BridgeDetroit food reporter talks about the impacts of record temperatures on the growing season for Detroit’s farmers.
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
Detroit farmers and growers grapple with a changing climate
Tuesday’s unusual warmth makes some local farmers uneasy.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Core City buildings could be spared from demolition amid pushback
Some residents and developers are at odds with a California-based nonprofit that owns buildings facing demolition in Core City.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
City Planning Commission seeks answers on animal-keeping ordinance
Commissioners want more details on how the proposed law would be enforced, why animal-keeping in Detroit was banned in the first place and urged additional community engagement.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Weigh in on chicken and bees
BridgeDetroit food reporter Jena Brooker has an update on Detroit’s long-awaited animal-keeping ordinance and your chance to have a say.
Posted inBusiness
Yes, the ‘nude raw carrot’ is still a thing
Detroit’s Cafe Prince in Core City expands hours, menu, keeps nude carrot.
Posted inHealth and Welfare, Political and Public Policy Information
Wayne County Commissioners pass resolution for anti-idling law
The resolution encourages the state to stop trucks from idling to protect the health of residents.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Touring Detroit’s food co-op
BridgeDetroit food reporter Jena Brooker tours the long-awaited Detroit People’s Food Co-op in the North End. A soft opening is May 1.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Political and Public Policy Information
Animal-keeping ordinance finally in the pipeline for Detroit
More than 100 people joined an online presentation from Council Member Tate’s office on a proposed animal keeping ordinance.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Detroit People’s Food Co-op opens May 1
The grocery store will offer fresh produce, bulk foods, a prepared deli section with limited seating, beverages and other items commonly found at grocery stores.