There are 22 counties — mostly in northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula — where under 60% of homes have broadband access.
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
Suicides plague Michigan farms. Michigan just ended money to help
Generational pride and everyday despair coexist on Michigan’s 44,000 farms, fueling a suicide rate five times the state average. In this year’s budget, Michigan ended funding for counseling some credit with saving lives.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Suicide rate highest in northern Michigan: services are scarce, guns plentiful
More people die by suicide than in car crashes or homicides. Deaths are rising, and rural areas have higher rates because of isolation and access to care and firearms.
Posted inBusiness Watch
So long, pennies! US stops making cents. Michigan customers feel the pinch
From rounding to the nearest nickel to bonuses at banks, the penny shortage is hitting home in Michigan.
Posted inOutdoors Life
How a bonus led to Edmund Fitzgerald sinking. And 6 more surprises about ship
The Great Lakes’ most famous shipwreck was 50 years ago. Theories abound, but the Fitzgerald wouldn’t have even been on Lake Superior if not for the medical bills of the captain’s wife.
Posted inTalent & Education
Unlike Michigan, Indiana got tough on missing school. It’s already working
Cross the border into Indiana, and chronic absenteeism rates are often half of what they are in Michigan. That’s because Indiana noticed a problem and passed laws demanding accountability.
Posted inTalent & Education
As Lansing mulls change, Michigan schools face uphill fight against absenteeism
Educators send letters to parents, host meetings and even pick up students to combat absenteeism as lawmakers consider a stronger approach.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan K-12 crisis: State slow to respond as kids miss school, scores fall
Michigan has some of the highest absenteeism rates in the nation — and worst reading scores. It’s not a coincidence, but unlike other states, Michigan has been slow to pursue reforms.
Posted inMichigan Government
United in tragedy, Oxford and Rochester Hills offer lessons to Grand Blanc
The Genesee County suburb joins a sad list of Michigan communities that have to recover from mass shootings. ‘The aftermath gets harder,’ Oxford’s police chief says.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Trump, Tylenol and autism: Warning spurs confusion in Michigan. What to know
The Trump administration’s warning that Tylenol taken by expectant moms may increase the risk of autism has raised questions in Michigan doctor offices.