Michigan sent 27,000 taxpayers incorrect notices, including ‘alarming’ letters claiming owed taxes paid. Weeks later, the state is still working to correct the errors.
Janelle D. James
Janelle D. James covers general assignments for Bridge Michigan, from quality of life and criminal justice to state politics. She joined the staff in January 2023 after working as a Capital News correspondent at Michigan State University, where she also earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and political science.
Janelle is from Detroit and covers the state from there.
Posted inTalent & Education
Money woes close a small Michigan college. It’s not alone
Siena Heights University in Adrian is closing for good after graduating its final class. It’s among a wave of closures for small, private, faith-based colleges regionally and in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government, Michigan Health Watch
Michigan teen tobacco use ticks up as prevention funding lags
Michigan spends far less on tobacco prevention than the federal government recommends. As teen use begins to climb again, health advocates say that should change.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan cities rethink ‘No Mow May’ as experts question pollinator benefits
Several Michigan cities have ditched ‘No Mow May’ amid fears
of ticks and limited evidence that longer grass in early spring helps pollinators.
Posted inTalent & Education
More Michigan students pursue trades, but access disparities persist
Career and technical education is growing across Michigan as more complete programs tied to in-demand skilled trades. Access differs by district, however, and some are asking voters to approve related bonds this week.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge Michigan welcomes four interns for the summer of 2026
Bridge Michigan is welcoming four new interns this summer, continuing an eight-year tradition of training emerging journalists.
Posted inQuality of Life
Groups push ‘dignity in death’ for Michigan’s unclaimed dead
As funeral costs rise, more dead people are going unclaimed in parts of Michigan. In Detroit, students at Wayne State are stepping up to honor them when no one else does.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan recycling rate hits high. Bottle law critics say it could go higher
Michigan’s recycling rate hits a record 26% but still trails the national rate of 32%. A group seeking to repeal the state’s bottle return law argues investing in universal curbside recycling would be more effective.
Posted inMichigan Government
Advocates seek clemency for Michigan inmate allegedly sickened by mold in prison
Advocates and lawmakers held a Friday morning press conference urging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to grant clemency to Krystal Clark, citing concerns about her medical condition and reported mold exposure at Huron Valley Correctional Facility.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Ambassador Bridge cuts some tolls ahead of Gordie Howe opening
The Detroit bridge wars are heating up, with the Ambassador Bridge cutting some tolls to compete with the soon-to-open Gordie Howe International Bridge.