March is reading month and while it’s no secret that Michigan students test below the national average when it comes to reading comprehension and writing, Michigan teachers are doing everything they can to help students improve their reading skills.
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
New bill could ban child marriages in Michigan
Democratic lawmakers in the state house have introduced legislation that would establish 18 as the minimum age for marriage Currently there is no minimum age for marriage in Michigan under the law
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan spring 2023 is here, but the snow doesn’t care
The spring equinox is upon us as the sun’s direct rays pass over the equator on Monday. But in Michigan, residents may not feel warmer temperatures for a few more weeks.
Posted inMichigan Government
The fate of ‘Gender Queer’ now in the hands of Lapeer librarian
Despite the threat of criminal charges from a county prosecutor, Amy Churchill, Lapeer District Library director, has not budged from defending the book. She has until May to rule on the book’s removal.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge’s Kelly House is Journalist of Year; Bridge wins as top publication
House is the third straight Bridge reporter to win the honor from the Michigan Press Association. Bridge captured 21 awards from MPA, while Yue Stella Yu won the Rookie Writer Award for early career journalists.
Posted inMichigan Government
DTE, Consumers Energy to Michigan lawmakers: We need to do better
Lawmakers hammer DTE and Consumers Energy over their handling of a Feb. 22 ice story that left thousands without power, some for more than a week.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Mackinac Island ferry switching to electric power
A Michigan agency will convert the Chippewa ferry to electric power. The 61-year-old diesel engines will be replaced with electric motors.
Posted inMichigan Government
Daylight saving 2023 arrives Sunday. Not every Michigander is happy
As we prepare to ‘spring forward’ early Sunday, there are efforts in Michigan and Congress to end the twice-a-year time shifts that leave lots of folks grumpy. But nobody can seem to agree on a solution.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan stopped Ohio toxic waste last week, but we import waste every day
Following a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, there was an uproar when Michigan learned contaminants from the spill were being shipped for disposal here. Political intervention halted that effort, but Michigan quietly imports hazardous waste every day. Here’s where toxic waste goes.
Posted inMichigan Government
Attorney General Dana Nessel confirmed she was the subject of an antisemitic threat
Threats of antisemitism and other forms of hate have been on the rise in Michigan, not only against civilians but public officials too, activists warn.