus as Republicans prepare for one final shot at repealing Obamacare before a coming deadline.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
U-M asks, ‘Where are the poor kids?’
It may be a world-renowned university, but the University of Michigan has yet to figure out how to get more low-income students to enroll. The solution may come down to a one-word marketing tweak: Free
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Text messages and rap videos. How the state is telling poor students they too can afford college.
It sounds like a mix between Big Brother and Helicopter Mom, but a three-year-old state program that helps guide first-generation college students and their families through the maze of financial aid may help Michigan increase low-income college enrollment.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Betsy DeVos wants to rethink how colleges probe sexual assault. She may have a point.
Bridge investigations into assault cases at major Michigan universities reveal practices that should trouble both victims of sexual assault, and those who are accused.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan college students are binging on booze. Time for more kegs?
When Michigan turned off the tap at underage parties, binge drinking became more dangerous. Some say it’s time to go back to kegs.
Posted inQuality of Life
Trump’s DACA reversal a nightmare to this west Michigan ‘dreamer’
Wilfredo Diaz came to America when he was 9. At 22, he may have to return to Guatemala because of a decision made by President Trump.
