Ron French
Bridge Magazine
United States
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Past articles by Ron:
Michigan prosecutor mulls charging Lapeer library over LGBTQ book
In an escalation of Michigan’s library wars, the Lapeer County prosecutor is threatening criminal charges if a public library doesn’t remove a controversial book. → Read More
From migrant worker to Michigan teacher: ‘Just keep fighting for your dreams’
A Kalamazoo kindergarten teacher uses his childhood in a migrant family to inspire his students, and chide those who might count them out. → Read More
Democrats push Michigan gun reforms. Here’s what the laws are now
Michigan residents have gone on a gun-buying frenzy in recent years, according to the limited data authorities have on gun purchases and ownership. → Read More
MSU shooting update: University to ask state for more security money
Trustee Chair Rema Vassar said MSU is rushing to ask the Legislature for security upgrade funds, which will likely include tightening building access. She also signaled an upcoming review of campus security by outside experts. → Read More
For grieving Michigan State students, a day of doggos, donuts and mom hugs
On Spartan Sunday, volunteers provided a day of positive vibes and plenty of treats for MSU students as they prepared to return to class following last Monday’s mass shooting. The idea, one volunteer said, is to show ‘there is still good in the world.’ → Read More
Michigan State shootings: MSU to pay victims’ hospital bills, funeral costs
MSU students return to classes Monday after last week’s mass shooting for what university officials admit will not be a normal week – or a normal semester. → Read More
Michigan State weighs security plan after rampage. Here are some options
MSU is conducting a security review over the coming months. It’s a debate that seeks to balance the openness of a large, public university with keeping students and staff safe. Here is how other colleges have tried to protect students. → Read More
Michigan State students from Oxford hope to ‘survive long enough to graduate’
Some MSU students have now survived multiple mass shootings. All have been changed by constant fear of active shooters → Read More
Did Johnny write this or a robot? AI chatbots rock Michigan schools
Artificial intelligence writing generators like ChatGPT can compose school assignments at the click of a button. Is it the end of writing as we know it? An invitation to cheating? Or a handy tool like a calculator? → Read More
With growing backlash to wind energy, Michigan turns to solar power
Michigan wants to increase renewable energy. Will solar parks spread across hundreds of acres meet less resistance than wind turbines taller than the Washington Monument? → Read More
Democrats eye renewable energy reform. A mid-Michigan county may be a model
After 40 years, Democrats assume complete control of Lansing in January and say they want to tackle climate policy. The experience of accepting wind and solar farms in Gratiot County could be a model for the state. → Read More
Michigan GOP official: Shut down ‘by force’ public library with LGBTQ books
The Ottawa County Sheriff is investigating Facebook comments by a GOP congressional committee chair who called for the Patmos Library to be shut by “force” after the library refused to remove books with LGBTQ content. → Read More
After LGBT book spat, Michigan family gives $100K to library they haven’t seen
The donation keeps the Patmos Library in Jamestown Township open longer after residents defeated tax requests over objections to sexually charged books. But the library’s fate is uncertain without public funding. → Read More
A Texas lawsuit could stifle Michigan access to the abortion pill
Just when Michigan voters thought abortion rights were secure, a federal lawsuit filed in Texas by an anti-abortion coalition could curtail, at least temporarily, a medication used in 50 percent of procedures. → Read More
Hate the flood of political texts? Here’s what Michigan can and can’t do.
Political campaign texting is annoying for those on the receiving end, but they’re a cheap way to reach potential voters. Michigan can’t eliminate them, but lawmakers and others can take steps to limit unwanted texts. → Read More
Mid-Michigan smacks down wind energy. Will it harm the state’s green plan?
Montcalm County voters rejected five renewable energy referendums and recalled several local officials who supported the plans. There is growing opposition to wind and solar farms as Michigan attempts to chart a green energy path. → Read More
Michigan town library defunded over LGBTQ books loses vote again, may close
The Patmos Library in Ottawa County’s Jamestown Township wants to keep LGBTQ-themed books on its shelves. Not with our tax money, voters said again on Tuesday. → Read More
Why LGBTQ books may imperil west Michigan library: ‘This isn’t New York’
The Patmos Library in Ottawa County is trying again Tuesday with a tax request to keep the doors open. Residents though are still upset that some books remain on shelves. → Read More
As Michigan election nears, some apprehension over strife at polls
Will more poll observers and challengers increase trust in the election process, or foster conflict? Michigan is about to find out. → Read More
Dearborn parents assail LGBTQ books with sexual themes at school hearing
The Dearborn Public Schools board needed a larger auditorium to hold the hundreds of parents, residents and teachers who arrived Thursday to argue over whether six book titles should remain on school library shelves. → Read More