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The Detroit Red Wings announced Wednesday that Steve Yzerman will step down as general manager and transition to a senior advisor role under team governor and CEO Chris Ilitch.
The franchise icon, who holds the record as the longest-serving captain in NHL history, returned to Detroit in 2019 after spending nine years with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Despite high expectations, the Red Wings failed to reach the postseason during his entire seven-year tenure as general manager.
The story is one of five must-read stories from MLive not to miss this morning.
Seven playoff-less seasons leads to decision Clearly, we are not where we and our fans expect to be as an organization, Ilitch said.
Im looking forward to bringing in new leadership to build the championship-caliber organization Hockeytown deserves.
The Red Wings have launched a search for a new head of hockey operations that will include both internal and external candidates.
Ilitch will lead the search committee alongside Ilitch Sports & Entertainment President and CEO Ryan Gustafson.
Ilitch praised Yzermans contributions to the franchise while emphasizing the relationship will continue.
Steves lifetime of contributions to the Red Wings has meant more to this franchise than words can truly express, and I have the highest level of respect for his continued commitment to our organization, he said.
The announcement comes just weeks after the entry draft, start of free agency and reports of internal tension that included a trade request from captain Dylan Larkin.
What Yzermans departure means for Larkins future is a major unknown.
The full story, by Ansar Khan is available here.
Michigan agencies approve key permits for Enbridge tunnel under Straits of Mackinac Two Michigan agencies issued key permits July 15 for an Enbridge tunnel designed to replace aging oil pipelines beneath the Straits of Mackinac, advancing a project that has sparked sharp debate over environmental protection and energy security.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy both approved permits for the Great Lakes Tunnel Project on Wednesday.
The tunnel would house a replacement for the existing 73-year-old Line 5 dual pipelines currently located on the lakebed.
The approvals come with several environmental requirements and safeguards that Enbridge officials are now reviewing.
Numerous environmental and tribal advocacy groups have condemned Wednesdays decisions.
The Michigan League of Conservation Voters called it a betrayal of Gov.
Gretchen Whitmers previous promises regarding the pipeline, and said that it puts tribal sovereignty and the states economy at risk.
Enbridge must still secure additional permits from the Michigan Public Service Commission and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers before construction can begin.
Separate legal battles regarding the existing pipelines also remain active.
The full story, by Ryan Boldrey is available here.
State seeks to ban wastewater operator from industry after falsified report convictions Michigan authorities have filed a civil lawsuit seeking to permanently remove a wastewater operator from the industry after he allegedly falsified thousands of pollution monitoring reports across the state over a five-year period.
The Michigan Attorney Generals office filed the complaint June 29 against Brian Powell, 57, president of Brighton-based Douglas Environmental, asking an Ingham County judge to bar him from water services work and impose fines.
The civil action follows Powells recent criminal conviction on three counts of forgery, for which he received probation July 9.
State officials with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy identified more than 8,500 instances between 2018 and 2023 where Powells reported data did not match underlying laboratory results.
In more than 100 additional cases, required reports were either filed late or not at all, according to the complaint.
When individuals cut corners and submit false reports, they are not just breaking the law but also actively putting our families at risk, Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement.
Environmental protections help keep toxic contaminants out of our water, and bypassing these regulations carries severe consequences.
The full story, by Garret Ellison is available here.
Michigans largest lavender farm closing as owners retire Indigo Lavender Farms, billed as Michigans largest lavender farm, will permanently close its doors on Aug.
15 as the Dennis family retires after years of operation.
This may be the end of the farm, but the memories, friendships, and community weve built together will stay with us forever, the family said in a statement.
The 50-acre farm, at 631 N.
Van Dyke Road in Lapeer County, features 14,000 lavender plants and is a popular venue for proposals, weddings and community events.
Existing wedding bookings will not be affected by the closure.
The farm will continue to welcome visitors for its U-pick experience, where guests use scissors and flower bands to harvest their own lavender bundles.
The business also sells dried lavender, candles, lotions and clothing, and is offering wreath-making classes and discounted items during its remaining weeks.
The full story, by Nick Taylor is available here.
Wildfire smoke spreads across Michigan, prompting statewide air quality alerts Wildfire smoke from Canada and northeastern Minnesota is spreading across Michigan, triggering statewide air pollution alerts expected to last through Thursday as hazy conditions and reduced visibility affect residents throughout the state.
The smoke darkened skies and produced the scent of campfires across the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan early Wednesday and continued to move south throughout the day as they reached the Michigan-Indiana border by night.
In terms of wildfire smoke, we have been fortunate so far in 2026, said Jim Haywood, senior meteorologist for the Air Quality Division at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
Unfortunately, our luck has run out as the fires north of the Minnesota arrowhead have rapidly expanded ..
and satellite imagery shows large areas of smoke headed our way.
The Mackinac Bridge Authority issued a wildfire smoke warning of its own after webcams showed the structure disappearing into the haze Wednesday morning.
Health officials recommend that residents avoid strenuous outdoor activities and watch for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, dizziness or chest tightness.
People should keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from entering homes and avoid any outdoor burning until conditions improve.
The full story, by Tanda Gmiter is available here.