Michigan towns along the Great Lakes have eliminated lifeguards at public beaches in recent years, increasing risks, safety advocates say. In New Buffalo, officials briefly considered the idea. Then came the backlash.
Great Lakes
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
How to survive rip currents and other Great Lakes drowning dangers (video)
Dozens die each year in waters that can be fiercer than oceans. Most are men. Most aren’t wearing life jackets. Those aren’t the only surprises.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Green grows the algae bloom, and not enough is being done about it
Unsightly and unhealthy, algae blooms imperil drinking water for entire cities. There’s a plan to address them, but no timeline or resource estimate. In other words, not much.
Posted inGuest Commentary
The Great Lakes are no place for fish farming, but there might be one nearby
We can’t pollute our greatest resource with what amounts to untreated sewage. Fish farming is sustainable and safe in better-chosen places – like urban-farming Detroit, perhaps.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Don’t mess with the Great Lakes
In a surprising development, in late July a Congressional committee acted like, well, thoughtful, rational legislators. Why? Six words: Don’t mess with the Great Lakes. Here’s the story. First came behavior we’ve come to expect from the U.S. House of Represenatives. An appropriations subcommittee — which has primary responsibility for determining Great Lakes funding levels […]
Posted inMichigan Government
State leaders pledge fixes for leaky fuel tanks fund after audit finds cash diversions
LITTLE HELP?: Michigan’s effort to deal with leaking underground fuel tanks such as this one have been hamstrung by the diversion of more than $200 million in state money that was collected to address the problem. In the wake of a critical state audit, policy-makers are pledging reforms to the program to accelerate the cleanup […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
MEDICAID MESS: Despite the Michigan Senate’s refusal to vote on his proposal to expand Medicaid health services, Gov. Rick Snyder said this week he has no plans to recall the Legislature from its summer break to work on the issue. (courtesy photo) *This was not the kind of national press Gov. Rick Snyder was expecting […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
HOW DOES THIS WORK?: Michigan’s system of road safety rules, which require seat belts in autos, but not helmets on adult motorcycle riders, is confusing. (courtesy photos/used under Creative Commons license) *It is the avowed policy of the state of Michigan that: A. Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles must be belted in order to […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
5 reasons to be focused on health of Great Lakes every week
INVADERS!: The sea lamprey is just one invasive species now harming the Great Lakes – and more are on the way if unified action isn’t taken across the Great Lakes basin, argues Brunch columnist Helen Taylor. Two significant Great Lakes events happened in Michigan in the last two weeks. We should all be spreading the […]
Posted inPhil's Column
On a day once called ‘Decoration,’ thoughts on what's left behind
Phil Power is founder and chairman of the Center for Michigan. As has been our custom for years, my wife, Kathy, and I take time over Memorial Day weekend to plant geraniums on my parents’ graves. The stones are black granite, with the inscriptions sand-blasted gray in a formal Roman type face. The bright-red geraniums […]