Overview:
-The smoke in Michigan skies is from 608 active Canadian wildfires.
-U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib expects bipartisan support for bill adding basement flooding to FEMA coverage.
-Federal regulators are poised to approve a restart of the Palisades Nuclear Plant.
😷 Michigan extends air quality warning as Canadian wildfire smoke blankets state Michigan’s statewide Air Quality Advisory has been extended through Saturday, Aug. 2, due to smoke from 608 active Canadian wildfires, including over 430 burning out of control. Northeast winds are carrying smoke across Michigan, while high pressure keeps it near the surface. Cities including Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids measured “Unhealthy” air quality levels on Thursday. The American Lung Association recommends reducing outdoor time, wearing N95/KN95 masks outdoors, keeping windows closed, and consulting health care professionals for concerning symptoms. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press
⛈️ New federal bill aims to help Detroit residents hit by basement flooding The Fix Our Flooded Basements Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and colleagues, seeks federal disaster relief for basement flooding after Southeast Michigan faced severe flooding in 2021 and 2023. FEMA doesn’t cover basement damage or mold mitigation. The bill would expand FEMA coverage and allow flood insurance for basement backups. Community advocates see it as addressing infrastructure inequities, particularly affecting low-income Detroit residents. Tlaib expects bipartisan support despite congressional divisions. 📌 Source: WDET
💸 Consumers Energy spends $29 million in first month of forced coal plant operation Consumers Energy spent $29 million in June complying with the U.S. Department of Energy’s order to keep the coal-fired J.H. Campbell Plant operating past its planned closure. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued the emergency order May 23, citing tight Midwest summer power supplies. Consumers expects costs to be shared by regional customers and filed with regulators for cost recovery. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and environmental groups have challenged the order, arguing the energy emergency was falsified. 📌Source: The Detroit News
☢️ Palisades Nuclear Plant poised to become first US reactor to restart after closure Federal regulators are poised to approve restarting Michigan’s Palisades Nuclear Plant, making it the first U.S. nuclear facility to resume service after beginning decommissioning. The restart has bipartisan support as Michigan works toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Nuclear currently provides 25% of Michigan’s power, with renewables at 15%. The project secured $1.52 billion in federal backing and $300 million in state funding. Holtec International also plans additional small modular reactors at the site. 📌Source: MLive
🗑️ Saint Clair Shores flooding leaves trail of damage, garbage Monday’s heavy rain caused severe flooding in St. Clair Shores, with the Jefferson and Masonic area hit especially hard. City crews used portable gas pumps to remove standing water by early Tuesday morning. Residents reported thousands in damages, with one estimating $40,000 in losses including appliances, furniture, and musical equipment. Floating garbage created additional cleanup challenges on a hot Tuesday. Some residents noted the area floods frequently, though city drainage improvements are underway on Jefferson. 📌 Source: FOX 2 Detroit
🦠 Legionnaires’ disease cases prompt investigation at Dearborn’s Allegria Village Wayne County health officials are investigating Legionnaires’ disease cases at Allegria Village in Dearborn. Two residents died in June and July 2025, though their causes of death remain under investigation. Officials are also investigating an additional case from August 2024. Legionnaires’ disease is pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria from freshwater environments that grows in water systems. People contract it by breathing aerosolized water, not through drinking. Adults over 50 and immunocompromised individuals face highest risk. 📌 Source: WDIV