The PFAS contamination spreading from a Wolverine World Wide dump site north of Grand Rapids is more complex than originally thought. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced this week that there isn't just one plume carrying toxic PFAS chemicals away from an old gravel pit. In fact, there are four such plumes, traveling in different directions, contaminating groundwater and wells as they spread. According to joint research by the DEQ and EPA, one of the plumes is 50 to 60 years old, reaches 200 feet deep and has PFAS at concentrations up to 71,000-ppt in its core. MORE ►Snyder requests additional road, PFAS response funding ►Dioxane in Ann Arbor park raises new concerns about Gelman plume ►Latest environmental news
It has been two years since the first criminal charges were filed against former Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar. This week, ex-MSU president Lou Anna Simon became the fifth official and/or Nassar associate to face federal charges in connection to the scandal. We've got the details of each person on this list, which includes a doctor, two coaches and a pair of presidents. MORE ►Complete Larry Nassar coverage
Looks as if we are in the thick of it, fellow Michiganders. MLive chief meteorologist Mark Torregrossa has the extended short-term outlook for us. (Wait, is that an oxymoron or a term we just made up?) Over the next two weeks, Mark T says we should expect no less than four storm systems, each about three to four days apart. The storms should fluctuate between rain and snow. MORE ►Track snow conditions and snow plow activity during next storm
The high school sports schedule just rolls along. The prep boys basketball season is underway, and we get you geared for the season with a look at last year's defending champions and short previews of all the teams we expect will contend for state titles this season. Check out the high school sports page for regional teams to watch across the state. MORE ►Nation's top-ranked freshman scores 32 in debut
Do you have plans for the weekend? Cancel them! You are heading to Mackinac Island for a snow-covered holiday tradition. You can thank us later. If you aren't yet in the Christmas spirit, this will get you there. There are raffles, food, an illuminated tree and general merriment. You keep visiting Mackinac Island during the summer but do you have your "winter on the island" Michigander merit badge? Get it this year. MORE ►See what Mackinac Island looked like a century ago ►How the horses of the Grand Hotel spend their winter vacation