What we’re reading: Labradoodle helps Odawa tribe find endangered turtles

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☀️ Lawsuit tests Trump administration’s authority to revoke $7 billion in solar energy funding Solar companies, unions, nonprofits, and homeowners sued the EPA over its cancellation of $7 billion in Solar for All grants for low-income families. The lawsuit alleges EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin illegally revoked already awarded funds to 60 recipients, misinterpreting legislation that only rescinded unawarded grants. The program aimed to provide solar access to 900,000 households, saving $350 million annually in energy costs. Unlike a previous failed lawsuit by grant recipients, this case may avoid jurisdictional issues. 📌 Source: The New York Times

🚰 Novi water main breaks despite $129 million in mitigation work since 2019
A 42-inch water main on 14 Mile Road in Novi ruptured Sept. 28, causing flooding, boil water advisories, and school closures despite $129.2 million in mitigation work since 2019. Great Lakes Water Authority officials told the Novi City Council the main was among the top 10 most likely to fail. The authority had constructed a water loop and renewed 64 pipe stretches, but officials admitted surprise at the failure. Emergency response was complicated when two isolation valves malfunctioned. 📌 Source: The Detroit News

🗳️ Detroit voters can ride DDOT buses free to polling locations Nov. 4, no ID required Detroit’s elections department is partnering with DDOT to offer free bus rides all day on Election Day, Nov. 4, to increase voter turnout and eliminate transportation barriers. City Clerk Janice Winfrey said no identification is required, and buses will be free from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. SMART buses in the suburbs will also be free. Officials expect 99,000 absentee ballots were distributed, with two-thirds of voters using absentee or early voting options before Election Day. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press

🐢 Mooz the dog sniffs out endangered turtles for Odawa tribe The Little Traverse Bay Odawa tribe uses Mooz, a 9-year-old labradoodle, to locate threatened wood turtles. Owner Bill Parsons trained Mooz to detect turtles by scent, rewarding him with ball play. During one river walk, the team found 42 turtles, with Mooz discovering 15-20. The tribe attaches radio transmitters to females to track nests and protect eggs from raccoons with wire cages. Wood turtles are culturally significant to the Odawa and threatened by habitat loss and predation. 📌 Source: Capital News Service/Bridge Michigan

🌳 Michigan allocates $14 million for ice storm recovery, but officials say it’s not enough Michigan’s 2026 state budget includes $14 million for ice storm recovery: $10 million for cleanup, $2.2 million for tree replanting, and $2 million for wildfire risk reduction. Officials acknowledge this is insufficient for the estimated $137 million in public property damage from the March ice storm, which affected nearly 1 million acres of state forestland. The cleanup funds represent a required state match amount for $50 million in federal disaster money. A separate $100 million relief bill awaits Senate consideration. 📌Source: MLive

🐐 Detroit Zoo secures $6M grant for new Discovery Trails attraction The Detroit Zoo’s Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails received a $6 million grant from the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, bringing total fundraising to $36.7 million of the $41 million goal. The 7-acre attraction, planned for a summer 2026 opening, will feature a stingray and bamboo shark tank, 14-foot canopy walkway, goat barn, nature trails, and classroom. The project honors the Erbs’ Royal Oak legacy and previous zoo support. Discovery Trails is projected to boost annual visitors by 12% and increase economic impact to $185 million. 📌 Source: Crain’s Detroit Business