Officials are predicting more extreme weather in Michigan this week after floods and confirmed tornadoes.
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 inMichigan Government
Nearly 1.6M criminal records cleared under Michigan ‘clean slate’ law
Over three years, Michigan has automatically expunged more than 1. 5 million criminal convictions under a bipartisan ‘clean slate’ law. Advocates say that’s opening doors to jobs, housing and more.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan cities consider changing César Chavez street, school names
Allegations of sexual abuse by late labor leader César Chavez are prompting Michigan communities to reconsider streets, schools and events named in his honor.
Posted inQuality of Life
Beyond books: Michigan libraries reinventing role as reading wanes
Libraries across Michigan are lending tools and cookware, hosting clothing swaps, repair cafés and indoor farmers markets. ‘We’re so much more than (a place) for checking out books,’ one official said.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
The Center for Michigan, Bridge’s publisher, highlights growth in annual report
The Center for Michigan released its annual report highlighting growth in individual donations, expanded audience reach and increased community engagement by Bridge Michigan and BridgeDetroit.
Posted inMichigan Government
More Michigan prisoners than ever are getting educations, job training
Michigan is expanding education programs in a bid to reduce recidivism. Nearly 4,000 inmates completed vocational or academic courses in 2025, up from 2,400 in 2020.
Posted inMichigan Government
Wanted: More foster homes for Michigan kids
Michigan lost 30% of its licensed foster homes over two years, according to new state data. ‘We’re trying to find people,’ said an official trying to reverse that trend.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan shuts down Belle Isle redevelopment plan critics call ‘dystopian’
Thanks, but no thanks. The state is dismissing a long-shot proposal to buy Belle Isle for $1 billion and convert it into a privately funded entertainment and residential district.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan launches ‘safe prisons’ initiative amid growing assaults, concerns
New state data shows prison assaults continued to climb in Michigan prisons last year. Now, the state is launching a new effort to try to improve safety.
Posted inQuality of Life
Bike, pedestrian path to be toll-free on Gordie Howe International Bridge
The multi-use path on The Gordie Howe International Bridge will allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Windsor-Detroit border for free. It’ll be about 1.5 miles long and nearly 12 feet wide.