Overview:
- Oakland County has unveiled "Mission 26," a plan to revamp and expand its parks system funded by a 2024 millage.
- Thousands of pounds of polystyrene plastic pellets spilled into the Kalamazoo River and surrounding wetlands after a semitrailer crashed on icy I-196 in west Michigan on Jan. 27.
- Construction is underway on FishPass, a globally unique structure on the Boardman River in downtown Traverse City designed to allow native fish upstream while blocking invasive species like sea lamprey.
🚰 Forever chemicals found in drinking water of 52 million Americans, EPA data shows New EPA data reveals PFAS “forever chemicals” have been detected in drinking water systems serving at least 151 million Americans. More than 1,050 water systems reported average PFAS levels exceeding the EPA’s 2024 limits, affecting at least 52 million people. Large urban utilities are disproportionately affected, though some small communities report the highest concentrations. Municipalities have until 2031 to comply with the limits or face penalties. The EPA recommends residents contact local providers and consider certified home filtration systems. 📍 USA Today
🛝 Oakland County wants residents to help shape the future of its parks Oakland County has unveiled “Mission 26,” a plan to revamp and expand its parks system funded by a 2024 millage. The initiative focuses on improving outdoor access, particularly in urban areas, and includes expanding urban partnerships at Pontiac Oaks County Park, opening Oak Park Woods at Sheppard Park, and converting a Southfield golf course into a nature preserve. The county launched a Co-Creation Lab allowing residents to help shape the parks system’s future through an online portal. 📍 WDET
💥 Plastic pellets spill into Kalamazoo River after West Michigan truck crash Thousands of pounds of polystyrene plastic pellets spilled into the Kalamazoo River and surrounding wetlands after a semitrailer crashed on icy I-196 in west Michigan on Jan. 27. State environmental officials only grasped the full extent of the spill after snow and ice melted last week. The pellets, known as nurdles, have spread along 4 miles of highway shoulder. Wildlife experts warn the microplastics can be mistaken for food by fish and birds, threatening the food chain. 📍 The Detroit News
🐟 FishPass: “‘American Ninja Warrior’ course” designed to outsmart invasive species Construction is underway on FishPass, a globally unique structure on the Boardman River in downtown Traverse City designed to allow native fish upstream while blocking invasive species like sea lamprey. Crews are pouring 3,130 cubic yards of concrete for twin 400-foot sorting channels that use light, sound, and water velocity to distinguish fish species. The $20 million–$30 million project, expected to finish by end of 2027, is the capstone of nearly two decades of Boardman River restoration work. 📍 MLive
⛔ Romulus council unanimously opposes ICE detention center proposal The Romulus City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing a proposed ICE detention center in the city, with Mayor Robert McCraight vowing to seek support from state leaders. The vote followed a tense meeting where police intervened after shoving and punches broke out between protesters and counterprotesters. ICE, which purchased the facility last week, says it will meet detention standards and projects it will bring 1,458 jobs, nearly $150 million in economic activity, and $33 million in tax revenue. 📍 CBS News
📖 Whitmer uses final State of the State to push literacy, housing, health care In her final State of the State address, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged Michigan lawmakers to prioritize literacy, housing, and health care costs before she leaves office. She proposed $625 million in literacy funding — the largest such investment in state history — and called for a state affordable housing tax credit and modernized zoning laws. Whitmer also celebrated bipartisan wins on road funding and worker tax breaks while warning that tariff policies are fueling economic uncertainty for middle-class families. 📍 Detroit Free Press