Overview:
-Michigan's third measles case of 2025 is linked to outbreak in Ontario.
-Detroit City Council approves $3 billion budget for 2025-2026 fiscal year that includes elimination of Land Bank funding.
-Michigan forests could be affected by USDA memo ordering clearing of forests for timber production, wildfire management.
😷 Macomb County measles case linked to Canadian outbreak A Macomb County adult who recently traveled to Ontario’s Windsor-Essex County, which is experiencing a measles outbreak, has been diagnosed with the disease, marking Michigan’s third case in 2025. Health officials believe the individual did not visit public places while infectious, so no known exposure sites exist. Residents are urged to ensure measles vaccinations are up to date, as the virus is highly contagious and can spread through coughing, sneezing, or talking. 📌 Source: The Detroit Free Press
💰 Detroit council OKs budget, cuts Land Bank funding Detroit’s City Council unanimously approved a $3 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, incorporating $26 million in amendments to Mayor Mike Duggan’s initial proposal. Significant changes include the complete elimination of funding for the Detroit Land Bank Authority, which had been reduced from $10.5 million to $5 million in Duggan’s plan. Council members also resisted calls to double the Detroit Department of Transportation’s budget, opting instead for more modest increases. 📌 Source: Bridge Detroit
🌳 USDA order to clear federal forests raises environmental concerns An April 3 USDA memo facilitates the clearing of federal forests, including lands in Michigan, and declares an emergency situation in national forests. This action, which affects 112.6 million acres of land nationally, aims to reduce wildfire risk and increase timber production. Opponents say that such clearing will harm wildlife habitats and biodiversity. It’s unclear how much land in Michigan could be affected, but a USDA map includes portions of the Manistee and Huron national forests as well as land in the Upper Peninsula. Michigan officials are assessing the impact on local ecosystems and are advocating for measures to mitigate potential negative effects. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
💸 EPA reverses course on canceled Michigan grants The Environmental Protection Agency has walked back cancellation notices sent for $40 million in environmental justice grants made to Michigan organizations. The cancellation letters were sent by accident, the federal agency reportedly said. The projects include EcoWorks in Detroit, which was awarded $20 million under the Biden administration for solar panel installation and renewable energy upgrades at soup kitchens and food pantries. The group’s executive director said it still does not have access to the funds. 📌 Source: MLive
🧪 PFAS testing requirement threatens Michigan dredging projects The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has mandated testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sediment slated for dredging from the state’s harbors and rivers. This requirement may delay or halt dredging projects essential for commercial shipping and recreational boating. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local officials have expressed concerns about potential project postponements and increased costs, emphasizing the need for clear guidance and funding to address PFAS contamination in dredged materials. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🚯 Disposable vapes fuel toxic waste crisis in Michigan Michigan’s surge in disposable cannabis vape usage is causing significant environmental concerns. These inexpensive, single-use devices, often priced as low as $10, are mass-produced overseas with toxic components and are challenging to recycle due to their complex construction. In February 2025 alone, Michigan’s recreational cannabis market sold approximately 10,900 pounds of vape products. Environmental advocates are urging consumers and producers to adopt more sustainable, reusable alternatives to mitigate the growing waste problem. 📌 Source: Metro Times