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Detroit Evening Report: How wildfire smoke choked the Michigan economy 42%
By Hernz Laguerre36%
7/22/2026, 8:37:53 PM
Topics: Environmental Impact, Economic Impact
BS Summary: This article contains 18 faulty reasoning types, including Post Hoc (False Cause), Negativity Bias, and Attempt to Sell a Product or Service, with Appeal to Authority as the most egregious example at 13.6% saturation with 81 hits. Analysis detected 532 faulty-reasoning hits from 594 analyzed words, generating a BS Score of 46.5% and a BS Rank of 42% (11,723 of 20,097 articles). This article is better (less manipulative) than 58.30% of the article peer group.
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 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 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.
Analysis
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