Jack Filbrandt

Detroit, Michigan

Reporter from (269) in (313) // Making radio on The Metro @WDET// Documenter @DetDocumenters// Assistant to my cat// Past: @TheSouthEndWSU and The Battering Ram

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Articles

Detroit's Solar Neighborhood Initiative facing pushback from property owners

1 week ago | wdet.org | Jack Filbrandt

At a recent Detroit City Council meeting, a number of people spoke during public comment period about Detroit’s Solar Neighborhood Initiative. People are making allegations that blight tickets are being used by the city to take property in the name of solar developments. While residents say they’re not opposed to renewable energy, some are questioning the city’s process for constructing solar neighborhood arrays.
Nonprofit Detroit Hives turning vacant lots into oasis for pollinators, residents

1 week ago | wdet.org | Jack Filbrandt

Bees’ pollinating presence helps to ensure the vitality of our food systems. The work of bees isn’t just happening in fields of wildflowers or quiet suburban gardens. Bees in urban neighborhoods also have an important role to play. The nonprofit Detroit Hives has turned vacant lots into thriving pollinator habitats and community green spaces. That work includes planting pollinator-friendly trees in neighborhoods that need canopy, beauty and biodiversity.
The Metro: Detroit Reparations Task Force seeking input from residents for next report

2 weeks ago | wdet.org | Jack Filbrandt

The Detroit Reparations Task Force is looking for input from residents as they’re preparing its June report for city council. Formed in 2023 to explore how Detroit can address “historical discrimination” and harm it has caused Black residents, the group is tasked with putting forth recommendations for potential housing and economic development programs that help address past injustices.
Nonprofit aims to conserve bird habitats in metro Detroit

1 month ago | wdet.org | Jack Filbrandt |Tia Graham |Robyn Vincent

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Global warming and climate change poses a significant threat to two-thirds of North American bird species, according to the National Audubon Society. These impacts are causing many birds to leave their homes and relocate to places more favorable for their species, including in southeast Michigan.
Highland Park is replacing its 115-year-old water system

1 month ago | wdet.org | Jack Filbrandt

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts. The Detroit Documenters play a crucial role in improving our access to public information. They’re at Detroit’s public meetings, taking thorough notes on what local officials and community members are saying. But their coverage also includes Highland Park, the small city surrounded by Detroit.
City budget sessions wrapping up in Detroit

1 month ago | wdet.org | Jack Filbrandt |Lauren Myers

Eyes are glued to the NCAA’s March Madness, but there’s a different kind of March Madness going on in local government across Wayne County. Cities are wrapping up budget sessions and preparing for fiscal year 2025-26. Outlier Media, Bridge Detroit and Detroit Documenters have teamed up to cover all of the city’s 46 budget sessions in Detroit. Metro Producer Jack Filbrandt spoke with Documenters Coordinator Noah Kincade and BridgeDetroit Reporter Kayleigh Lickliter.
The Metro: County Veteran Service Fund miscalculation puts veteran affairs offices in a tricky financial situation

1 month ago | wdet.org | Jack Filbrandt

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Today on The Metro we bring you a conversation with the Detroit Documenters, an organization that trains and pays residents to cover government meetings in Southeast Michigan. One thing Detroit Documenters is learning at recent meetings is that County Veteran Affairs offices across the state are in a tricky financial situation.
Examining state politics in a divided statehouse

1 month ago | wdet.org | Jack Filbrandt

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts. The Michigan Legislature is split, with Democrats controlling the Senate and Republicans controlling the House, making many wonder what bipartisan work can get done this session. Education funding is one of the big questions being discussed in Lansing right now. When the Democrats had a trifecta in Michigan, they passed some meaningful education policies.
Tigers’ 89-year history in Lakeland, Florida

1 month ago | wdet.org | Jack Filbrandt

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts. The Detroit Tigers Opening Day is Friday April 4, but the team has been getting ready at their spring training home in Lakeland, Florida. The Tigers have an 89-year history with the Florida city, the longest of any team in Major League Baseball.
Detroit threads and the city's unspoken identity

1 month ago | wdet.org | Jack Filbrandt

Fashion in Detroit is more than just a trend, it’s a statement. Many Detroiters use their attire to reflect their identity, their hustle and their roots. Iconic pieces such as gator boots, fur coats, and “buffs” signal to others where you’re from and the grit that defines you. Whether you’re from the east side or west side, your outfit tells the world who you are. For decades, Detroiters have taken pride in what they wear. The city’s fashion reflects a blend of ruggedness and celebrity influence.