Michigan regulators give BASF 60 days to produce a plan to stop contaminated groundwater from its Wyandotte chemical plant from polluting the Detroit River.
Posted inNews
Detroit softens lead inspection rules in new rental program: Expert says it’s ‘unconscionable’ move
Starting May 1, Detroit’s rental properties will undergo visual-only inspections for lead-based paint and bare soil, aiming to boost landlord compliance. A public health expert says that without dust sampling, serious and irreversible lead hazards may go undetected.
Posted inCommunity
Planet Detroit moves into first dedicated office at the Green Garage
Planet Detroit’s move to the Green Garage marks a new chapter as we join a community dedicated to sustainability and public service.
Posted inNews
What we’re reading: DWSD proposes 3.5% rate hike
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department proposes a 3.5% rate hike, citing inflation and rising costs. Meanwhile, southwest Detroit residents affected by the Feb. 17 water main break must file damage claims by April 3 to seek reimbursement.
Posted inNews
Michigan tribes exit Enbridge Line 5 tunnel talks, call process flawed
Seven Michigan tribal nations have exited talks on the Line 5 tunnel permit, citing process flaws and treaty rights violations by Enbridge, the company behind the project under the Straits of Mackinac.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Environmental justice starts at home, says Shayla Zimmerman. A Detroit flood started her career trajectory.
Shayla Zimmerman, environmental advocate since 15, focuses on community organizing and nonprofit empowerment. Meet Planet Detroit’s 2025 Neighborhood Reporters in this Q&A series, written by Neighborhood Reporters.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Larissa Diem changed careers and moved to Detroit. She has a new spiritual home too.
Larissa Diem transitioned from a fashion major to an HR role at a hospital, all while sharing her creative insights through zines and her newsletter, “Goose Watch.” Meet Planet Detroit’s 2025 Neighborhood Reporters in this Q&A series, written by Neighborhood Reporters.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Southwest Detroit native grew up with ‘no roadmap’ in school. Now he aims to empower students like him.
Oscar Chapa, a Southwest Detroit native, is an academic specialist at the Academy of Americas middle school and is pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy. Meet Planet Detroit’s 2025 Neighborhood Reporters in this Q&A series, written by Neighborhood Reporters.
Posted inNews
Paper or plastic? Local grocers embrace shift away from plastic bags
Several metro Detroit grocery stores, including Western Market and Detroit People’s Food Co-op, are opting for paper bags in the name of environmental sustainability.
Posted inNews
Michigan regulators approve $153.8 million Consumers Energy rate hike
Michigan regulators approved a $153.8 million electricity rate increase for Consumers Energy on Friday, a 52% reduction from the $325 million sought by the company. The approved rates will take effect April 4, adding $2.78 to the average customer’s monthly power bill. This comes just 12 months after the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a […]