Lawyers representing clients say undocumented immigrants accidentally cross into Canada from Detroit every day.
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 inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Community compost pilot
Jena has details on a new community composting pilot in Detroit. Plus, the latest food news, pop-ups and events.
Posted inEnvironment
New community composting project to launch in Detroit
A group of Detroit urban agriculture organizations are collaborating to launch a community composting pilot.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Compostable cup hoax?
Jena writes about why discarding environmentally friendly products in Detroit is challenging. Plus, the latest food news and pop-ups.
Posted inEnvironment
Compostable food packaging in Detroit often ends up in landfills. Here’s why
Composting in Detroit is limited, and some businesses that use compostable products don’t have the means or knowledge to properly dispose of them.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Get gardening, Detroit!
The sun is out and the growing season is on its way. Jena shares some resources to get going. Plus, the latest food news and events.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Vámonos brings ‘third place’ wellness to Southwest Detroit
Jena shares El Central’s feature on a health and wellness hub in Southwest Detroit. Plus, the latest Detroit food news, pop-ups and more.
Posted inBusiness
Philly pizzeria staffed by formerly incarcerated teases Detroit location
Down North Pizza employs formerly incarcerated individuals while providing culinary career opportunities at a fair wage.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Moondog Cafe opens
The small listening lounge and concert cafe features a lot of Detroit talent and experimental music, in addition to so many other kinds of events.
Posted inArts & Culture, Business
Moondog Cafe’s grand opening brings experimental music to Detroit’s west side
The listening lounge and concert cafe for Detroit’s music creatives and community opens April 5 with an all-day celebration.