Michigan environmental news: Embattled Detroit demo contractor folds, sues city

🗞️ ‘Dirty dirt’ contractor calls it quits, takes Detroit inspector general to court Detroit-based demolition contractor Gayanga Co. announced Thursday it is shutting down and filing a defamation lawsuit against the city’s Office of Inspector General and investigator Kamau Marable. Founder Brian McKinney said false and misleading public statements are the cause of his company’s destruction. The closure follows an OIG suspension over allegations of using contaminated dirt to backfill demolition properties and a federal investigation, along with scrutiny of McKinney’s personal relationship with Mayor Mary Sheffield. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press

🗞️ Ice storms, invasive species, erratic rain: Brutal 2025 for Michigan forests Michigan’s 2025 Forest Health Highlights report from the DNR describes a turbulent year for the state’s forests. A destructive late March ice storm severely impacted northern Lower Peninsula tree species, while erratic rainfall created starkly different conditions in neighboring counties. Invasive species including the spotted lanternfly and hemlock woolly adelgid continued spreading. The report warns climate change will increasingly shift Michigan’s forest composition in unpredictable ways, while highlighting ongoing restoration efforts including an MSU tree migration partnership. 📌 Source: Michigan Public

🗞️ Blue Cross tells Michigan Medicine patients to find new doctors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan warns roughly 250,000 patients could face out-of-network charges after June 30 if a new contract with University of Michigan Health isn’t reached. About 48,000 patients with serious conditions will receive extended in-network coverage through Sept. 29. The dispute centers on reimbursement rates — Michigan Medicine says Blue Cross seeks a 30% cut, while Blue Cross says the health system demanded a 44% price increase over the new contract term. 📌 Source: The Detroit News

🗞️ Corewell nurses ready to strike, health system says get back to bargaining Nearly 9,000 unionized Corewell Health nurses in Southeast Michigan voted to authorize a potential strike after months of stalled negotiations over wages and health care benefits. The nurses, Teamsters members seeking their first contract, cite unaffordable health care coverage, inadequate staffing, and non-competitive wages. Corewell Health responded that labor contracts are reached through “good-faith bargaining at the table,” saying the health system remains ready to negotiate at bargaining sessions scheduled for next week. 📌 Source: WXYZ-TV

🗞️ Aging Michigan dams are in line for millions in federal money — but the new owners might pocket it Nearly $23 million in federal funding could flow to 10 aging Consumers Energy hydroelectric dams in Michigan, but the money’s ultimate beneficiary remains uncertain amid a controversial proposed sale of the dams to private equity firm Confluence Hydro for $1 apiece. Critics warn that if the sale is approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, the federal safety upgrade funds — originally sought while Consumers still owned the dams — could benefit the new private owners rather than ratepayers. 📌 Source: MLive

🗞️ Oscoda County fire out, but conditions remain dangerous The Mapes Fire in Oscoda County is 100% contained after crews established a cold perimeter around the wildfire, officials announced Thursday. The fire had prompted evacuations along Camp 10 Road beginning Monday. Despite containment, officials warn wildfire danger remains elevated across the Huron National Forest due to nearly two weeks without significant rainfall. Dry fuels, afternoon winds, and low humidity are expected through the week, and residents are urged to prioritize fire prevention. 📌 Source: WDIV-TV