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.
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 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.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan universities would lose millions if Trump caps research costs
In a move temporarily suspended by a judge, National Institutes of Health is attempting to limit administrative fees of grants. Trump officials say that brings costs in line with the private sector. Researchers say the move could cost Michigan universities and hospitals hundreds of millions of dollars and stymie research.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan transgender youths to continue high school sports, despite Trump order
The Michigan High School Athletic Association is not planning to immediately change a policy that allows two students to compete. The NCAA will comply with Trump’s order barring transgender athletes from women’s sports.
Posted inTalent & Education
MSU apologizes for canceling Chinese student event after Trump order
The university now says the decision to cancel a Chinese New Year lunch for students was an ‘overreaction.’ It has been rescheduled.
Posted inMichigan Government
Detroit help desk for immigrants facing deportation reopens — for now
A service to help immigrants navigate immigration court was halted by President Donald Trump. A court ordered it temporarily reopened.
Posted inTalent & Education
Trump orders school choice, ‘patriotic’ history. What it means for Michigan
President Donald Trump wants to stop “indoctrination” of K-12 students. Local educators aren’t sure what he means.