Overview:
- Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson's transition picks, including a DTE board member and a former MEDC executive committee chair, are drawing criticism from fellow Democrats.
- The Great Lakes Water Authority estimates Michigan must spend up to $85 billion over 20 years to fix aging water pipes, and its CEO says water rates alone can't cover the cost.
- NOAA says a strong El Niño points toward a milder, drier Michigan winter.
➡️ Benson’s transition picks with DTE, MEDC ties draw fire from fellow Democrats Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson’s transition picks are drawing criticism from fellow Democrats. Co-chair Gary Torgow sits on DTE Energy’s board and backed Republican Mike Rogers for Senate. Her chief legal counsel, Christina Grossi, resigned as chair of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s executive committee, an agency Benson vowed to reform. Council member Fadwa Hammoud works for Miller Johnson, the firm representing DTE and Consumers Energy in a lawsuit challenging a voter-approved ban on utility political donations. Benson’s team says safeguards exist. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
➡️ Water rates alone can’t fix Michigan’s aging pipes, GLWA chief says Michigan’s aging water infrastructure needs billions in investment, according to the Great Lakes Water Authority. The agency estimates the state must spend up to $85 billion over 20 years to repair or replace pipes, while a University of Michigan report puts the figure at $56 billion. GLWA CEO Suzanne Coffey says water rates alone can’t cover the cost and urges a statewide funding effort. The American Society of Civil Engineers gives Michigan’s drinking water systems a D+. 📌 Source: WDET-FM
➡️ El Niño, polar vortex disruption add uncertainty to Michigan winter outlook The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says a strong El Niño is already affecting the Great Lakes region and points toward a milder, drier Michigan winter with greater weather variability. Experts warn that winter warm spells can disrupt hibernating insects and pollinators, wake some species too early and complicate farming. Fruit orchards face possible cold injury. Mild weather could lengthen growing seasons. Polar vortex disruptions and less lake ice — potentially meaning more lake-effect snow — add further uncertainty to the forecast. 📌 Source: Michigan Public
➡️ Michigan eyes new restrictions on 5 invasive plants Michigan officials recommend new restrictions on five invasive plants to protect agriculture and the environment: creeping water-primrose, large-flowered water-primrose, round-leaved bittersweet, lesser celandine, and common butterbur. The primroses haven’t spread widely in the state, but the other three are already causing problems. The Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development will discuss the proposals Nov. 17, when a 30-day public comment period is slated to begin. The recommendations follow May restrictions on six other species. 📌 Source: MLive
➡️ Cyclist critically hurt after hitting sewer pipe on Orion Township sidewalk A man bicycling to a Bible study in Orion Township was critically injured Wednesday around 6 a.m. after hitting a large black pipe lying across an Axford Street sidewalk. The pipe is part of a county sewer project along Lapeer Road. No barricades or cones were seen marking the sidewalk as closed. Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said the cyclist likely didn’t see it in the dark. The sheriff’s crash reconstruction unit is investigating. The county and contractor DVM Utilities say they are gathering information. 📌 Source: WXYZ-TV
➡️ Detroit settles with Herman Kiefer developer, ending litigation over vacant hospital Detroit City Council approved, without objection, a settlement giving bankrupt developer Herman Kiefer Development LLC until Aug. 1 to market the former Herman Kiefer hospital complex for sale. The city must approve any buyer, who would also need a development agreement. If no approved buyer emerges, the city takes the roughly 40 acre site and reimburses developer Ron Castellano his $925,000 purchase price. The deal ends litigation between the city and Castellano’s entities. Some council members voiced concern about owning the property. 📌 Source: Crain’s Detroit Business
➡️ Firearms rule changes, shorter late seasons mark Michigan’s deer opener Michigan deer hunters face a significantly changed regular firearm season after Natural Resources Commission rule updates. The state eliminated its 1948 Limited Firearms Deer Zone, making most firearms legal across the Lower Peninsula, according to DNR deer manager Brent Rudolph. DNR officials say neighboring states saw no safety or harvest increases after similar changes. The Nov. 15-30 season opens Sunday. The December seasons shrink to three days, and the late antlerless and January archery seasons are eliminated, ending all deer hunting after New Year’s Day. 📌 Source: WTVB-AM
