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 […]
Posted inNews
ANALYSIS: Better classroom air quality critical if bird flu spreads
Amid growing concerns over avian influenza H5N1 potentially evolving into a human pandemic, experts urge states and cities to enhance indoor air quality in schools and congregate settings.
Posted inNews
EPA axes environmental justice offices: What’s next for overpolluted communities?
The elimination of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights by Administrator Lee Zeldin, aimed at complying with Trump’s executive order to end DEI programs, has sparked concern. The office was pivotal in advancing environmental justice and supporting poor and working-class communities.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Trayvon Martin’s death changed everything for Aderonke Ibironke. She shares her approach to creativity, advocacy.
Aderonke Ibironke, a Detroit-born creative, leverages writing and music to advocate for social change, while serving as a policy analyst for the City of Detroit. Meet Planet Detroit’s 2025 Neighborhood Reporters in this Q&A series, written by Neighborhood Reporters.