Planet Detroit is amplifying its community-centered environmental journalism by welcoming Ian Solomon and Ashley Woods Branch. Solomon, an advocate for outdoor access and environmental justice, joins as Outdoors Reporter. Woods Branch, focused on sustainable support for accountability journalism, steps in as Chief Officer of Partnerships and Revenue.
Planet Detroit’s Ethan Bakuli selected for national science-health-environment fellowship
Planet Detroit’s Climate Solutions and Service Journalism Reporting Fellow Ethan Bakuli has been selected as one of six journalists for the 2026 National Science-Health-Environment Reporting Fellowships (SHERF) program, marking the latest recognition of his collaborative work at the intersection of climate, health, and environmental justice. The fellowship is a collaboration of the Association of Health […]
From neighbors to narrators: Detroiters find their voice in Planet Detroit’s lab
Planet Detroit’s Neighborhood Reporting Lab empowers local voices, addressing the lack of diversity in environmental journalism by training community writers to tell the stories of their own neighborhoods.
Trial over radioactive waste shipments to Wayne County landfill begins: ‘Unreasonable activity’
Former Detroit and Wayne County health official Abdul El-Sayed testifies about the health risks posed by Manhattan Project radioactive waste.
Data center news: Los Alamos to use planned Ypsilanti Township data center for nuclear stockpile research
Concord Infrastructure Partners gives nine Michigan communities 48 hours to decide on $285 million data center proposal, with no takers.
U of M data center event fails the transparency test, residents say
Residents of Ypsilanti Township voiced concerns over the University of Michigan’s $1.2 million data center project, fearing increased power bills, environmental impacts, and lack of community benefits.
EPA’s fluoride review fast-tracked: What does it mean for your water?
The EPA is fast-tracking a fluoride review after a report tied high levels to lower IQs in children, amid public doubts about water fluoridation. The agency’s role is limited to setting fluoride’s maximum contaminant level.
What we’re reading: Polar vortex incoming
A stretched polar vortex threatens 230 million Americans with subzero temperatures, snow, and ice, echoing hurricane-like impacts.
PFAS: The ‘forever chemicals’ lurking in all Great Lakes
PFAS, synthetic chemicals used for waterproofing and stain resistance, are now threatening the Great Lakes, a crucial water source for millions.
Can a proactive plan tame asthma in Detroit?
In Detroit, where asthma rates are among the highest in the nation, researchers and doctors are pioneering new therapies to modernize treatment. This chronic disease impacts nearly every American family and costs the US health care system $82 billion annually.

