A workshop on Sunday seeks to help urban Indigenous peoples reconnect to traditional manoomin harvesting and processing.
Jena Brooker
Jena is BridgeDetroit's environmental reporter, covering everything from food and agricultural to pollution to climate change.
She was a 2022 Data Fellow at the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism where she produced award-winning coverage on the automotive industry in Detroit and environmental racism. She was also a Science-Health-Environment Reporting Fellow in 2022 through CASW, AHCJ, and SEJ. Before joining BridgeDetroit she covered environmental issues across the Midwest as a Reporting Fellow for the national online news platform Grist Magazine.
Jena has a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies from the University of Michigan. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, Mother Jones, Salon, Slate, Grist, Next City, Chalkbeat, Planet Detroit, and others.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Server wages going up
Jena Brooker sits in on a talk about the Michigan Supreme Court decision to phase out tipped wages and raise the minimum wage and the affect on small businesses and restaurants.
Posted inEnvironment
New permit allows increased production at Marathon’s Detroit refinery
A permit was approved to remove capacity limits for the Detroit refinery with some changes as a result of public comment.
Posted inEnvironment, Health and Welfare
Detroit named third worst city to live in with asthma, report says
It’s gotten even worse to live in Detroit with asthma compared to last year. And there are many contributing factors.
Posted inEnvironment
Community speaks against Stellantis permit request to increase emissions
The state held a public hearing Thursday to consider the automaker’s request to increase particulate matter emissions at its east side plant. Public comment is being accepted through Sept. 9.
Posted inArts & Culture
Detroit fiber art exhibit debuts Friday in Milwaukee Junction
More than 60 artists have created a 16,000-square-foot exhibit with various fiber art interpretations complete with interactions, performances, and events for Detroit’s Month of Design.
Posted inJB's Bites
Tour Detroit farms and gardens
Jena Brooker has details on how to take part in the 27th annual Detroit Farms and Gardens tour this weekend hosted by Keep Growing Detroit.
Posted inEducation, Health and Welfare
With more hot days, Detroit students’ learning and health suffers
Days over 90 degrees on the heat index are expected to quadruple over the next two decades, meaning more closures for Detroit public schools.
Posted inArts & Culture
Popular ‘House Nights’ series at The Congregation cut short
The Thursday summer event series with food, music and vendors is discontinued for now due to issues with illegally parked cars and other safety concerns.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Turning food waste into paint
Using materials like hibiscus to make red for example, can be a more environmentally sustainable and healthy alternative.