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.

🕵🏽‍♀️ Elaborate conspiracy? The latest in The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy scandal sees the organization filing a lawsuit against its former CFO, William Smith, as well as members of his family and a business associate, alleging a conspiracy to embezzle nearly $40 million from the nonprofit over a 12-year period. This civil lawsuit complements the federal criminal case against Smith and aims to recoup the allegedly stolen funds. The lawsuit also implicates extravagant purchases made with the embezzled money, involving free air travel for unnamed athletes and professional basketball players, among other revelations. (Detroit News)

☀️ Solar future? Detroit City Council members are in disagreement over the timeline for reviewing a proposal to establish solar fields in residential areas. The program aims to revitalize blighted areas and mitigate municipal greenhouse gas emissions, but concerns have been raised regarding the use of residential land for solar projects and the involvement of DTE without addressing high energy bills. Some members propose postponing the vote until after a monthlong summer recess, while others emphasize the work already done to understand the proposal and the urgency of the decision. (Axios)

🦠  PFAS is what’s for dinner: It is nearly impossible to eliminate toxic PFAS from your diet, as they have been found in a variety of food products and beverages across the food system, and are linked to serious health problems. Experts say consuming a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, reducing meat consumption, and cooking at home can help lower PFAS exposure. However, new research shows PFAS in pesticides, so choosing organic may help. (The Guardian)

🦠 Anti-PFAS regs: Two water utility associations, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), along with PFAS manufacturer and industry groups are challenging EPA limits on PFAS in drinking water. The City of Kalamazoo is a member of the water utility associations challenging the rules, although it asserts a neutral stance on the lawsuit. (WMUK)

🪶Toxic hotspots + birds: Researchers from Calvin University are studying the impact of a toxic hot spot in Michigan on fish-eating birds in the Great Lakes region. Their work supports state and federal efforts to rehabilitate polluted areas and has revealed continuing issues such as infertility, embryonic death, and deformities in birds raised in polluted environments. Despite some improvements, the presence of persistent pollutants like PCBs, dioxins, and newly discovered PFAS compounds continues to pose challenges to the health and reproductive success of these bird populations. (Detroit News)

🔌 Power to the people: Ann Arbor is considering a ballot proposal for a sustainable energy utility, allowing residents and businesses to opt-in for renewable energy options, which could save them money on electricity bills. The proposed utility aims to use exclusively renewable energy generated by local systems as part of Ann Arbor’s A2Zero program, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. (Michigan Public)

💸 Money for renewables: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a $129 million grant for Michigan to support local utility-scale renewable energy projects, as part of the state’s efforts to reduce climate pollution. The grant will be used to establish the Renewables Ready Communities Program and support various initiatives aimed at accelerating renewable energy projects to achieve Michigan’s goal of 60% renewable energy by 2030. This funding will also contribute to creating clean energy manufacturing jobs and addressing the climate crisis in the state. (Michigan Public)

🖍️Climate and kids: The effects of climate change, including heat, pollution, and anxiety, are impacting children’s health and well-being. Doctors are advising parents to educate their children about staying safe in hot weather, monitoring air quality and addressing the mental health challenges associated with climate change. It is essential for parents to communicate with their children and reassure them about the measures being taken to protect them from the impacts of climate change. (Michigan Public)

🚰 Water affordability long game: Senator Stephanie Chang told Michigan Radio she has been working diligently on statewide drinking water affordability legislation since 2015, aiming to address water shutoffs and related health issues in Michigan. The legislation was formally introduced in October 2023, and although it didn’t become law by May as initially hoped, Chang has been actively engaging with various groups and legislators to advance the cause. She cites progress with committee hearings and bipartisan conversations, and Chang remains motivated by the importance of ensuring water access for struggling families in Michigan. (Great Lakes Now)

🚰 Suburban water wars: Macomb County leaders, including Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller and County Commission Chair Don Brown, are urging state officials to address the issue of combined stormwater and wastewater being discharged by Oakland County into the Red Run Drain. They have written to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) expressing concern about violations of permits and proposing action to alleviate the discharge issue. Oakland County denies discharging partially treated sewage into the Red Run Drain, stating that their treatment basins are equipped to handle combined stormwater and wastewater during heavy rains. Macomb County has also experienced combined sewer overflows into Lake St. Clair, but they are actively working on projects to reduce these overflows. (Detroit News)