For the first time in 40 years, researchers will visit Superior Maximus, the deepest part of the Great Lakes. The expedition will happen during a live broadcast.
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
Some green energy projects struggle in Michigan amid local opposition
Green energy developers can bypass local governments and get approval through the state. However, opposition from communities remains a hurdle.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch, Michigan Government
As energy prices rise, Senate candidates clash over clean power future
With President Donald Trump rolling back clean energy policies, Michigan US Senate candidates offer competing visions for lowering costs, fighting climate change.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
More volatile weather sparks new Michigan trend: tornado safe rooms
Michigan is now incentivizing homeowners to build tornado safe rooms for protection from severe weather.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Takeout trash is piling up at Michigan universities. There’s no easy fix
Universities like Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are struggling to manage a shift toward convenience dining, which has made reducing single-use waste increasingly difficult even as campuses expand composting and recycling programs.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch, Michigan Government
Bridge on WJR: ‘Devil’s in the details’ on data centers
As the data center boom begins in Michigan, Bridge reporter Kelly House joined WJR in Detroit to discuss concerns about their impact and other top environmental issues.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch, Outdoors Life
Bridge Listens: The facts about Michigan’s environment, data centers, dams
Bridge readers identified the environment as a top 2026 election concern, with data centers, Great Lakes health and energy policy topping the list. We break down the issues, the facts and possible solutions.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan loves a ‘river story.’ But happy ending isn’t guaranteed
Michigan’s rivers are back from the brink — and play a pivotal role in state life. From dams to fish and pollution to development, they face a host of challenges that Bridge is exploring in a summerlong series.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan restricts buckthorn, other plants as landscapers cry foul
Advocates celebrated Tuesday after Michigan officials voted to ban or restrict six invasive plant species. Advocates said the decision helps the state catch up with neighboring Great Lakes states that already regulate many of the plants.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In school cafeterias, kids fight Michigan’s food waste problems
Michigan schools are increasingly adopting composting programs that divert food waste from the landfill while teaching students sustainability.