Overview:
- Belle Isle's koi fish temporarily relocate to the aquarium basement while a $10-million HVAC upgrade is underway.
- Residents at Brush Park Manor go without working air conditioning during a heat advisory.
- Macomb County officials announce plans Thursday for a $2.5-million odor control facility along 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights to address years of sewer smell complaints.
➡️ $10 million renovation keeps Belle Isle koi indoors for now Belle Isle’s koi fish, once housed at the island’s now-closed zoo, have a long history on the island — surviving even the aquarium’s seven-year closure. The fish are temporarily relocated to the aquarium basement while a $10-million HVAC upgrade is completed, the first major aquarium update in 75 years. Aquarium curator Paul Shuert and Belle Isle Conservancy CEO Meagan Elliot say the koi will return to their outdoor pond before year’s end, possibly with a celebration. 📌 Source: WDET-FM
➡️ After Supreme Court rolls back federal wetlands rules, Michigan Republicans want state to follow Michigan House Republicans are advancing a package of bills that would narrow the state’s wetland protections by aligning the definition more closely with weakened federal standards following the Supreme Court’s 2023 Sackett decision. Sponsors say the changes reduce bureaucratic delays for landowners and developers. Opponents, including state regulators and environmental scientists, warn the bills would strip protections from thousands of acres, limit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s authority, and potentially cost Michigan its delegated federal permitting status. Two bills passed the House on June 4. 📌 Source: MLive
➡️ Older adults at Brush Park building go without A/C during heat advisory Residents at Brush Park Manor in Detroit’s Brush Park neighborhood have been without working air conditioning during a heat advisory, prompting city inspectors to issue a correction order to property management. The problem began in late May. Management company Presbyterian Village Company has placed portable chillers in hallways and cooling areas in the community room while awaiting a replacement part expected Friday. City records show similar A/C complaints at the property in 2024 and 2025. 📌 Source: WDIV-TV
➡️ Macomb County announces last step in 6-year battle against Sterling Heights sewer odors Macomb County officials announced plans Thursday for a $2.5-million odor control facility along 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights to address years of sewer smell complaints near Sterling Heights High School. The facility, funded through a state budget appropriation secured by Rep. Ron Robinson (R-Utica), will treat hydrogen sulfide gas from two major sewer interceptors before it reaches nearby neighborhoods. Construction bids are expected in 2027. It is the fifth and final phase of a six-year infrastructure effort. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
➡️ Michigan legislation would zero out insulin, inhaler, epinephrine costs Michigan Senate Democrats introduced three bills Wednesday that would require health insurers to cover the full cost of prescription inhalers, insulin, and epinephrine, eliminating patient copays. Sen. Darrin Camilleri said the change could save families $50 a month. He acknowledged Republican support would be needed to pass the Republican-led House, where similar health care affordability measures — including drug price caps and hospital price transparency bills — have stalled this term. 📌 Source: Michigan Public
➡️ Gordie Howe Bridge opening delayed by White House The Trump administration blocked the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge — scheduled for Friday — demanding a deal first protecting the Moroun family’s Ambassador Bridge from competition, according to The Globe and Mail, which cited unnamed industry sources. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, reportedly caught off-guard by the planned ribbon-cutting, wants toll or traffic arrangements shielding the privately owned Ambassador before the publicly owned Gordie Howe opens. Prime Minister Carney confirmed Canada agreed to delay but offered few details, saying there was “not great drama here.” 📌 Source: The Globe and Mail
➡️ Michigan bills would create separate U.P. hunting, fishing board Michigan House Republicans have introduced four bills to create a separate 10-member Natural Resources Commission exclusively for the Upper Peninsula, arguing the statewide commission inadequately addresses the U.P.’s distinct ecology — including wolves, moose, and declining deer herds. The proposed commission would be composed entirely of U.P. residents serving two-year terms. The DNR, the Michigan Environmental Council and the Sault Ste. Marie Band of Chippewa Indians oppose the bills; the Michigan Association of Counties supports them. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press