A group analyzed 20 years of beach cleanup data, finding that 86% of litter is composed at least partially of plastic.
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
PFAS-tainted foam in Lake Huron prompts citizen outcry
After discovering sky-high PFAS levels in the foam, activists panned state environmental regulators for declining to test it earlier. State officials counter that with hundreds of PFAS sites in Michigan, their resources are stretched thin.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Watch Bridge’s Lunch Break on Michigan disappearing winters
The latest Lunch Break event featured expert panelists discussing the cultural and ecological impacts of warming winters
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Sault tribe challenges Michigan fishing deal, chides ‘preposterous’ rules
With key species like whitefish nearing the brink of collapse, Michigan’s largest Native American tribe wants fewer restrictions on when, how and where its members can fish. Others contend that would imperil the fishery.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan updates fishing regulations for 2024 season. What you need to know
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has updated its fishing regulations for this season. Here is everything you need to know about the new regulations, which went into effect Monday.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Nuclear plant restart plan stirs hope, reunions in small Michigan town
The Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert Township could be the first shuttered nuclear facility to reopen in the U.S.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Nuclear power plant in Michigan awarded $1.5B for nation's first restart
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm touted the southwest Michigan plant as a key part of America’s energy future. Opponents questioned the safety of the 53-year-old facility.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Judge holds Flint in contempt for continued lead pipe replacement delays
The city was supposed to finish replacing all lead service lines in Flint by 2020. The work still isn’t done. The ruling includes no financial penalties.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Road salt use dips 37% in Michigan warm winter, saving millions, easing pollution
Michigan in poised to save $10 million alone in road salt costs. It’s a similar story for county road crews, bucking a trend of increased use — and pollution — in lakes, rivers and groundwater.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan residents mourn loss of snow, fear for future as winters vanish
Winter is changing in Michigan and may vanish in decades to come because of climate change. Bridge Michigan asked readers how they feel: Some see a wake-up call; others are relieved.