Michigan’s prison population has begun to rise slightly after years of decline, bringing correctional facilities closer to full capacity as the number of available beds shrinks following recent prison closures.
Janelle D. James
Janelle D. James covers breaking news at Bridge Michigan. She joined the staff in January 2023. Previously, she worked as a Capital News Correspondent at Michigan State University where she covered state and local policy issues. She also worked as a breaking news intern at the Detroit Free Press. She has a bachelors degree in journalism and political science from Michigan State University. She is from Detroit. You can reach her at jjames@bridgemi.com and on Twitter at Janelle___j.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan sues prediction market Kalshi, alleging illegal sports betting
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has sued KalshiEx LLC, arguing the company is operating an unlicensed sports betting platform through its prediction market contracts.
Posted inBusiness Watch
How Michigan helped launch one of the nation’s first passenger airline services
Commercial passenger aviation in the United States traces key roots to the Detroit area, where aeronautical engineer William B. Stout designed the Stout 3-AT, one of the first all-metal passenger airplanes.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan gas prices jump 24 cents as Iran conflict escalates
Gas prices across Michigan surged 24 cents in a week, including a 12-cent spike in one day, bringing the statewide average to about $3.24 per gallon, according to AAA. The increase follows rising crude oil prices tied to escalating conflict between the US and Iran.
Posted inMichigan Government
Marijuana tax payouts dip in Michigan amid sales slump
Michigan will distribute nearly $94 million in marijuana tax revenue to local governments and tribes, a slight decline as cannabis sales slow statewide. See how much each community will get.
Posted inMichigan Government
Mold, medical failures alleged at Michigan women’s prison
Lawmakers are scrutinizing conditions at the Huron Valley Correctional Facility following the death of an inmate from a treatable infection and testimony alleging mold, poor ventilation and unsafe living conditions.
Posted inQuality of Life
Golden goals: How Michigan athletes fared at the Winter Olympics
Eleven Michigan athletes have won gold medals at the Winter Olympics. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was there to celebrate.
Posted inMichigan Government, Michigan Health Watch
Got raw milk? Michigan proposal would legalize wider sales
Republican-backed bills would allow Michigan farmers to sell unpasteurized milk directly to consumers. Critics contend there would be health risks, but supporters say consumers should be able to decide.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan gives parolees IDs in bid to keep them from returning to prison
The Michigan Department of Corrections has provided 30,000 inmates with state IDs and other vital documents before release to ease reentry and reduce recidivism. But exonerees, who are often released on short notice, may not have the same opportunity to secure those documents.
Posted inMichigan Government, Outdoors Life
Are campgrounds a solution to Michigan housing crunch? Some lawmakers think so
New proposal would allow extended stays of more than half a year at campgrounds in some parts of Michigan. Some are skeptical but one sponsor says it could ‘help solve the housing problem.’