How wildfire smoke choked Michigan's economy

How wildfire smoke choked Michigan's economy

The wildfire smoke that covered Michigan skies is costing the state money. According to an Analysis from an East Lansing based Anderson Economic Group, the smoke cost the state’s economy $4 billion in losses. [https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2026/07/22/wildfire-smoke-costs-michigan-business-billions-saps-productivity/90993570007/] We are second only to the state of New York which estimated a $5 billion loss.  The firm said that Michigan had the largest impact based on the size of its economy. Proximity could be the reason why.   How did this happen? Well, industries that rely on outdoor work like transportation and construction contributed to these losses greatly.  Outdoor events and attractions closed as well which also points to a decrease in tourism and fewer customers at businesses that depend on the outdoors.   The Michigan Department of Natural Resources had to tell campers with reservations that they should cancel. They also waived cancellation fees and issued refunds.    But the losses may be ending soon as it appears the smoky haze has lifted. As of Wednesday, the Air Now's Air Quality index showed the air quality was between 0-50 which means the air in Michigan is in a good range. At one point last week, Michigan was rated the most polluted air quality in the world with Detroit’s air quality index at 724 [https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/07/16/detroit-has-most-polluted-air-in-world-due-to-wildfire-smoke-today/90939851007/]—for reference, anything over 301 is hazardous.  According to the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy as the weather system moves about the improvements are expected to continue.   To stay up to date on air quality, you can check EGLE’s MiAir Quality Index Dashboard [https://egle.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/6f20c92fd42048bea88e7d0ad1f2ff07] or use the US Air Quality Index called Air Now. [https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Lansing&state=MI&country=USA]   ADDITIONAL HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2026 GLOBAL COMPANY JOINS DETROIT'S DOWNTOWN A company from Japan is planting their roots in Detroit. The company Nagase America opened their Mobility Solutions office in downtown Detroit.  According to the publicly traded company, they will provide innovative materials and components that enhance vehicle comfort, performance, and efficiency [https://www.nagase.com/us/en/discover/news/nagase-america-mobility-solutions-establishes-downtown-detroit-presence].   In a YouTube Short video, Mayor Sheffield describes how this move will expand Detroit’s global reach. “Today sends a powerful message that a global company with nearly 190 years worth of experience had many choices where they could go and grow and expand. You could’ve expanded anywhere but you chose our talent our downtown and our future. It speaks volume of the confidence you have in our city. Your decision brings you closer to more customers, partners and innovators while strengthen Detroit’s position as a global mobility hub.” The company says it plans to use Detroit as a long-term strategic foundation for its North American mobility operations.  DETROIT'S 325TH BIRTHDAY And the 3-1-3 is turning 3-2-5. July 24th marks the city’s 325th anniversary. You might be thinking, how is that possible? America just turned 250 years old! Well, it was originally founded French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac in 1701. Detroit transitioned from French to British control in 1760, and later became part of the United States following the American Revolution.  The Detroit Historical Society is celebrating the milestone in conjunction with anniversaries for the Detroit Historical Museum and Dossin Great Lakes Museum.   The Detroit Historical Society will host a daylong community block party [https://www.detroithistorical.org/events/detroit-historical-museum-block-party] on Friday, July 24 with free admission to the museum. And the Dossin takes the baton and continues the fun on Saturday, July 25, a maritime-themed “dock” party [https://www.detroithistorical.org/events/dossin-great-lakes-museum-dock-party]that will also include family activities, music, ice cream, food trucks and free museum admission.

Department of Construction and Demolition gives update on contaminated dirt removal

The Detroit Department of Construction and Demolition gave city council an update on the removal of the contaminated dirt in the city on Monday.  The Department has replaced tainted backfill in more than 100 properties. That's out of the 450 lots that were identified. The average cost of the fill removal and replacement is about $36,000 per site.  Department Director Tim Palazzo says they have tightened up process for approving construction fill materials over the last several months. "The first thing is that we collapsed the number of sites and sources from which we receive fill material down to seven public pits. These only excavate native sand, gravel, soil from longstanding operations."  Palazzo says they inspect those sites on a monthly basis and send their staff—as well as a third-party environmental consultant—to oversee operations at the sites. He says they have also started sampling the fill before it even leaves the source site. -Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley  [http://wdet.org/author/btinsley] ADDITIONAL HEADLINES FOR TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026 COMMUNITY DISCUSSION ABOUT ICE The Southfield Neighbors Action Committee is hosting a community discussion Wednesday about ICE enforcement in Southfield. “What Does It Mean To Be A Good Neighbor When ICE Moves In?” [https://www.mobilize.us/oakparkconcernedcitizens/event/981032/?link_id=0&can_id=60187c3e7e1dcc0613396fb15e149af0&source=email-advisory-increased-ice-presence-sparks-local-coalition-to-host-community-discussion-and-panel-2&email_referrer=email_3325913&email_subject=advisory-increased-ice-presence-sparks-local-coalition-to-host-community-discussion-and-panel&&] will be moderated by Kermit Williams, political director of Oakland Forward. Panelists include Elida Reyes from Community Action for Empowerment, Lauren Fink from Southfield Neighbors Action Committee, Dr. Patricia Talley from Mexico Negro and U.S. House Representative Rashida Tlaib. The event is Wednesday from 6:30- 9 p.m. in Room 115 at the Southfield Pavilion at 26000 Evergreen Road. GOOD FOOD FOR MICHIGAN Dearborn Public Schools has received a state grant designed to bring more Michigan-grown food to its cafeterias. The Good Food for Michigan Project [https://goodfoodpurchasing.org/good-food-for-michigan/] is giving the district more than $460,000. Dearborn schools serve more than 3 million meals to around 20,000 students at more than 30 sites.  The Good Food for Michigan Project is a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, the Center for Good Food Purchasing, and the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.   DETROIT RIVERFRONT HOSTS ART EXHIBIT People visiting Detroit’s Riverfront and Southwest Greenway can now take in a little bit of the DIA’s art collection. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting the museum’s Inside Out project [https://dia.org/sites/default/files/pdf-maps/38886%20DIA%20Inside%20Out%20Detroit%20Riverfront%20Conservancy%20SW%20Greenway%20Flier%20%282%29.pdf] featuring large-scale reproductions of 7 works. The pieces will be in place until October. GIRLS SOCCER CLINIC The Hamtramck Parks Conservancy and the city’s recreation department are partnering to offer a girls soccer clinic on August 17 [https://hamtrec.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=136&fbclid=IwY2xjawTLGmFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHV2ZZaUNVYmxXN3pxc2dlc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHi4AYl7BZNS2LyDFtB-3hb4f3KjJIJtqds52k5FBXsBoPBurapu9L5rdEDht_aem_SKpMPLwlizVM5ZjZwJlQiw]. Women coaches and trainers will work with girls between the ages of 10 and 17 years old. Balls, nets and pennies are provided. The clinic runs from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Veterans Park Soccer Arena at 8684 Joseph Campau.

Wildfire smoke expected to linger, take precautions says Detroit Health Department

The Detroit Health Department says people should continue to plan for poor air quality from Canadian wildfires. Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy put out a statewide Air Quality Alert. Smoke is likely to linger this week.   In Detroit, the air quality is in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range.  Detroit Health Department Director Ali Abazeed says residents should check current conditions and adjust outdoor activity. He says residents will be notified if air quality worsens.  People should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, take frequent breaks and keep quick relief medications, such as inhalers, nearby. People should also keep their windows closed and run AC units and filters.  Residents should monitor health conditions such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or irritation of eyes or throat. Anyone who is having trouble breathing should contact a healthcare provider.  Visit  [http://airnow.gov/]airnow.gov [http://airnow.gov/] for air quality conditions.  ADDITIONAL HEADLINES FOR MONDAY, JULY 20, 2026 DANCE PARTIES Detroit Disability Power and DanceAbility are hosting several dance parties [https://secure.everyaction.com/BHVplZGu8UaycIKxsCfJYg2?emci=732ccbcb-d783-f111-b337-000d3a1558ce&emdi=fee3c92b-3f84-f111-b337-000d3a1558ce&ceid=9984999] to get groovy this summer. Join six Zoom sessions online or in-person workshops. Cara Graninger will facilitate. People can also join in person for three sessions with local musicians. ASL interpretation is available upon request.  The first in-person event takes place July 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Valade Shed on the Detroit Riverfront.   WRIGHT MUSEUM HOSTS GOLF CLASSIC The Charles H. Wright Museum’s Women’s Committee is hosting a golfing event next month. The Golf Classic [https://www.thewright.org/events/roberta-hughes-wright-memorial-golf-classic?mc_cid=db9a1333d0] is an annual fundraising event to raise money for the museum. Named in honor of Roberta Hughes Wright—an award-winning author, humanitarian and the late wife of Dr. Charles H. Wright, the founder of the museum—the event also hopes to explore African American history and culture. Proceeds will go toward the museum’s unrestricted operating budget and children’s educational programs at the museum.  The Golf Classic takes place Thursday, August 6 at the Lakes of Taylor Golf Course from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register at thewright.org/events [http://thewright.org/events].  GET OUT TO VOTE BLOCK PARTY The city of Detroit’s Department of Elections and Detroit Votes 2026 is hosting a Get Out to Vote block party this weekend. The event takes place Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2978 West Grand Blvd. outside of the Department of Elections Office. There will be community resources, entertainment and kids activities.  ORGANIZATIONS OFFER TOOLS TO BEAUTIFY CITY Several Detroit organizations are coming together to provide community resources for clean-up and beautification efforts in the city. The tool kits are accessible to residents, community groups, and nonprofits. Tools include small construction tools and safety equipment for snow removal and lawn and landscaping.  The tools can be picked up from the Balley Park NDC, the E. Warren Tool Library, or the Premier Group Associates in Detroit.  Visit the Department of Neighborhoods on  [http://detroitmi.gov/]detroitmi.gov [http://detroitmi.gov/].

Pathways for first-gen students at the University of Detroit Mercy

Dean Dr. Ahmed Radwan of the College of Health Professions at the University of Detroit Mercy is hoping to bring more first-generation students to the private university. He tells WDET's Nargis Rahman what additional support the university provides to help students that need more structure, and how having those systems brings diversity to the campus—and eventually, to various professions.

Detroit offers respite centers to get people out of hazardous air

The city of Detroit’s Health Department is offering guidance and respite centers to help residents to stay safe from the Canadian wildfire smoke.   In a press conference this week, Mayor Sheffield acknowledged the hazardous air quality conditions.  “We know we have unsafe air quality outside, and we are doing all that we can to get that information out to residents to stay in and to stay masked and to ensure we’re checking on our loved ones.”     In response to the air quality, the health department has informed residents to check the website, airnow.gov [https://airnow.gov] to check up to date air quality conditions in your area.    They also advise residents to stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed, move physical activities indoors, and wear masks.  Residents that don’t have air-conditioning can check out some of Detroit’s recreations centers at detroitmi.gov [https://detroitmi.gov]. There you will find centers near you and the numbers to contact them.      ADDITIONAL HEADLINES FOR FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026 DETROIT INVESTS IN SEWER LINE REPAIR The city is also investing $184 million to repair a long list of damaged sewer lines. This project will help prevent sewer backups and sinkholes that are most common in low-income neighborhoods. Gary Brown is the director and CEO of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). He says these repairs are too expensive for homeowners to repair. “In Detroit, homeowners and the maintenance of these lines are the homeowner's responsibility. Many residents don’t realize they’re responsible for the connections.  Unfortunately, it is also the deepest most difficult and most expensive portion of the sewer repair.”    The federally funded project will repair nearly 9,000 clogged or broken sewer connections in mostly low to moderate income neighborhoods. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2030.   Sports  MLB   The second half of the Tigers season starts this weekend after the all-star break. The home team goes against the Los Angeles Angels for a 3-game weekend affair. The Tigers are currently trying to dig out of the American League Central against an Angels team that is trying to do the same.    First pitch for today’s game is 9:35 p.m. at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.       Soccer Detroit City FC go against the Indy Eleven tomorrow at Keyworth Stadium. Game starts at 7 p.m.      FIFA  And the FIFA World Cup final takes place on Sunday, July 19 with Spain facing Argentina in a game that will make history with Lamine Yamal and Lionnel Messi leading their respective teams. Game starts at 3 p.m. at the MetLife stadium—temporarily known as New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey.      FESTIVAL OF BOOKS   And this Sunday is the 9th Annual Detroit Festival of Books. Organizers say that at this event you’ll be able to shop for rare, unique, and unusual books, vinyl records, comic books and more. The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 19 at Eastern Market.