A fallen electrical pole lays across a road.
Michigan power outages caused by severe storms left more than 365,000 residents in the dark as utilities race to restore service amid scorching heat. (Photo credit: photovs / iStock)

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. 

The AC is down: In the middle of one of the hottest and most humid stretches of the summer, more than 365,000 customers experienced Michigan power outages. Severe storms took down trees and power lines across southern Michigan, leaving Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital to rely on generators. (Freep, WDIV-TV)

Burning crap: The Great Lakes Water Authority is working with researchers to trial the use of treated wastewater sludge as a fuel source for vehicles. Some have criticized the approach because it will add to greenhouse emissions and could incentivize the utility to take more waste from large livestock farms. (Detroit News)

Civil rights settlement: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) settled a civil rights complaint regarding its approval of U.S. Ecology North’s hazardous waste facility in Detroit. As part of the settlement, EGLE committed to improving public participation processes and incorporating environmental justice considerations in future permitting decisions. (Detroit News)

West Nile in Washtenaw: Health officials have found West Nile Virus in mosquitoes collected in Washtenaw County, while the deadly Eastern Equine Encephalitis was found in horses in southwest Michigan’s Van Buren County. Mosquitoes transmit both viruses. Health officials recommend using insect repellents that contain DEET, wearing light-colored clothing, and long-sleeved shirts and pants while outside. (Detroit News, Bridge Michigan)

Help Wanted: The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is seeking a new auditor after its former CFO, William Smith, was charged with embezzling $40 million over 11 years. (Axios Detroit)

Water wars: Scientists connected to the chemical industry are working to fight recently adopted PFAS drinking water limits, potentially creating uncertainty around research showing the health risks of the so-called ‘forever chemicals’ and providing support for an industry lawsuit against EPA regulations. (Guardian) 

Camping out: A collaboration of local organizations is helping expand young people’s access to the outdoors through camping trips and other outdoor recreation opportunities. The Detroit Outdoors collaborative has also reactivated Rouge Park’s Scout Hollow campground, using it to introduce young people to camping. (Model D) 

Brian Allnutt is a senior reporter and contributing editor at Planet Detroit. He covers the climate crisis, environmental justice, politics and open space.