Before heading to Michigan beaches this summer, check for blue-green algae that poses a risk to human and animal health.
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.
Water’s True Cost
As the nation prepares to pour hundreds of billions of federal dollars into rescuing water systems, the Great Lakes News Collaborative investigates the true cost of water in Michigan. Read the series.
Ready or Not
The Great Lakes region is frequently touted as one of the most climate-resilient places in the U.S., in part because of its enviable water resources. But climate change also threatens our water. The Great Lakes News Collaborative explores what it will take to prepare. Read the series.
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
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
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
Michigan medical students fight to make climate change part of curriculum
Doctors need to understand how climate change plays a role in health, so Michigan medical students are pushing for climate health education in their programs.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Urban 'heat islands' in Great Lakes and the toll on human health
Cities like Detroit, with lots of buildings and infrastructure that absorb and re-emit heat, are considered urban heat islands, but the tracking of related health events is lacking.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan officials mull more access for e-bikes on state trails
E-bike popularity is surging, allowing e-bike riders to participate in the beloved pastime, but their access is banned on thousands of miles of state trails. A new Michigan DNR proposal would change that.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan communities consider installing solar panels on water
Solar panels on plastic rafts are linked and anchored to the bottom of a lake. Michigan hasn’t issued any permits yet, but Ann Arbor, Pittsfield Township and Plainfield Charter Township have looked into the idea.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Eight Michigan beaches reopen after E. coli levels drop, six others closed
Health officials said eight Michigan beaches are safe for swimming again after water samples showed decreased E. coli levels. One beach reopened briefly then closed again and five others joined the closure list Friday.