Republicans are promising another effort to change the way Michigan electoral votes are apportioned in presidential races, giving Republican candidates an advantage even when most state votes go to a Democrat.
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
10 issues to watch in Legislature’s “lame-duck” session
By all accounts, finding money to fix Michigan’s roads is a priority. But what after that? A school bill? Or something nuclear, like changing how we count presidential electoral votes?
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Election Day Playbook: What to watch for tonight
Woody Allen once famously said that “80 percent of success is just showing up.” But Dems would probably settle for half that as they seek to unseat an incumbent governor.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Election preview: How a handful of House races could shape Michigan’s future
With the state House perhaps up for grabs, uncertainty for tea party candidates and what could be a close race for governor, Lansing’s approach to road funding, education and other key issues is unsettled.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
The governor’s race: where they stand (in 3 minutes or less)
Incumbent Rick Snyder and challenger Mark Schauer differ on a lot of issues. Here’s a primer before you step into the voting booth.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
State schools chief: Michigan is 10 years behind leading states
Superintendent Mike Flanagan tells Bridge he is baffled by Michigan’s poor scores on national tests, has been slow to act on key reforms, and may have stayed in his job too long.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Smartest kids: What Michigan schools can learn from leading states
Students from Minnesota to Florida are learning more. Is Michigan ready to do something about it?
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Smartest kids: In Florida, early reading and frequent testing bring results, and pushback
Emphasis on literacy and testing to monitor progress are credited with a rise in student learning in Florida, particularly for low-income and minority students. But some ask, how much is too much?
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Smartest kids: Teaching starts early, with special focus on the poor, in Minnesota
Minnesota traces its elite status to tough academic standards, the nation’s most extensive early childhood education program and higher investment in low-income schools.
Posted inQuality of Life
DNR yields to public and will not allow drilling under prized land at Hartwick Pines
A Bridge article revealing possible oil leasing under the virgin pines produced a backlash from environmental groups, and from the family that donated the land. The DNR says it may still allow drilling in other parts of the park.
