Primary voters in Dickinson County will go the polls Tuesday; probably in the same sedan. A county-by-county guide to voter apathy in Michigan.
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
Even with no opposition, is Proposal 1 in trouble?
Support from Republicans and Democrats. More than $8 million in spending. No organized opposition. Why is the public skeptical?
Posted inTalent & Education
Paying students to graduate
Grand Valley may have found the secret to on-time graduation: Financial incentives.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Cherry wars: The crazy economics of Michigan’s favorite pitted fruit
Cherries dumped in ditches? Polish imports? With the National Cherry Festival in full swing, one cherry producer is left with a sour taste.
Posted inTalent & Education
Legislature green-lights second straight major preschool expansion
More than 10,000 additional needy four year olds will likely find seats in public preschool next fall thanks to final legislative approval this week of Gov. Rick Snyder’s plan to double the size of Michigan’s public preschool programs. This caps two years of work by local school districts, private preschool providers, and early childhood advocates to solve a major preschool shortage.
Posted inTalent & Education
Bridge reporting leads to tougher teacher testing
Aspiring teachers will soon face tougher tests after the Michigan Legislature last night approved $1.8 million for certification test upgrades.
Posted inUrban Affairs
In Hillsdale, crumbling streets but support for fixing state’s 'eyesore'
Like small communities across Michigan, Hillsdale is quietly laying off police, reducing services and watching its roads fall to pieces. And yet, there is support for state aid to Michigan’s largest city.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Dennis Archer: Supporting Detroit benefits entire state
Detroit’s former mayor argues that the city’s negative image brings down all of Michigan – even hundreds of miles away.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Public to politicians: Fix our roads!
Michigan residents are sending politicians the clear message that it’s time to spend more on the state's deteriorating roads. Even if it means raising taxes.
Posted inTalent & Education
Gridlocked on change, state may bring back reviled MEAP next fall
The legislature’s inability to decide on a test that accurately measures student growth may impact students and teachers next fall.