A mixup in livestock supplements forever changed the course of history in Kalkaska County, sickening tens of thousands of cows and causing health complications to humans that may still linger.
Michigan Environment Watch
Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
Great Lakes News Collaborative
Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, The Narwhal and Michigan Public work together to report on the most pressing threats to the Great Lakes region’s water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. You can find all of the collaborative’s stories here.
Shockwave
The Great Lakes region is in the midst of a seismic energy shakeup, from skyrocketing data center demand and a nuclear energy boom, to expanding renewables and electrification. In 2026, the Great Lakes News Collaborative will explore how shifting supply and demand affect the region and its waters. Read the series here.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Online broadcast to discuss Michigan groundwater emergency on Oct. 1
Bridge and its partners, Circle of Blue and Detroit Public Television, will host an interactive broadcast to discuss pollution threats that affect millions worldwide.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
A slow-moving ‘disaster’ is threatening Lake Superior and way of life
The Buffalo Reef in the Keweenaw Peninsula teems with lake trout and whitefish. But a mountain of waste from a closed mine is slowly seeping into the water, prompting a desperate search for a solution.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Slideshow: In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, mining waste threatens Buffalo Reef
View photos from the past and present showing how waste from a closed mine is smothering key fish spawning grounds in Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Bay.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Mining waste and growing wetlands mean more mercury in fish in Upper Peninsula
A Michigan Tech researcher says studies show humans are at risk because of high levels of the toxic metal in inland Great Lakes fish.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: Could Michigan voters decide Line 5’s fate?
This week’s can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Schuette goes to bat for ExxonMobil; brief calls climate change ‘unsettled science’
Last month, the Michigan attorney general signed a court filing in support of energy giant that claims debate about global warming is still ‘raging’ among scientists. Spoiler alert: It’s not.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Climate change brings risks, opportunity to ‘Pure Michigan’
A climate scientist sees reason for optimism as Michigan and the world grapples with a hotter, more extreme climate.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
How U-M data ‘nerds’ helped Flint find homes with dangerous lead pipes
University of Michigan researchers developed an algorithm that has played an important role in Flint’s efforts to replace hazardous lead service lines. It could help other Michigan cities better locate older, compromised pipes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
How long can Great Lakes fend off thirsty world from water diversions?
A 2008 interstate compact prevents distant dry places from siphoning off Great Lakes water. But will the agreement hold up in the face of growing demand?