The first JB’s Bites was at the beginning of August, but it already feels like we’ve been on this journey together for much longer.
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 inTransportation
Detroit receives $25M for safer bus service
The money will be used to improve safety at 56 high-crash intersections served by DDOT.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Urban farms want answers on air quality
BridgeDetroit food writer Jena Brooker talks with urban farmers about an initiative that aims to empower residents with air quality data.
Posted inEnvironment
Detroit farms install monitors to track air pollution
Air quality researchers and Detroit farmers are building a network of farms to monitor air and democratize the data.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Final design solidified for Pistons rec center despite calls to spare trees
Rouge Park stewards want dedicated space in the new building in Rouge Park. Detroit officials say it’s an option.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Michigan Central is collecting a lot of data. Can we trust it?
A new initiative at Michigan Central seeks to increase technology and data transparency at the Corktown hub.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: A Lil Wayne-themed dinner
BridgeDetroit food reporter Jena Brooker has your dispatch from a six-course “Vinyl Tasting.”
Posted inArts & Culture
Detroit’s hip-hop and rap-inspired dinners gaining momentum
Once a month “Vinyl Tastings” in Detroit curates a six-course dinner influenced by a music album.
Posted inEnvironment
Feds give $31.7 million to convert ex-coal plant in Detroit to clean energy
The facility is planned for the former Detroit Edison site in Southwest Detroit’s Delray neighborhood, and promises 277 jobs.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Indigenous food sovereignty
BridgeDetroit food reporter Jena Brooker writes on the importance of Indigenous food sovereignty.