Auto theft is a persistent issue in Detroit despite declining crime rates. Victims, leveraging GPS and social media, criticize the police for treating auto theft as a low priority, raising concerns about community safety and trust.
Posted inGuides
GUIDE: What to do when Detroit air quality is poor
Planet Detroit’s guide to air quality, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality index and the six criteria air pollutants identified in the Clean Air Act.
Posted inCommunity
Detroit’s ghost streams: Maps of hidden waterways combat city’s flooding problem
This story was produced in collaboration with the Detroit River Story Lab, a University of Michigan initiative that supports local efforts to center the river as a site of connection and belonging. The Lab’s local journalism portfolio includes the Detroit River Stories podcast series, the 100 Years Ago Today blog, and the Detroit River Beat, a collection of student-authored […]
Posted inNews
Sewage showdown: Oakland County fights back against Macomb’s accusations
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy plans to fine Oakland County for sewage discharges into Lake St. Clair, while officials advocate for a regional solution to tackle the root causes of these overflows.
Posted inNews
Canadian wildfire smoke triggers Michigan air quality alert: What you need to know
As Canadian wildfire smoke blankets Michigan, EGLE’s air quality alert urges residents to limit outdoor activities, avoid burning, and keep windows closed, highlighting the health risks for sensitive groups statewide.
Posted inThe Great Lakes Promise
Great Lakes energy bills are rising: Federal cuts could add to the pain
These articles are part of a series in partnership between Great Lakes Now and Planet Detroit. Read the whole series here. Sherita Hamlin has watched her utility bills more than double in recent years. On Chicago’s West Side, summer air conditioning is a luxury she now rations. Groceries and entertainment for her five children take a […]
Posted inNews
Meet Maya Moore, who’s producing Planet Detroit videos
Maya Moore, a recent Michigan State University journalism graduate, joins Planet Detroit as a summer intern. Moore aims to leverage her international reporting background and new media skills to expand the reach of environmental news.
Posted inNews
What we’re reading: Traverse City cherry harvest shrinks due to climate challenges
In other news, DDOT plans to install 60 new bus shelters by the end of July.
Posted inNews
How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will increase Michigan power costs
Federal budget bill will cost the average ratepayer $320 a year while the state loses 19,000 jobs, study finds.
Posted inNews
Measles outbreak the worst in US for more than 3 decades
Detroit and the counties of Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne are far below the 95% community vaccination rate the CDC says is needed to prevent measles outbreaks.