Here’s a weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of the stories we’re following. Have a reading recommendation? Let us know at nina@planetdetroit.org.
???? Happy mosquitos: Michigan’s mosquito seasons are being impacted by warming temperatures, sprawl and degraded habitats, leading to earlier and longer mosquito activity, an increase in southern species and higher risks of mosquito-borne diseases due to factors like trash accumulation and changes in animal populations. (Detroit News)
???? Battery plant raises ire: Plans for a $210 million electric vehicle battery factory in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood promise job creation but have raised concerns among residents who feel excluded from the decision-making process. Community organizer Theo Pride highlights that the project’s approval for incentives without prior public engagement contradicts the community benefits ordinance, which aims to ensure residents have a say in developments impacting their environment and safety. Australian company Fortescue WAE plans to invest $210 million to launch the EV battery factory, claiming it will create up to 600 jobs with CEO Judith Judson citing Michigan’s skilled workforce and automotive history as key factors. The project, supported by $12.7 million in state incentives and an $11 million brownfield reimbursement, aims to start production next year, focusing on manufacturing battery systems for heavy trucks, construction vehicles, and local automakers. (Crain’s Detroit Business)
???? Flint fallout: The Flint water crisis has significantly impacted children’s academic performance, but research suggests lead is not the primary cause; instead, issues such as poverty, trauma and low expectations play a larger role. While Flint students show lower test scores and increased educational challenges, experts argue that with proper support and resources, these problems can be addressed. Meanwhile, children who lived through the Flint water crisis continue to face stigma and trauma, feeling unfairly labeled as victims of lead poisoning, which overshadows their actual potential and achievements. (Bridge Michigan)
????Blood lead falling: Blood lead levels in Michigan children have significantly decreased over the decades, with Flint’s rates dropping to historic lows despite the water crisis a decade ago. Between 1999 and 2022, the percentage of Michigan children with elevated blood lead levels fell by over 90%, showcasing a major public health achievement. (Bridge Michigan)
???? EVs ‘bleeding billions’: Ford Motor Co. has issued a “call to action” to suppliers, seeking their help to reduce costs on electric vehicle (EV) production as the company faces significant financial losses in the sector. The memo highlights the need for suppliers to propose incremental cost-reduction ideas for current and upcoming EVs, emphasizing the importance of achieving material cost efficiency to ensure the affordability and success of Ford’s EV portfolio. (Crain’s Detroit Business)
????Expensive cleanup: Kalamazoo has proposed a $51 million plan to filter PFAS chemicals from its drinking water to comply with tighter federal regulations. The plan, part of a larger $91 million funding request from Michigan’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, includes consolidating and upgrading water pumps, with hopes of offsetting costs through a state loan to avoid burdening ratepayers. (Michigan Public)
⚖️The nation’s strictest storage ordinance: Dearborn’s revised industrial storage ordinance, effective July 31, imposes stringent regulations to mitigate public health and environmental hazards from storing industrial materials, making it one of the strictest in Michigan. The ordinance mandates standards for controlling fugitive dust, limits pile heights, requires enclosures for certain materials, and includes routine inspections and mandatory reporting to ensure compliance, with penalties funding public health initiatives. (Detroit News)