Despite last-minute changes due to the weather, ebullient Republicans who traveled to Washington for the inauguration were overjoyed by the return of Trump.
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 inMichigan Government
On MAGA bus from Michigan, redemption, celebration for Trump inauguration
An overnight bus ride was a satisfying end of four years of frustration for Michigan fans of Donald Trump. ‘I view him as the savior of the country just like George Washington,’ one says.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Whooping cough cases skyrocket in Michigan, as vaccinations decline
A potentially deadly disease in infants, whooping cough — pertussis — has exploded in Michigan this year, in part because of decreased vaccination rates.
Posted inMichigan Government
Ten ways Michigan may change under Trump, from doctors and EVs to school lunch
More doctors but fewer insurance options for the needy? Tax credits for private schools, but not EVs? Here’s what residents can expect in 2025 under President-elect Donald Trump.
Posted inTalent & Education
Broadband internet still lags in rural Michigan; new program links 30k homes
Michigan is 31st nationwide for broadband access, with 1 in 10 residents lacking access. Slowly but surely, though, it is spreading across rural Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
How nuclear plant, teacher layoffs inform Michigan’s ‘dark store’ tax debate
When big box stores receive lowered tax assessments, the impact is felt in schools and township halls. The tax policy may be debated in the upcoming ‘lame duck’ session.
Posted inMichigan Government
Democratic bills aim to rein in library book challenges in Michigan
The bills would set statewide standards, requiring books and movies to be declared obscene by courts before they are challenged. Democrats have six weeks to pass the legislation before losing the majority in the House.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Online betting increases Michigan revenue — and gambling addiction
Calls to Michigan’s problem gambling helpline tripled after gambling on phones and laptops was legalized in 2021.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A UP community may lose EMS service in state prison payment dispute
The state and a national health care provider are squabbling over a contract, and the losers are Michigan ambulance services
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Farmington Hills’ use of opioid funds to backfill budget prompts AG complaint
The money coming into Michigan communities is intended to help with the drug epidemic. The Oakland County suburb is using it to pay itself back for old costs.