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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
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.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan prison art program helps inmates find voice — and hope
The 30th annual exhibit — the largest and longest-running art show of its kind in the country — is ‘a testament to the resilience of artists inside prison who continue to create and find new ways to express themselves,’ said an organizer.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s ‘ghost counties’ tell stories of boom, bust and power
During the mid-and late-1800s, Michigan briefly created counties in remote parts of the state as settlement spread.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Making March Madness: How a Michigan firm builds Final Four courts
For the past 20 years, a company in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has built basketball courts used during the NCAA Tournament, including this year’s Final Four. We spoke with Connor Sports about the process.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan synagogue attack: FBI investigating as ‘targeted act of violence’
The suspect is dead and no congregants were injured after an attacker drove a vehicle into a metro Detroit synagogue and was confronted by security officers on Thursday afternoon, according to authorities.