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"DTE Energy Fined $100M, Detroit Hockey Heroes, Fish Fry Fridays Return, Wayne County Farmland Crisis!"

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"DTE Energy Fined $100M, Detroit Hockey Heroes, Fish Fry Fridays Return, Wayne County Farmland Crisis!"

"DTE Energy Fined $100M, Detroit Hockey Heroes, Fish Fry Fridays Return, Wayne County Farmland Crisis!"
DTE fined $100M, Detroit 75 Kitchen's grand opening, USA Women's Hockey triumph, Fish Fry Friday returns, and Wayne County's changing landscape! 🌟

Steve Korbal

Feb 23, 2026

Trivia Question❓

In Metro Detroit, which iconic street is famously known for being a hub of activity and entertainment, lined with theaters, restaurants, and shops, and is home to the renowned Detroit Opera House?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

DTE Energy Co. and its subsidiaries have been ordered to pay a $100 million civil penalty for Clean Air Act violations at their EES Coke facility on Zug Island between River Rouge and Detroit.

 

Environmental justice advocates are celebrating the decision as a major victory for Southwest Detroit, where asthma rates remain high and pollution concerns are acute.

 

U.S. District Court Judge Gershwin Drain not only imposed the fine but also demanded that DTE swiftly comply with federal air quality standards.

 

A new Community Quality Action Committee, backed by $20 million, will oversee local air improvements, including distributing air purifiers and enhancing air filters in affected neighborhoods and schools.

 

DTE said it is disappointed and plans to appeal, raising concerns about consequences for the U.S. steel industry’s coke supply.

 

The ruling signals a strong push for environmental accountability and hopes for healthier air in Detroit’s hardest-hit communities.


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After years of delighting Detroiters with their popular food truck, brothers Mike and Ahmad Nassar have opened Detroit 75 Kitchen’s first permanent location in Madison Heights at 32275 Stephenson Highway.

 

The brothers invested about $1.5 million to transform the former Madison Club Bar & Grill into a retro-diner with terrazzo floors, recycled Faygo pop bottle tabletops, and vibrant Detroit sports memorabilia.

 

A seasonal patio is set to debut this spring, expanding their inviting space.

 

The restaurant brings back customer favorites like the Detroit-style cheesesteak, Fisher Freeway Fish sandwich, and halal-certified shawarma wraps.

 

During Lent, daily seafood specials include catfish, haddock, and Lake Erie walleye.

 

Operating Monday to Saturday, Detroit 75 Kitchen aims to become the go-to local stop—offering friendly service and real, affordable food in the heart of Madison Heights.


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Your snack game just leveled up. Big Lake Candy Company is serving up the crunchiest, most addictive freeze dried treats you never knew you needed — we're talking candy, fruit, pickles, ice cream, and even cheesecake. Yes, freeze dried cheesecake is a thing, and yes, it's as amazing as it sounds.

Perfect for snacking, gifting, or just treating yourself (no judgment here).

 

🔥 Special Deal for Spotlight on the D Readers: Grab any 3 items for just $20! Don't sleep on this one.

The USA women’s hockey team secured their third Olympic gold with a dramatic 2-1 overtime win against rival Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

 

Detroit-area pride soared as Farmington Hills native Megan Keller  clinched the decisive goal.

 

Local fans, many gathering at venues like Bar IX, experienced a rollercoaster of excitement and anxiety as the intense showdown unfolded.

 

Canada led until the final minutes, when Hilary Knight tied the game to force overtime.

 

In the extra period, Taylor Heise set up Keller, who maneuvered past a defender and fired home the winning shot.

 

The victory not only spotlights the team’s grit, but also highlights the local talent of athletes like Keller and Plymouth’s Kirsten Simms, inspiring the next generation across Metro Detroit.

 

The celebration underscores both the national achievement and the deep community support behind these exceptional athletes.


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As Lent 2026 approaches, Metro Detroit once again gears up for Fish Fry Fridays, a time-honored tradition where faith and community fill the season with warmth.

 

Across the region, churches and halls host lively dinners featuring crispy fish, homemade sides, and sweet desserts, uniting neighbors in both spiritual observance and friendly connection.

 

Rooted in centuries-old Christian custom, abstaining from meat on Fridays— especially among Catholic families—has become embedded in Detroit’s culture, fueled by generations of immigrants seeking both tradition and community.

 

Volunteers serve hundreds, with the events often helping fund local charities and programs. Menus now include baked fish, shrimp, and even vegetarian options, honoring both heritage and changing tastes.

 

For many, Fish Fry Friday captures sacrifice, service, and togetherness—transforming a simple meal into a meaningful ritual that welcomes all to the table.


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Wayne County has lost nearly half its farmland in two decades, shrinking from 21,485 acres in 2002 to just 10,392 acres by 2022.

 

Rising urban and industrial development pressures are driving this trend, with farmland value skyrocketing from $6,829 to $20,415 per acre—a near tripling fueled by high demand and proximity to growing cities.

 

Meanwhile, neighboring Macomb County has boosted its agricultural land by 16.7%, gaining over 11,000 acres since 2002.

 

Land values in Macomb rose a modest 26.8%, reflecting a steadier market and suggesting successful local preservation efforts.

 

These contrasting paths highlight how urban growth and agricultural priorities collide—and reveal that strategic planning can help communities safeguard farmland even as they modernize.

 

As Michigan changes, finding balance will be vital for those shaping the state’s future.


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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Woodward Avenue
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© 2026 Spotlight on the D.

Spotlight on the D shines a light on Metro Detroit’s heartbeat — the stories, events, and people that make the Motor City thrive. With a mix of neighborhood news, cultural highlights, and local gems, this newsletter keeps you connected to what’s happening in and around Detroit.

© 2026 Spotlight on the D.