Air monitors in Southwest Detroit, Dearborn and Downriver regularly show levels above the EPA’s new threshold, Planet Detroit reported last year.
Trump exempts Zug Island’s EES Coke Battery from new pollution rules for 2 years
In May, Planet Detroit reported that EES Coke Battery was offered a two-year exemption by the Trump administration from deadlines to comply with air pollution standards.
EPA moves to limit wetland coverage in Clean Water Act
The new rule builds on a 2023 Supreme Court decision that removed federal protections for significant areas.
Legacy in bloom: Loretta Powell builds community on Detroit’s east side
At Little Detroit Community Garden, preschool teacher Loretta Powell enhances food security and offers educational and volunteer opportunities in the East Canfield neighborhood.
Q&A: How transportation insecurity erodes Detroiters’ physical and mental health
Alexandra Murphy noticed that transportation research followed a distinct pattern. Engineers and urban planners would examine the man-made elements of a city—buildings, roads, bridges, parks, buses or trains—with a focus on neighborhoods or census tracts. But another “profound” problem remained largely understudied, Murphy said, even among poverty researchers. People who can’t afford to buy and […]
Planet Detroit’s sustainable holiday gift picks for 2025
Planet Detroit readers shared their top picks for sustainable gifts that cut down on waste and bolster local groups, ensuring holiday dollars stay within the community.
Michigan’s utility regulator under fire over DTE Energy data center contracts: Public hearing or ‘performative listening’?
Michigan’s Public Service Commission is hosting a virtual public hearing on DTE Energy’s fast-track proposal to power a massive new data center in Saline Township. The plan has sparked backlash from the attorney general and environmental groups, who argue it lacks transparency and could affect ratepayers.
Meta behind planned Howell data center: Township trustee
Members of the group Stop the Data Centers Livingston County say a moratorium passed Thursday does not apply to the current developer.
Volunteers bring vacant East Warren Avenue lots one step closer to arboretum, botanical garden
Detroit Hives aims to complete the East Warren Community Arboretum & Botanical Garden by October 2026.
What we’re reading: Detroit Riverfront Conservancy announces reforms after $44 million theft
Former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO William Smith appeals his 19-year federal prison sentence for stealing $44.3 million, calls it unreasonable and arbitrary.

