Spit, swear or read fortunes at your own risk in some Michigan cities, where old — but often unenforced — local laws remain on the books.
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 prisons leader defends oversight of women’s prison after 3 deaths
State prison officials defended conditions and oversight at Michigan’s only women’s prison after US Rep. Debbie Dingell sought answers following the deaths of three women within a month.
Posted inMichigan Government
Lawmakers grill Michigan Treasury over tax refund delays. ‘Are you sorry?’
Michigan Treasury says it’s completed 95% of income tax returns, but some have faced months-long delays tied to the state’s new GenTax system.
Posted inMichigan Government
Deaths at Michigan women’s prison spur calls for Whitmer to act, director to resign
A third death in less than a month at Michigan’s only women’s prison is prompting calls for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to intervene and for Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington to resign.
Posted inMichigan Government
Scabies outbreak puts more than half of Michigan prison under quarantine
More than a dozen cases of scabies have placed four of six housing units at the Muskegon Correctional Facility under quarantine, suspending visits to affected areas.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan State grows grass science for FIFA World Cup
Michigan State University experts helped supply turfgrass for soccer pitches in 16 cities across the US, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which starts next month.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer on 2028 presidential aspirations: ‘Never say never’
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used her final keynote speech at the Mackinac Island Policy Conference to outline priorities for the remainder of her term and said “never say never” to a question about whether she wants to run for president.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan prison sentences are growing. Revived commission to consider reforms
With prison terms growing, the Michigan Sentencing Commission met this month for the first time in decades. Members will review sentencing guidelines and recommend potential changes.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge Michigan, BridgeDetroit rack up 33 Society of Professional Journalists awards
Bridge Michigan education reporter Isabel Lohman was nominated for Young Journalist of the Year, and BridgeDetroit’s founder, Stephen Henderson, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Posted inMichigan Government
Two deaths at Michigan’s women’s prison renew concerns over medical care
Two women died within four days at Michigan’s only women’s prison, prompting renewed scrutiny of medical care, staffing shortages and treatment delays.