With lots of domestic well users and plenty of polluting industries, Michiganders are among the nation’s most likely to have ‘forever chemicals’ in their well water, according to a landmark federal study.
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 winter may be warm — and wet
Unseasonably warm temperatures in Michigan this year will continue through winter. But it will be wet, too, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Wildfire spreads 225 acres in Baraga County; danger remains high in Michigan
A fire spreads in the McCormick Wilderness in the Upper Peninsula, as dry conditions increase risks of blazes statewide.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Fire danger remains high in Michigan, dry conditions continue
Several wildfires occurred over the weekend including a 100-acre fire in Baraga County in the Upper Peninsula due to dry conditions.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As deer ravage suburbs, Michigan urges hunters: Do your part, shoot a doe
Michigan’s deer populations have soared to 2 million, so the state is tweaking regulations to encourage hunters to shoot more females.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
DTE Energy ghostwriting comments to push $456 million rate hike
As regulators review DTE Energy’s $456.4 million rate hike request, businesses’ comments appear to be written by the utility itself.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Great Lakes’ water levels dropping, but still just about average
Water levels in the Great Lakes drop as the region experiences drier conditions due to a lack of precipitation.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
U-M gives AI assistant to every student. Environmental worries follow
In September, the school gave personal AI assistants to the more than 50,000 students at the University of Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Mussels, alewives lead list of 10 worst invasive species in Great Lakes
Researchers have identified the plants and animals that pose the greatest threat to the Great Lakes’ region’s delicate ecosystems, fisheries and recreational waters. Leading the list are zebra mussels, followed by quagga mussels.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
A freeze warning is in effect for several Michigan counties
The National Weather Service issued freeze warnings for over a dozen Michigan counties as overnight temperatures are forecast to fall into the high 20s and low 30s, prompting gardeners to bring their plants inside for the season.