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.
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 inMichigan Politics Watch
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 Politics Watch
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 inMichigan Education Watch
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 Politics Watch
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 Politics Watch
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 inMichigan Education Watch
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.
