Michigan environmental news: Detroit tornado damage, DTE Gas rate hike request, COVID vaccine delay for kids

➡️ Detroit reports 101 properties damaged after EF-2 tornado Detroit’s storm response update shows 101 properties damaged by the Sept. 3 EF-2 tornado — the city’s first since 1997 — with the hardest-hit areas including McDougall-Hunt, Islandview, West Village, Indian Village, East Village, Pingree Park and Belle Isle, WXYZ-TV reports. Mayor Mary Sheffield declared a local state of emergency. Crews removed 295 fallen trees, cleared 83 streets, hauled 342 tons of debris, and restored power to all traffic signals, though full recovery is expected to take time. 📌 Source: WXYZ-TV

➡️ DTE Gas seeks signals another rate hike request hours after $74.5-million jump DTE is preparing another natural gas rate increase, filing notice just hours after Michigan regulators approved a $74.5-million hike that will raise typical residential bills by about $2.87 monthly, Axios Detroit reports. The amount of the new request, expected to be filed around Nov. 13, hasn’t been disclosed. Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the timing as part of an “unsustainable cycle” of rate cases. DTE says the notice is a required procedural step and won’t immediately affect bills, and said details on gas system investments are coming in November. 📌 Source: Axios Detroit

➡️ GOP’s James wants to triple cap on utility alternatives Michigan GOP gubernatorial nominee John James is proposing to expand electricity choice, raising the cap on customers who can buy from alternative suppliers from 10% to 30%, aiming to lower costs and limit rate hikes to inflation, according to The Detroit News. He also vowed to replace all three Michigan Public Service Commission members, appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, when their terms end. DTE didn’t immediately comment; utilities have opposed deregulation. Democratic opponent Jocelyn Benson has pledged a first-day electricity cost freeze if elected. 📌 Source: The Detroit News

➡️ Storms, heavy rain to soak Metro Detroit through Sunday Metro Detroit will briefly dry out through Friday with temps in the 70s, but a low-pressure system moving in from the Plains will bring widespread rain and scattered thunderstorms starting Saturday and lasting into Sunday morning. WDIV forecasts a half-inch to 1.5 inches of rain, with isolated spots seeing 2 to 3 inches, raising the risk of localized flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Temperatures will also cool, with highs near 70 degrees. 📌 Source: WDIV-TV

➡️ As COVID cases rise, child vaccine access remains in limbo Nearly three weeks after the FDA approved updated Covid vaccines, about half of American children still can’t get them, The New York Times reports. The Department of Health and Human Services hasn’t decided whether to distribute doses through the Vaccines for Children program, which serves uninsured and low-income kids. The delay is tied partly to legal limbo surrounding a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel. HHS says it’s “finalizing decisions,” while Covid cases are rising nationally. Major medical groups recommend vaccination for infants and at-risk children. 📌 Source: The New York Times

➡️ Detroit woman’s basement floods with sewage after city pipe work Detroit resident Sharon Poindexter has dealt with sewage backing up into her basement since around Sept. 10, coinciding with city crews replacing lead service lines on her street. She says the situation worsens whenever her household uses water and that repeated calls to the city went nowhere. After WXYZ contacted Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, Deputy Director Sam Smalley said crews noticed a sewage smell near the lead line work and sent workers out to investigate and fix the issue. 📌 Source: WXYZ-TV