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.
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
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.
Posted inMichigan Government
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.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
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.
Posted inTalent & Education
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.
Posted inMichigan Government
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.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Wind wars: Wind turbines put green energy on the ballot in mid-Michigan
Resistance to wind and solar farms is growing across the farmlands of Michigan, where locals, not the state, control site approval. Nowhere is that fight more intense than Montcalm County.
Posted inMichigan Government
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.
Posted inTalent & Education
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.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan Achievement Scholarship: How to apply and get your college funds
There will be a lot of money for college on the table for high school seniors graduating next year. But first, they need to fill out forms.