View on Instagram >>> Find your way to this park: Spirit Plaza Located next to the iconic Spirit of Detroit sculpture at 2 Woodward Ave lies Spirit Plaza, a gathering place established for Detroiters to come together for recreation, live performances, and chill spot to hang out downtown. The plaza was added in June of […]
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From the Headlines: July 19-23, 2021
Flooding: Metro Detroit was hit by another round of intense storms at the end of last week, with more flooding in some areas. Meanwhile, residents are trying to secure relief and wondering what they can do to protect themselves from storm events that will become more severe with climate change. Here’s a roundup of some of […]
Posted inSolutions
Can Detroit’s urban farms play a role in stemming the floods?
When Jefferson Chalmers’ Fox Creek canal swelled during the late June downpour, rising waters pushed out many Tiger Dams the city had installed to protect the neighborhood. At Feedom Freedom’s gardens on Manistique, water, mud, and sewage rushed through the area’s yards and streets. Beds of collards, beets, kale, blackberry bushes, and more were inundated, […]
Posted inAccountability
What would a third Duggan term bring for the environment in Detroit?
Robert Shobe doesn’t know who he will be voting for in Detroit’s mayoral primary, but it will not be Mike Duggan. His frustration with the current mayor stems from the expansion of the Stellantis facilities immediately behind his Beniteau Street home and what he sees as the lack of protective measures taken for the neighborhood’s […]
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PARKS REPORT: Krainz Park
View on Instagram >>> Find your way to this park: Krainz Park Located next to the Legacy Charter Academy at 18501 Healy Street sits Krainz Park, a medium sized play area shaded by majestic trees featuring 2 basketball courts, 2 playgrounds, picnic areas, softball/baseball diamond, and paved walking path. Detroit played a critical role in […]
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Call for Detroit heat reporting partners
There’s little doubt. The news this month is scary. Wildfires and massive heat waves in the west, floods close to home, disease outbreaks that may be linked to the weather. We’re looking to report on what it’s like to navigate heat in Metro Detroit this summer, and we’re partnering with the nonprofit EcoWorks to recruit […]
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From the Headlines – July 12-16, 2021
Disaster declared: President Joe Biden granted Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s request for a major disaster declaration on Thursday in response to last month’s flooding. The move will make federal funding available to Washtenaw and Wayne counties residents, including money for home repairs and temporary housing, low-cost loans for uninsured property loss, and other assistance. “It is noteworthy that the damages identified […]
Posted inAccountability
Paying to get flooded: Understanding Detroiters’ sewerage costs
This piece was produced in partnership with Outlier Media. In the early hours of June 26, Tammy Black was awakened by her grandson. “Grandma,” he said. “It’s flooding in the bedroom.” As she and her grandson hurried to salvage items from the basement, Black thought, “Oh no, not again.” Black’s Jefferson-Chalmers home has flooded five […]
Posted inCommunity
PARKS REPORT: Jayne Park
View on Instagram >>> Find your way to this park: Jayne Park Jayne Park located at 13280 Conant Street next to the Frontier International Academy is still in the process of being renovated, but it’s open for everyone to have a good time. This large recreation area features 2 soccer fields, 2 baseball/softball diamonds, 2 […]
Posted inSolutions
OPINION: Why Justice40 Initiative’s aim to direct 40% of the federal clean energy investments to cities like Detroit is critical
The recent flooding in metro Detroit caused countless abandoned vehicles on highways, power outages, and water-logged basements in homes. Often, people associate climate change with coastal storms, drought, and sea-level rise. But the flooding in Detroit is also climate change happening before our eyes. And the EPA has acknowledged that the impact is felt disproportionately […]