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

DTE hopes data centers will bring cash (and tax breaks)

DTE is banking on new data centers, with the CEO expecting a green light on tax breaks post-election to fund Michigan’s digital infrastructure. The energy giant says these facilities are key to job growth, but critics question the actual local benefits of these tax-subsidized tech hubs. Will it be a win for Michigan—or just big business? MLive

Polluters don’t want to pay to play

Michigan’s “polluter pay” bill, which would make companies cover their messes, is facing big pushback from industry groups. Despite public support, industry lobbyists say the bill is too “aggressive” (read: expensive), stalling it in Lansing. The bill’s fate? Caught in a tug-of-war between environmental advocates and business interests. Michigan Public Radio

Water woes for mobile home residents

Many Michigan mobile home communities are dealing with unreliable water, often undrinkable and poorly maintained by landlords. The state’s housing issues are hitting residents hard, with aging infrastructure and a lack of legal accountability making fixes an uphill battle. For many, it’s bottled water or bust. Detroit Free Press

Detroit E-Bike startup scores big bucks

Detroit’s Civilized Cycles just snagged a $100K investment from Pitch MI after wowing judges with its slick e-bike designs. This small company has big dreams of bringing eco-friendly transport to Motor City streets and beyond. Crain’s Detroit

PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in Michigan aquifers

Michigan may get $32 million to clean up aquifers contaminated by PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals” linked to health risks. But here’s the twist: experts say it may still take years to tackle this widespread water problem. With state aquifers on the line, this funding’s just a drop in a toxic bucket. Bridge Michigan

Time for trees

The Michigan DNR is shelling out $3 million to help cities across the state plant and care for trees. The grants aim to boost urban canopies and curb pollution in some of Michigan’s most concrete-heavy areas. Meanwhile, Detroit is one-third of the way toward its goal of planting 75,000 trees in five years through a partnership with DTE and the Greening of Detroit nonprofit. Marking planting the 25,000th tree at Bailey Park, Mayor Mike Duggan noted the transformation from clearing dead trees to revitalizing neighborhoods with fresh greenery. Detroit News

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Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is an award-winning Metro Detroit-based editor, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. She is the founder, publisher, and editor of Planet Detroit, a digital media startup focused on producing quality climate, health, and environment journalism that holds power accountable, and spotlights solutions. Planet Detroit has received awards and recognition from the Society for Professional Journalists Detroit, the Institute for Nonprofit News, and LION Publishers since its establishment in 2019. Prior to her journalism career, Nina worked in urban planning in local government and nonprofit sectors, holding a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.