Overview:

  • Passwords at Michigan water treatment facilities were changed during a coordinated cyberattack in July, according to U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers grants a federal permit for Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
  • Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak has reached 13,909 cases and 314 hospitalizations as of Aug. 13, with Oakland and Wayne counties each reporting more than 1,000 cases.

➡️ Slotkin reveals Michigan’s discovery of water system hack Passwords at Michigan water treatment facilities were changed during a coordinated cyberattack in July, U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin revealed on her YouTube show. The state received a federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency alert and discovered similar breaches locally, she said. The attack, targeting over 30 water systems across multiple states, prompted boil water notices and security mitigations nationally. Slotkin said evidence suggests Iranian retaliation for U.S. military action, although federal officials haven’t confirmed who’s responsible. Michigan officials say no public health impacts have been identified. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press

➡️ Army Corps approves Line 5 tunnel permit as Michigan court fight continues The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted a federal permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. A Michigan Supreme Court ruling has stalled state approval, likely adding years to the process. The federal permit covers waterway construction only, not pipeline operation. Tribal and environmental groups condemned the decision as rushed and disrespectful of treaty rights, while Enbridge and federal officials called it a thorough, significant step forward for the long-delayed project. 📌 Source: The Detroit News

➡️ Michigan cyclospora cases near 14,000, 35 more hospitalizations reported Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has grown to 13,909 cases and 314 hospitalizations as of Aug. 13, up 35 hospitalizations from the previous week’s count of 279. The rate of increase is slowing compared to recent weeks. Oakland and Wayne counties each have reported more than 1,000 cases, while nine other counties have topped 300 cases each. State officials say most exposures occurred in late June or early July, and contaminated produce is likely no longer in circulation. 📌 Source: CBS News

➡️ Detroit fire captain says coverage lapsed twice during cancer fight Detroit Fire Capt. Dan Schaecher, diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer that spread to his brain and lungs, says his worker’s compensation medical coverage was twice dropped during treatment — once for over 30 days, he says. The city disputes the timeline. At issue are a presumed coverage fund and questions about whether his diagnosis is related to his job. The city says his bills are covered, and Mayor Mary Sheffield has directed human resources to improve the process. Schaecher says he shouldn’t have had to fight for support while battling cancer. 📌 Source: WDIV-TV

➡️ From vandalism to voted-down contracts: Metro Detroit’s Flock camera revolt Vandalism of Flock license plate reader cameras is spreading across Metro Detroit, with incidents in Birmingham, Novi, Pontiac, Waterford and West Bloomfield, including felony charges in Waterford. Critics cite privacy and surveillance concerns, while police say the AI-powered cameras—which don’t use facial recognition—help solve crimes and locate suspects. Some cities, including Westland and Ferndale, have ended their Flock contracts amid public pushback. Meanwhile, websites like DeFlock and Flock Hopper have emerged to help drivers avoid camera locations. 📌 Source: WJBK-TV

➡️ Detroit’s Griffin Gardens offers peace, petals, community connection Griffin Gardens, a Detroit flower farm founded by Marilyn Griffin in 2019 on family-owned land near the former Edgewater Amusement Park site, has grown into a beloved community hub. The space hosts yoga, meditation, art exhibitions, and vendor markets through its “Summer Saturdays” and “Chapters in the Garden” programs. Griffin’s mother, also named Marilyn, helped build the garden while battling breast cancer. Visitors praise it as a peaceful, welcoming space centered on fellowship, wellness, and Detroit community pride. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press

Dustin Blitchok brings extensive editorial leadership experience, having served as an editor at Benzinga and Metro Times, and got his start in journalism at The Oakland Press. As a longtime Detroit resident and journalist, he has covered a wide range of public interest stories, including criminal justice and government accountability.