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. 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—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 or use the US Air Quality Index called Air Now.  

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.  

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 24^th marks the city’s 325^th 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 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 that will also include family activities, music, ice cream, food trucks and free museum admission.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Wildfire smoke at times last week made Detroit’s air quality the worst in the world — that’s in a place that consistently gets terrible grades for heavy pollution.

So, how is our health impacted by poor air quality?

Dr. Garen Wolff is an allergy and immunology physician at the Detroit Medical Center. She says people with asthma are having to use inhalers too often.  

“It should be (used) less than twice a week, but when we have poor air quality for long periods of time, I have patients using their rescue inhaler every day and that’s not healthy for the lungs to do,” says Wolff.

Dr. Wolff spoke with The Metro’s Robyn Vincent about the health consequences of breathing smoke-filled air.  

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts. Have thoughts? Email the show at metro@wdet.org.

More from The Metro

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)’s meteorologists say the high temperatures this week will lead to high levels of ozone and poor air quality. 

There’s an air quality alert for ozone in Southeast Michigan for today and tomorrow. Ozone is a pollutant in the atmosphere created by volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides found in things like industrial solvents, cleaning products and burning fuel. It is an air pollutant. 

EGLE says people should avoid strenuous activities—especially for those who have asthma. People should also avoid refueling vehicles, using gasoline-powered lawn equipment or lighting charcoal with lighter fluid. People should also try to drive less and delay errands if possible.  

ELGE says they will put out additional alerts as needed. For more information visit michigan.gov/MiAir. 

Additional headlines for Monday, June 29, 2026

Tips for handling the heat

Detroit’s health department recommends drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated during this week’s heat wave. They also recommend limiting strenuous activity and staying inside.

Recreation centers, public library branches will serve as cooling centers during normal business hours.

Watch for signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, headache, and unusually heavy sweating. Check on family members and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities.

AAA reminds drivers not to leave children or pets in their vehicles and to check the back seat each time they get out of their car.  

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Dearborn hosts World Cup watch parties

The City of Dearborn is offering free watch parties for residents and World Cup fans. The city is partnering up with What’s up Media Network to host the watch party at Dearborn’s PEACE Park West. The matches are shown on the screen at the park’s performance stage. Vendors will also provide refreshments.

Anyone can join, but the park can hold only up to 1,000 people. People are encouraged to go early to find a spot.  

Dearborn’s PEACE Park West is located at 22271 W Village Dr. in Dearborn.  

Dearborn Tree City designation

Also in Dearborn, the city was given the Tree City USA designation for the 39th time.  

Mayor Abdullah Hammoud says the city is planting a few thousand trees.. And also removing dead ones. 

“When I first came in, we had a backlog of about 1,200-1,300 dead and diseased trees that needed to be taken down. That list is now, I would say, around the 100 mark, and we’ve also caught up. We had seven years of no trimming of trees throughout the city. We officially caught up, and we’re back on our normal five year cycle.”  

Hammoud says planting more trees helps with air quality and mitigating flooding.  

Dearborn residents can also request a free tree to be planted in their easement by going to Dearborn.gov/trees. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Candidates planning to run in Michigan’s August primary election had until Tuesday at 4 p.m. to file their paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office.  That includes a few new candidates who filed at the last minute.  

Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters filed to run in the Democratic primary for the 13^th Congressional District.  She faces incumbent Shri Thanedar, state Representative Donovan McKinney and realtor John Goci.  

The State Board of Canvassers still has to approve the candidates’ petition signatures before they can appear on the August primary ballot. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Leland House up for auction 

Downtown Detroit’s Leland House apartment building is up for auction.  The Detroit News reports that bidding for the building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will start next week.  

The Leland House was built in 1927 and served as a luxury hotel for many years, before being turned into an apartment complex.  Tenants were forced out of the building late last year, after the owner declared bankruptcy, and the city declared the building uninhabitable. 

Clean air hearing tonight 

Michigan regulators are holding a public hearing tonight to discuss metro Detroit’s air quality status.  Planet Detroit is reporting that state regulators want to declare that southeast Michigan is meeting federal ozone standards.  If approved, the action could weaken clean air standards in the area.  

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy will hold the virtual meeting at 6 p.m. tonight.  You can call call 855-758-1310 to attend and use code 847 4896 8640  or you can join the meeting on Zoom.  

Pistons Game 2 preview 

The Detroit Pistons will try to rebound from a loss in their first game of the NBA playoffs.  The Orlando Magic beat them Sunday at Little Caesars Arena.  The Pistons brought the best regular season record in the NBA’s Eastern Conference to the playoffs, but that didn’t stop the Magic from taking the first game.  

Cade Cunningham had 39 points in the loss.  Game 2 in the nationally-televised best-of-seven series takes place at Little Caesars Arena tonight at 7 p.m. 

NFL Draft starts Thursday 

The Detroit Lions are making their final preparations for this week’s NFL Draft.  The team has the 17^th pick in the first round of the draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh.  

Football analysts suggest the Lions could use that pick to get an offensive lineman, edge rusher or cornerback.  The first round of the NFL draft starts at 8 p.m. Thursday.  The event will be televised live on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.