The University of Michigan closed Monday on the $9.5 million purchase of a lot in downtown Detroit to be used as part of its innovation center campus.
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 inBusiness
Yum Village partners to add Caribbean espresso drinks and breakfast
The Afro-Caribbean restaurant in New Center is offering Caribbean-flavored espresso drinks, cocktails, a breakfast sandwich and events.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Wine shop shuffle
Jena writes on the closure of a well-known wine spot and the opening of another. Plus, the latest food news and events.
Posted inArts & Culture
Indie director moves to Detroit, wants Michigan film incentives back
Film director Tom E. Brown hopes to film a sequel to his 2016 AIDS comedy “Pushing Dead” in Detroit.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Training students for AI in agriculture
Jena shares details on a WSU grant that will train middle and high school students in data science and AI for agriculture. Plus, this week’s food news and eats.
Posted inArts & Culture, Environment
Emmy-winning public television star debuts first solo art show
Detroiter Ian Solomon’s art exhibit, “City Wild,” focused on the environment, debuts Saturday at Playground Detroit.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: 50+ Detroit food events this week
Jena tells you where to find dozens of food-related events in Detroit this week. Plus, she’s looking for your input.
Posted inEnvironment, Health and Welfare
Years-long fight over Stellantis, EGLE’s alleged discrimination ‘resolved’ but Detroiters remain unsettled
Michigan grants permit for Stellantis to increase emissions at its east-side automotive factory while a civil rights complaint was resolved.
Posted inArts & Culture, JB's Bites
Detroit film screening of “Coldwater Kitchen” with food from a Detroiter who benefitted
On Friday, the James Beard food award-winning film “Coldwater Kitchen” that tells the story of the program will be shown for free.
Posted inEnvironment, Political and Public Policy Information
Detroiters will be allowed to keep backyard birds, bees
An ordinance passed by the Detroit City Council on Tuesday allows residents to keep chickens, ducks and honeybees in their backyards.