Jena writes about Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrations in the city, food news and this week’s pop-ups.
Jena Brooker
Jena Brooker is BridgeDetroit's environmental reporter, covering food and agriculture, pollution and climate change. She has held three fellowships: a ProPublica fellowship, where she led an investigative project on heavy industry in Detroit neighborhoods; a Data Fellowship at the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, where she produced award-winning coverage of Detroit's automotive industry and environmental racism; and a Science-Health-Environment Reporting Fellowship through CASW, AHCJ and SEJ. Her work has also earned the Michigan Press Association public service award three years in a row and recognition as Young Journalist of the Year in 2023. Before joining BridgeDetroit, she covered environmental issues across the Midwest as a Reporting Fellow for Grist.
Jena holds a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of Michigan, and her work has appeared in The Guardian, Mother Jones, Salon, Slate, Grist, Next City, Chalkbeat and Planet Detroit.
Posted inEnvironment
Urban Consulate to host conversation on a climate future reimagined
The talk will feature New York Times best-selling authors Ayana Elizbaeth Johnson and adrienne maree brown, hosted by Orlando Bailey.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Michigan is mad for mocktails
Jena Brooker writes on Michigan’s mocktail craze with a nod to Eater Detroit’s list of where you can find the best. Plus, food news and the latest pop-ups.
Posted inArts & Culture
Wanna ride? A new dating event links Detroit bike enthusiasts
A new dating event for cyclists kicks off Monday at Corktown’s Metropolis with a group ride and anonymous stage dates alongside your bikes.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Check out Detroit’s newest coffee shops
Check out Detroit’s newest coffee spots, food headlines and pop-ups.
Posted inBusiness
Sepia Coffee, new to North End, to host photography walkabout
Grab a cup of coffee and join for a walkabout of the neighborhood to learn more and capture photos.
Posted inEducation, Environment
UM has given an AI assistant to every student. That could have an environmental impact.
In September, the school gave personal AI assistants to the more than 50,000 students at the University of Michigan.
Posted inBusiness
Detroit chef opens Filipino cafe and bakery in New Center
The location on Woodward Avenue offers baked goods, savory foods and espresso drinks in traditional Filipino flavors.
Posted inBusiness
Kitab Cafe owners open Corktown grocery store
With its late hours and fresh affordable foods, Rosette Market + Cafe seeks to increase access to food in Detroit.
Posted inEnvironment, JB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Detroit getting composting program
Tepfirah Rushdan, director of Detroit’s Office of Sustainability, said reducing food waste is a key goal of the city’s climate strategy.