BridgeDetroit food writer Jena Brooker talks with Detroit “sandwich week” founder Carlos Parisi about a beloved Detroit ham shop that’s up for sale.
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 inArts & Culture
‘Famous’ Detroit ham spot going up for sale
The owners of Mike’s Famous Ham Place say it’s time to retire and sell the longtime business.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Environment
Officials want Detroiters’ input on how to spend public money on environment
The federal, state, and city governments are seeking Detroiters ideas on environmentally beneficial projects for the community.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Black culinary symphony
BridgeDetroit food writer Jena Brooker has a deep dive into the inaugural Black Excellence Culinary Symphony.
Posted inArts & Culture
Event to celebrate Black chefs and nurture young Detroiters in culinary industry
A Feb. 5 event featuring 23 Black male chefs will raise money for Detroit’s young culinary students.
Posted inEnvironment, Housing
Michigan plans big spending to insulate homes. But can it find contractors?
Making homes more energy-efficient saves money and helps combat climate change. But while Michigan is flush with cash to weatherize low-income homes, it struggles to find workers who install insulation and seal air leaks.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Detroit attorney fighting to shut down concrete crusher has credentials questioned
Despite hundreds of blight tickets, the city, represented by Detroit Law Department Chief of Staff Jason Harrison, was denied in its attempt to revoke a land use permit for the concrete crusher.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Detroit’s James Beard semifinalists
BridgeDetroit food writer Jena Brooker shares the list of James Beard award semifinalists from Detroit.
Posted inArts & Culture
New Detroit-style pizza charity series to ‘spread dough’
Grandma Bob’s in Corktown has launched a monthly, charity Detroit-style pizza series.
Posted inArts & Culture
Upcoming Fried Chicken and Caviar pop-ups in Detroit
The pop-up is planning a Sunday brunch series at The Shelby, featuring pork belly cinnamon rolls.