Michigan’s ‘zombie deer’ disease, trapping bloodsucking Grand River lampreys with sex pheromones, and the expansion of a hazardous waste facility in Detroit. This week’s can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
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
Michigan lawmakers may require schools to test water for lead
House lawmakers voice bipartisan support for legislation to require schools, child care centers, colleges hospitals and veterans centers to test for lead and other contaminants.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
New report says Line 5 is Michigan’s risk, but Canada’s benefit
The report from the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities seeks to turn up the heat on state officials weighing Line 5’s future and rebut Enbridge Energy’s contention the pipeline delivers a crucial supply of energy to Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Great Lakes drownings an ‘epidemic.’ Meet a Michigan man obsessed with ending them.
At least 640 people have drowned on the Great Lakes since 2010. We know that because of Bob Pratt, a former East Lansing fire marshal who’s on a mission to make Great Lakes beaches safer.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Swim at your own risk. Most Michigan beaches lack lifeguards
Michigan towns along the Great Lakes have eliminated lifeguards at public beaches in recent years, increasing risks, safety advocates say. In New Buffalo, officials briefly considered the idea. Then came the backlash.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
How to survive rip currents and other Great Lakes drowning dangers (video)
Dozens die each year in waters that can be fiercer than oceans. Most are men. Most aren’t wearing life jackets. Those aren’t the only surprises.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: Lead paint enforcement spotty in Detroit
This week’s can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan House approves bills letting industry vote on environmental rules
The Michigan House on Tuesday backed a plan to fashion private-sector panels — including one populated largely with industry representatives — that could override Department of Environmental Quality rules and permit decisions.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Rural Michigan helped elect Trump. Now, farmers are sweating a trade war.
Michigan farmers went whole-hog for Trump, but fear a Chinese tariffs could wallop bottom lines. Soybean growers have the most to lose.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Low milk prices are a big headache for Michigan’s family dairy farms
A milk surplus is shrinking margins and making life even harder for Michigan’s 1,600 dairy farms.