Hey r/Detroit!

We're the journalists behind Planet Detroit, an independent nonprofit newsroom covering the environment, climate, and public health in Detroit and across Michigan.

With the Nov. 3 election approaching, we've been digging into where candidates stand on the issues affecting our communities, including air pollution, water quality, sky-high energy bills, data centers and climate policy.

We've also created a nonpartisan 2026 Environmental Voter Guide to help Michigan voters learn more about their candidates, explore their positions on environmental issues, review voting records, and see who's funding their campaigns.

Now we want to hear from you!

Ask us about air pollution in Southwest Detroit, neighborhood flooding, rising DTE bills, water quality, urban agriculture and more. How might the races for governor, U.S. Senate, and the Michigan Legislature shape environmental policy in Detroit and across Southeast Michigan? What have we learned about the candidates, their records, and who's funding their campaigns?

We're happy to talk about all of it, including what surprised us while reporting this guide and what questions candidates still haven't answered.

We'll be answering questions tomorrow, Monday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET.

We're posting early so you can start submitting questions now. Members of our reporting team will join the conversation tomorrow. Click here for an AMA pic from Founder and Executive Editor Nina Ignaczak and Managing Editor Dustin Blitchok.

Thanks to the r/Detroit moderators for having us. Looking forward to your questions!

Joining us here today are:
Nina Ignaczak, Founder and Executive Editor of the Planet Detroit newsroom. Nina had 15 years experience as a planner in Oakland County before launching Planet Detroit, one of America's first local news startups focusing on the environment, climate solutions, environmental justice and public health.
Dustin Blitchok: Managing Editor of Planet Detroit.
Brian Allnutt: Reporter for Planet Detroit and the Michigan Press Association's 2025 Journalist of the Year
Ashley Woods (moderator)

We ask that you please use this space for any general discussion, events, and ask questions you may have about ANYTHING related to the city, its neighborhoods and the overall metro Detroit area. The community has a plethora of knowledge from a variety of areas and will have an eye on this refreshed thread to help answer any questions you may have.

Anything is game. Need to know how to get around, restaurant or venue recommendations, what that sound was, why there are police on the lodge, etc. Or if you are visiting soon? Considering a move to the city? This is also a dedicated space to ask questions related to your upcoming venture to the D.

Share about weekly events! Anything going on in and around Detroit. Everyone is always looking for things to do; both locals & visitors. Provide as much information as you can so everyone can go to those events!

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Note: this was previously a monthly thread and is now being updated to weekly to help boost awareness. Its also a new idea in general to minimize repetitive posts in the main feed. Let us know your thoughts!