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.
🦠 Beach bugs: Belle Isle Beach was closed until further notice Monday due to unsafe levels of E. coli found in the water, with bacteria levels three times the legal limit. The closure was not issued until after a busy beach weekend, prompting the Detroit Health Department to meet with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to ensure clear communication for future beach closures. (Freep)
🪓 Riverfront staff shakeups: The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has announced the appointment of Rachel Frierson as the new vice president of operations and programming. This move follows a series of management changes, including the firing of the organization’s longtime chief financial officer and the resignation of the CEO amidst an embezzlement scandal. In her new role, Frierson will oversee the day-to-day management and financial decisions of the conservancy. (Detroit News)
🔍 Lead inspection changes: The city of Detroit is considering amendments to its rental ordinance including requirements for lead inspections. The amendments aim to reduce the frequency of lead hazard level checks in properties, a move that has drawn both support and concern from experts. While officials tout these changes as a means to facilitate compliance for landlords, some experts, such as Lyke Thompson, a political science professor at Wayne State University, have voiced apprehension, warning that the proposed alterations may lead to more children being exposed to elevated lead levels, ultimately posing a risk to public health. (BridgeDetroit)
⚖️ US Ecology under consent order: The US Ecology hazardous waste facility in Detroit has been placed under a consent order with the state of Michigan following multiple environmental violations dating back to 2020, which included issues with waste screening procedures, internal controls and structural damage to waste treatment tanks. US Ecology has made structural repairs and operational improvements as part of the consent order and is required to pay a fine of nearly $1 million, with a portion of the funds being deposited in escrow for potential offset through “supplemental environmental projects” in the surrounding community. (Michigan Public)
🌳 No more concrete? The owners of the Ambassador Bridge have dropped plans to build a concrete mixing plant on a riverfront site to make way for the final link of the RiverWalk path. The last three-quarter mile stretch that would complete the “bridge-to-bridge” path is now a string of properties in southwest Detroit that have long been used as heavy industrial sites. Negotiations are ongoing to carve out public space on the properties to connect all the way to Riverside Park. (Detroit News)
♻️ MI Recycling laggard: While Michigan has a history of being a recycling leader, its recycling rate of 23% falls short of the national average of around 35%. Despite this, state officials express optimism that the state is on track to achieve its goal of a 30% recycling rate by 2029. They also note that personal responsibility must combine with industry, with manufacturers and brands essential for successful recycling. (Michigan Public)
🦠 Summer surge (yes, Covid): The United States is currently experiencing a surge in Covid-19 infections, particularly in the western states. Local news outlets have reported elevated case loads in west Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The CDC has reported “high” or “very high” levels of Covid-19 in 26 states, and hospitalizations have increased, although not to the extent seen during previous peaks. The surge is attributed to a combination of factors including behavioral changes, fast virus mutations and waning immunity. Older adults who haven’t been vaccinated are advised to do so now, with a gap of at least four months before the fall dose. The CDC recommends a two-phase approach to isolation in case of infection, and while the effectiveness of Paxlovid is limited to certain groups, precautions are advised for air travel due to the risk of infection in crowded, indoor areas. (YLE, Upper Michigan Source, Fox17)