Overview:
- The Pope Francis Center says 60 homeless individuals died in Detroit in 2024, double the number in previous years.
- The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is delayed until early 2026.
- Veterans Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores is Michigan's most frequently closed beach in 2025 with 53 days of shutdowns or advisories.
🍃 DTE, Consumers Energy on track for 50% renewable goal by 2030 Michigan’s regulated utilities will have over 8,300 megawatts of renewable energy online by year’s end, equivalent to eight conventional power plants, according to a Michigan Public Service Commission report. That capacity will more than double by 2030, though federal tax credit phaseouts and tariffs pose uncertainties. Rising electricity demand from data centers and electrification of homes and transportation will drive rapid growth. Both DTE Energy and Consumers Energy expect to meet Michigan’s 50% renewable goal by 2030. 📌 Source: Michigan Public
💔 Detroit nonprofit records 60 homeless deaths in 2024, double previous years Detroit’s Pope Francis Center recorded 60 deaths among homeless individuals in 2024, double the annual average from previous years. The city doesn’t formally track homeless deaths beyond shelters. Following the carbon monoxide deaths of two homeless children in February, mayoral candidates propose improved tracking through coordination with the medical examiner’s office. Experts cite overdoses and chronic health issues as prevalent causes, while federal funding cuts threaten to worsen Detroit’s affordable housing crisis. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🌉 $5.7 billion Gordie Howe bridge opening delayed to 2026 The Gordie Howe International Bridge opening has been delayed until early 2026, officials announced. The $5.7 billion project is 98% complete, with the bridge deck connected in summer 2024. Workers are installing electrical, drainage, and fire suppression systems while completing interior finishes at ports of entry. The delay allows time for quality reviews, testing, and preparation of operating teams and border agencies for the new crossing between Detroit and Windsor. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press
✅ Saline Township approves data center consent agreement with revised terms The Saline Township Board approved a consent agreement earlier this month with Related Digital regarding a proposed data center, with Supervisor Jim Marion casting the sole dissenting vote. The data center developers sued the township after it voted against rezoning the property. Key terms include restricting the 575-acre property to data center and agricultural use, prohibiting high-water evaporative cooling, and requiring DTE-supplied power. The developer offered $9 million for community funds while the township requested $12 million. The agreement awaits Related Digital’s acceptance following negotiations with township attorneys. 📌 Source: The Saline Post
❌ GM cancels hydrogen fuel cell program, scraps $55M Detroit factory General Motors canceled its next-generation hydrogen fuel cell development and scrapped a planned $55 million Detroit factory, citing lack of hydrogen infrastructure and slower electric vehicle transition. Dozens of salaried employees in Pontiac face layoffs. The 292,550-square-foot facility at the former Michigan State Fairgrounds would have created over 140 jobs with Piston Automotive. GM’s joint venture with Honda in Brownstown will continue focusing on data center power applications instead of vehicles. 📌 Source: Crain’s Detroit Business
🦠 Macomb County beach accounts for 41% of Michigan’s closure days Veterans Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores was Michigan’s most frequently closed beach this year, shut or under advisory for 53 days in 2025, accounting for 41% of statewide closures. That’s an improvement from 2024, when the beach was closed for 96 days. The beach’s pocket shape disrupts water flow, trapping organic material and bacteria. County officials cite urbanization, wildlife, and benthic cyanobacteria as contributing factors. Despite $229,000 in state grants for testing since 2018, bacterial contamination remains problematic with no easy solution. 📌 Source: MLive