Read Planet Detroit’s guide to the Michigan regulator that decides how much you pay utilities for electric and natural gas service, and learn how you can participate in these decisions.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
A Detroit activist’s journey in fight for social justice: ‘Someone you want on your side’
For Detroit activist Erik Shelley, an anti-war rally in Washington, D.C. marks a turning point in his political life.
Posted inNews
We’re Hiring: Chief Partnerships & Revenue Officer
Planet Detroit is on the hunt for a Partnerships & Revenue Director to spearhead strategies around donors, sponsorships, and partnerships, securing the financial future of impactful independent journalism.
Posted inNews
Detroit City Council backs repeal of Michigan’s ban-on-bans for plastic bags
Detroit City Council resolution highlights the cost of plastic waste, including the health threat posed by microplastics and nanoplastics.
Posted inNews
Whitmer signs Michigan’s $81 billion budget: More road funds, but at what cost?
The Michigan budget boosts road funding by $1.8 billion annually, prioritizing local roads. It introduces a 24% wholesale marijuana tax, expected to generate $420 million yearly. Additionally, the budget ensures free school meals for all students, allocating $201.6 million for those not covered by federal programs.
Posted inNews
Michigan budget bills dial back GOP environmental cuts as shutdown deadline approaches
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to decide on budget legislation that would cut funding for Michigan’s environmental regulator by 7%, down from a proposed 19% cut, and protects health care and transit funding.
Posted inCommunity, Voices
VOICES: Michigan’s EV fee hike puts us at the top for all the wrong reasons
Higher electric vehicle registration fees undercut Michigan’s clean mobility strategy and send the wrong signal to businesses creating jobs in the state, writes the Ecology Center’s Charles Griffith.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Detroiters describe citywide struggle with truck traffic: ‘Our streets are sinking’
Children living within two blocks of I-75 have asthma rates 25% to 42% higher than those living further away from major roads, says Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation’s Rachel Marquez.
Posted inCommunity
Detroit’s Port Authority sustainability manager works to cut emissions, build trust with neighbors
Taylor Mitchell, Detroit Wayne County Port Authority’s inaugural sustainability manager, spearheads initiatives to curb diesel emissions and achieve net zero emissions at 23 private terminals along the Detroit and Rouge rivers by 2040.
Posted inNews
What we’re reading: Belle Isle alligator finds new home at serpentarium
Universal free school meals will continue, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Michael Rice say as lawmakers scramble to finalize budget.