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.
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
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.
Posted inArts & Culture
Q&A: Sustainable sushi with Sozai owner Hajime Sato
A Q&A with the owner of Sozai, Hajime Sato, on how he does sushi sustainably at his Clawson restaurant.