Michigan and other Midwestern states could face heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the week as tropical storm Beryl approaches Texas.
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
How to protect pets during Michigan’s blue-green algae season
Before heading to Michigan beaches this summer, check for blue-green algae that poses a risk to human and animal health.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan HOAs can’t ban solar panels under newly passed bill
Some homeowners associations ban residents from installing solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations and other green upgrades. A new bill would change that.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan opens first public EV charging network for off-road vehicles
The nation’s first public EV charging network for off-road vehicles is now open in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, amid a push to electrify recreational vehicles and watercraft.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Feds spend big on urban tree-planting in Michigan. Will residents get a say?
Michigan is getting $33 million to spend on urban forestry, which can help mitigate heat waves fueled by climate change. The question is whether government can do a better job engaging with communities in the process.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Experts predict moderate Lake Erie toxic algae bloom
The water near Monroe has already begun to turn green with cyanobacteria, a product of farm runoff and other pollution that overloads Lake Erie with nutrients.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
A tsunami-like wave on Lake Michigan? What to know about a ‘meteotsunami’
The National Weather Service confirmed a minor ‘meteotsunami’ hit beaches near Ludington and Holland after severe weather swept the region early Tuesday morning.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In urban 'heat islands' like Detroit, staying cool means getting creative
Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Milwaukee, Windsor and Toronto, though close to the Great Lakes, are all urban ‘heat islands.’ Experts say these cities have unique opportunities to create more green spaces to cool things down.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Invasive spotted lanternfly confirmed in Michigan — second time since 2022
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has detected a population of spotted lanternflies in Monroe County. The invasive insects excrete a sticky liquid that can grow a ‘sooty mold’ deadly to plants.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Black flies are swarming in northern Michigan and the U.P.
Black flies are tiny insects that are commonly found in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula near bodies of water. While male black flies don’t bite, the females do, which can cause a painful, itchy rash.