Jena has your Detroit guide to Fat Tuesday. Plus, the latest food news and eats.
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 inCivic and Community Information, Police & Public Safety
Biking on the road is legal. That hasn’t stopped police from ticketing riders
Detroit bicyclists report being wrongfully stopped while biking and obeying laws.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: New environmental network for Detroiters
Jena writes about Detroit networking opportunities for people of color in the environmental field. Plus, the latest food pop-ups, jobs and news.
Posted inArts & Culture
Detroit’s all vegan Dooped Donuts shuts down
Eastern Market Brewing Co. said its vegan donut shop is “paused for now” to focus on beer production.
Posted inEnvironment, Jobs & Economic Development
Detroit’s ‘Black & Brown in Green’ network
The gatherings, hosted by the nonprofit Black to the Land Coalition, aim to unite people of color working in the environmental sector.
Posted inEducation, Environment
A group of MSU Extension employees are leading an effort to unionize
Ballots in the state-run election were sent by mail Jan. 31 and will be counted Feb. 24.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: A new proposal to rein in Detroit dollar stores
Jena writes on a council member’s continued effort to ensure that dollar stores in Detroit are clean and provide fresh food access. Plus, food news, pop-ups and Clique nostalgia.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Political and Public Policy Information
Why Detroit’s marriage rates could affect transportation funding under Trump
A new federal directive prioritizing transportation funds to cities with high marriage and birth rates could have a “devastating” impact on Detroit.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: The Clique diner classic
Check out Jena’s brunch edition. Plus the latest food news and pop-ups.
Posted inArts & Culture
Detroit’s Clique still the spot for hot cakes, hot takes
From politicians to rappers, to athletes and neighborhood residents, the Detroit staple is a space where people of all economic classes and races come together.