What we’re reading: PFAS found in mussels across Great Lakes

🎣 PFAS found in mussels across Great Lakes, highest levels in Lake Michigan A new NOAA-led study found invasive zebra and quagga mussels contaminated with PFAS across all five Great Lakes, with the highest levels found in the following sampling sites, in descending order: Lake Michigan, the Niagara River, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Detroit River. The research shows PFAS — particularly newer, replacement compounds — are widespread and accumulating in wildlife. Scientists used mussels as bioindicators, revealing both legacy and newer PFAS types in nearly every sample. The findings underscore the Great Lakes’ ongoing contamination from these persistent, toxic chemicals despite regulatory efforts. 📌 Source: Bridge Michigan 

😷 Canadian wildfire smoke dims blue summer skies across Midwest, Northeast Smoke from early season wildfires in Canada is dimming skies across the Midwest and Northeast, potentially for weeks or months, AccuWeather reports. Long stretches of deep blue sky may not return to the region for weeks or months, depending upon when the fires are contained and extinguished, said AccuWeather forecaster Paul Pastelok. More than 7 million acres have burned in Canada, well above the seasonal average. High-altitude smoke may reduce UV rays and daytime heat but worsen air quality when it sinks. 📌 Source: AccuWeather

💸 Order to keep West Michigan coal plant open means $100 million bill for Midwest ratepayers President Donald Trump’s Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, issued a surprise emergency order to keep Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant running through summer, delaying its planned closure. The plant’s continued operation — expected to cost up to $100 million — will be paid for by electricity customers in 15 states, said the chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission. Michigan regulators say neither the utility nor grid operator requested the order, and the utility had already secured a natural gas plant replacement. Critics, including Attorney General Dana Nessel, are weighing legal action. 📌 Source: CNN 

🗳️ Michigan races to lead carbon capture industry despite environmental pushback Business, labor, and environmental groups in Michigan are pushing bipartisan legislation to develop carbon capture and storage, aiming to prevent the state from lagging behind neighbors like Illinois and Ohio. Michigan’s geology is ideal for underground CO2 storage, which can also be used to make products such as concrete and fuels. Supporters argue state control would speed permitting, while opponents, including environmental groups, worry about pipeline leaks, water safety, and insufficient protections in the bills. 📌 Source: Crain’s Detroit Business

🚢 Great Lakes water levels mostly below 2024 averages, modest summer rise expected Most Great Lakes in Michigan are currently below their 2024 average water levels, with Lakes Michigan and Huron down 10 inches compared to last year, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Only Lake Ontario is higher, up 6 inches from 2024. While lakes are slowly rising with seasonal melt, most remain below long-term June averages. Officials expect slight increases by early July, though Lake Erie is forecast to dip slightly. Water levels vary due to weather, evaporation, and other natural factors. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press 

🏢 Detroit drone pilot program aims to to boost building efficiency A new drone pilot program in Detroit, led by Michigan Central, Newlab, and city partners, is using AI-powered thermal imaging to identify inefficiencies in municipal buildings. Operating within the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region, drones scan facilities to create 3D thermal models that guide energy-saving retrofits. The technology, developed by Lamarr.AI, has already uncovered over 460 deficiencies at two sites, with potential to cut HVAC energy use by 22%. The project aims to scale across Detroit’s building portfolio. 📌 Source: Crain’s Detroit Business