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How to check if your Michigan water system is replacing lead pipes

By Nina Misuraca Ignaczak, Planet Detroit

This article was republished with permission from Planet Detroit. Sign up for Planet Detroit’s weekly newsletter here.

Lead exposure remains a serious health risk in Michigan, but many residents don’t know whether their water system complies with state rules or whether their service line contains lead.

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The Next Deluge May Go Differently

By Christian Thorsberg, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/12/the-next-deluge-may-go-differently/

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Tensions flare as Line 5 public comment deadline nears

By Ellie Katz, Interlochen Public Radio

This article was republished with permission from Interlochen Public Radio.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently revived an alternative to the Line 5 tunnel. The new option was proposed in a supplemental environmental impact statement published by the federal agency last month.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/12/tensions-flare-as-line-5-public-comment-deadline-nears/

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In world of AI, Michigan State University Extension bets on human expertise

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/12/in-world-of-ai-michigan-state-university-extension-bets-on-human-expertise/

Bridge Michigan

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The history of taming the Great Black Swamp

This is an excerpt from the book “The Great Black Swamp: Toxic algae, toxic relationships, and the most interesting place in America that nobody’s ever heard of.” Available for purchase on November 11, 2025, by Belt Publishing.

“The Worst Road in America”

Disasters do not happen overnight. 

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/11/the-history-of-taming-the-great-black-swamp/

Patrick Wensink

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Stanton Yards development merges art, nature on Detroit River, envisions ‘thriving new community destination’

This story is published in partnership with Planet Detroit. 

Stanton Yards, a Detroit riverfront development, aims to be a gathering place where people find inspiration in art and reconnect with nature.

The waterfront attraction is planned as an extension of the Little Village cultural corridor developed by Library Street Collective co-founders Anthony and JJ Curis.

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John Hartig

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Fifty years later: The little-known story of the families the Fitz left behind

“Wrecked: The Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy” is a new book by Thomas Nelson with Jeremy Podair. Below is an adapted excerpt from the chapter “Just Call Toby,” that details the legal mess families were put through after losing their loved ones on the Edmund Fitzgerald. 

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/11/fifty-years-later-the-little-known-story-of-the-families-the-fitz-left-behind/

Thomas Nelson

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Going Country at Farrand Hall

Situated in a town of a little over a thousand people in Colon, Michigan, is an idyllic and pastoral outdoor dining experience just 250 feet from a main road. Guests are recommended to order a glass of wine, wander the property grounds, and soak in their surroundings before taking a seat at a banquet-style table.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/11/going-country-at-farrand-hall/

S. Nicole Lane

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Sludge is used as fertilizer across Wisconsin. How much is tainted by PFAS?

By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio

This article was republished here with permission from Wisconsin Public Radio.

On a Saturday in June, Nancy Sattler bats away flies while standing in the shade of the Moen Lake boat landing near the town of Stella.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/11/sludge-is-used-as-fertilizer-across-wisconsin-how-much-is-tainted-by-pfas/

Wisconsin Public Radio

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Illinois one step closer to keeping invasive carp out of Great Lakes

By Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, WBEZ

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WBEZ and Grist, a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Sign up for WBEZ newsletters to get local news you can trust.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/10/illinois-one-step-closer-to-keeping-invasive-carp-out-of-great-lakes/

WBEZ

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New study links seasonal pollen to higher suicide risk, experts warn

A new study between researchers at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, looked at suicide rates in metropolitan areas around the United States. When looking at data from 2000 to 2018, they found a direct correlation to rises in seasonal pollen. While it is still unknown how exactly allergies work as a tipping point for some people, the research adds to a burgeoning body of work that shows this parallel exists.  

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/10/new-study-links-seasonal-pollen-to-higher-suicide-risk-experts-warn/

Lisa John Rogers, Great Lakes Now

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In “The Gales of November,” author John U. Bacon investigates the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald

By Doug Tribou, John U. Bacon and Caoilinn Goss, Michigan Public

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/10/in-the-gales-of-november-author-john-u-bacon-investigates-the-sinking-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald/

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Ohio to fast-track energy at former coal mines and brownfields

By Kathiann M. Kowalski

This story was originally published by Canary Media.

A new law in Ohio will fast-track energy projects in places that are hard to argue with: former coal mines and brownfields.

But how much the legislation benefits clean energy will depend on the final rules for its implementation, which the state is working out now.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/10/ohio-to-fast-track-energy-at-former-coal-mines-and-brownfields/

Canary Media

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A Michigan town hopes to stop a data center with a 2026 ballot initiative

By Tom Perkins, Inside Climate News

This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. This is the second of three articles about Michigan communities organizing to stop the construction of energy-intensive computing facilities.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/10/michigan-town-effots-to-stop-data-center/

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Los Alamos and University of Michigan want to build a national security ‘data center’ in Ypsilanti. Residents and local officials see few benefits.

By Tom Perkins, Inside Climate News

This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. It’s the first of three articles about Michigan communities organizing to stop the construction of energy-intensive computing facilities.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/10/los-alamos-university-of-michigan-national-security-data-center/

Inside Climate News

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How Buffalo, New York has adapted to and embraced an influx of climate migrants

Buffalo is not a place that typically makes national headlines outside of football season. But in late July, the city did exactly that for one hugely significant reason: it became the last large city in the U.S. Lower 48 to have never reached 100 F.

At a time of rising temperatures and water levels, along with the threat of wildfires and smoke, many are reassessing where to live and Buffalo is embracing the “climate haven” tag.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/10/how-buffalo-new-york-has-adapted-to-and-embraced-an-influx-of-climate-migrants/

Stephen Starr, Great Lakes Now

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How Buffalo, New York has adapted to and embraced an influx of climate migrants

Buffalo is not a place that typically makes national headlines outside of football season. But in late July, the city did exactly that for one hugely significant reason: it became the last large city in the U.S. Lower 48 to have never reached 100 F.

At a time of rising temperatures and water levels, along with the threat of wildfires and smoke, many are reassessing where to live and Buffalo is embracing the “climate haven” tag.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/10/how-buffalo-new-york-has-adapted-to-and-embraced-an-influx-of-climate-migrants/

Stephen Starr, Great Lakes Now

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Millions in loans to replace lead pipes pumping water into Chicago homes remain unspent

By Keerti Gopal & Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco

This story is a partnership between Grist, Inside Climate News, and WBEZ, a public radio station serving the Chicago metropolitan region. 

Millions of dollars in federal and city loans dedicated to replacing lead pipes that pump water into people’s homes remain unused, a city official said, at the same time that officials are struggling to keep up with state and federal deadlines to warn people of the risks.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/10/lead-pipes-chicago-city-council-notification-federal-loans-unspent/

Inside Climate News and Grist

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The ready access to nature and winter sports is what prompted Elizabeth Scott and her family to up sticks from Portland, Oregon, to Houghton on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula in summer 2021.

With 29% of Michigan’s territory and only 3% of its population, to many, the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) might appear a dream place to start over.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/climate-migrations-impact-on-michigans-upper-peninsula/

Stephen Starr, Great Lakes Now

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Time running out for Great Lakes whitefish. Can ponds become their Noah’s Ark?

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/time-running-out-for-great-lakes-whitefish-can-ponds-become-their-noahs-ark/

Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

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In: Authors, Cleveland, Climate change, climate migration, Feature Cleveland, Feature Homepage, Latest News, News, Ohio, Science, Technology, Research, Stephen Starr

Stroll along Cleveland’s Edgewater Pier on a summer evening, and you’ll hear Arabic, Spanish, and other languages wafting through the lake air. For decades, international immigrants have found a home in the city of Lake Erie.

But now, there’s an increasing chance that future waves of migrants — from Florida, Arizona, California, and beyond — could move here as extreme weather events caused by climate change in those regions prompt people to rethink where they want to live.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/how-great-lakes-cities-are-preparing-for-climate-migration/

Stephen Starr, Great Lakes Now

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A Great Lakes oil pipeline faces 3 controversies with no speedy resolutions

By Mike Shriberg, University of Michigan

 is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

For more than a decade, controversy over an oil pipeline that passes directly through a Native American reservation and then across a sensitive waterway that is also a key shipping lane has brewed in Wisconsin and Michigan.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/a-great-lakes-oil-pipeline-faces-3-controversies-with-no-speedy-resolutions/

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Amid rise of RFK Jr., officials waver on drinking water fluoridation — even in the state where it started

By Anna Clark, ProPublica

This story was originally published by ProPublica.

Just 15 months after receiving an award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for excellence in community water fluoridation, the city of Grayling, Michigan, changed course.

With little notice or fanfare, council members voted unanimously in May to end Grayling’s decades long treatment program.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/fluoride-drinking-water-rfk-jr-michigan-cdc-hhs/

ProPublica

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What’s going on in Wasaga Beach? Profit, piping plovers and an Ontario town’s complicated future

By Fatima Syed, The Narwhal

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/wasaga-beach-ontario-park-plan/

Fatima Syed, The Narwhal

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Report says growing demand from data centers, industry could stress Great Lakes water

By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio

This article was republished here with permission from Wisconsin Public Radio.

Great Lakes states should take steps to protect water resources from increasing demand from data centers and other industries, according to a new report.

The analysis by the nonprofit Alliance for the Great Lakes found data centers may withdraw as much as 150 billion gallons of water nationally over the next five years.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/report-says-growing-demand-from-data-centers-industry-could-stress-great-lakes-water/

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In Peshawbestown, the Grand Traverse Band puts fish waste to use

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Interlochen Public Radio and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.

Piles of sawdust sit just downhill from the Peshawbestown Gitigaan, the farm of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, where local commercial fisheries drop off all the parts of a fish they don’t sell — heads, bones, organs, tails.

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In Peshawbestown, the Grand Traverse Band puts fish waste to use

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Interlochen Public Radio and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.

Piles of sawdust sit just downhill from the Peshawbestown Gitigaan, the farm of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, where local commercial fisheries drop off all the parts of a fish they don’t sell — heads, bones, organs, tails.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/in-peshawbestown-the-grand-traverse-band-puts-fish-waste-to-use/

Interlochen Public Radio

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Blue-green algae is making a home in the warming waters of Lake Superior’s watershed

By Chris McEvoy, The Narwhal

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/blue-green-algae-is-making-a-home-in-the-warming-waters-of-lake-superiors-watershed/

The Narwhal

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Points North: The Pink Prairie Mascot

By Claire Keenan-Kurgan, Interlochen Public Radio

Points North is a biweekly podcast about the land, water and inhabitants of the Great Lakes.

This episode was shared here with permission from Interlochen Public Radio. 

Back in the summer of 2014, a botanist named Rachel Goad was on a canoe trip to see a very rare flower.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/points-north-the-pink-prairie-mascot/

Interlochen Public Radio

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Illinois Gov. Pritzker signs PFAS Reduction Act

Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region. Check back for more PFAS news roundups every other week on our website.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the PFAS Reduction Act into law on August 15.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/illinois-gov-pritzker-signs-pfas-reduction-act/

Lisa John Rogers, Great Lakes Now

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Nibi Chronicles: Your hands will know what to do

Wiigwaasi-jiimaanan (birch bark canoes) are one of the essential tools invented by Ojibwe-Anishinaabe people, using materials commonly found in the Great Lakes region — our homeland for 1,000s of years. These lightweight and durable vehicles formed the basis of travel for everyone in the region, not just the Ojibwe. I have come to think of the Ojibwe canoe as the driver of early economies across Turtle Island.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/nibi-chronicles-your-hands-will-know-what-to-do/

Staci Lola Drouillard, Great Lakes Now

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Heat waves and cold snaps: Study finds the Great Lakes have entered an era of extremes

The Great Lakes, like the rest of the world, are dealing with a phenomenon of global heating caused mostly by fossil fuel emissions. In an innovative new study from the University of Michigan, the data reveals it’s not just rising average temperatures we need to worry about. Looking back at lake surface temperatures (LST) over forty years, researchers found the Great Lakes have entered a new era of temperature extremes. 

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/heat-waves-cold-snaps-study-finds-great-lakes-era-of-extremes/

Carlyn Zwarenstein

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I Speak for the Fish: Swiping right on native fish

I Speak for the Fish is a column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit PBS. Check out her previous columns.

There’s a fish project in Northern Michigan that is exciting researchers from around the world. 

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/i-speak-for-the-fish-swiping-right-on-native-fish/

Kathy Johnson, Great Lakes Now

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Chicago’s “Quantum Prairie” Promises New Era of Great Lakes Technology and Water Use

By Christiana Freitag, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/chicagos-quantum-prairie-promises-new-era-of-great-lakes-technology-and-water-use/

Circle of Blue

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In: aquaculture, Authors, Commercial Fishing, Donté Smith, Feature Homepage, fish, fish farming, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research
How Michigan’s Inland Fish Farmers Cultivate a Sustainable Future for the Great Lakes

Despite being surrounded by the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, Michigan imports the vast majority of its seafood, between 65% and 90%, according to Michigan Sea Grant.

As global aquaculture has grown to meet increasing demand for protein, a small but determined group of inland fish farmers in the Great Lakes region are working to build a more sustainable, local supply.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/how-michigans-inland-fish-farmers-cultivate-a-sustainable-future-for-the-great-lakes/

Donte Smith

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In: anglers, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research, smallmouth bass
Bassmaster Elite arrives as Lake St. Clair’s smallmouth break records

As anglers compete in the 2025 Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite competition on Lake St. Clair from Aug. 7-10, they’ll likely bring some pretty prize catches to weigh-ins. That’s because the catch-and-release method has allowed smallmouth bass on Lake St. Clair to grow to much greater sizes, according to new research from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/bassmaster-elite-arrives-as-lake-st-clairs-smallmouth-break-records/

Jack Armstrong

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Rethinking Strategy in the Era of the Trump EPA

The administration of President Donald Trump acted quickly and unilaterally when it launched its blitzkrieg to dramatically downsize and alter the mission of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

There were no bureaucratic task forces, collaborations or obligatory outreach sessions to the public for comment before taking action.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/rethinking-strategy-in-the-era-of-the-trump-epa/

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

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The Lake Michigan dive that made history

From the new outdoor adventure memoir I Live Underwater: The Thrilling Adventures of a Record-Breaking Diver, Treasure-Hunter, and Deep-Sea Explorer by legendary diver Max Gene Nohl. Below is an adapted chapter from the book, “This is it,” reprinted with permission from the Wisconsin Historical Society.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/the-lake-michigan-dive-that-made-history/

Max Gene Nohl

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Great Lakes Moment: Detroit’s waterfront porch reaps substantial benefits

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit PBS.

As the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy moves forward following an embezzlement crisis, its 2024 visitor survey found that 99.4% of respondents would visit the Detroit Riverwalk again, and 99.3% would recommend it to others.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/great-lakes-moment-detroits-waterfront-porch-reaps-substantial-benefits/

John Hartig, Great Lakes Now

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Study shows correlation between ‘forever chemicals’ and Type 2 diabetes

Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region. Check back for more PFAS news roundups every other week on our website.

A recent study published in eBioMedicine continues to show the correlation between exposure to PFAS and Type 2 diabetes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/study-shows-correlation-between-forever-chemicals-and-type-2-diabetes/

Lisa John Rogers, Great Lakes Now

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Why we don’t bike like the Dutch — yet

How did you get to work today?

Maybe, like 14% of Americans, you didn’t have to go anywhere because you work from home. But most people do need some form of transportation to earn a living. By far the biggest group is the 69% of people who drive to work alone.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/why-we-dont-bike-like-the-dutch-yet/

Sean Ericson, Great Lakes Now

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In: Feature Homepage, Latest News, News
The golden oyster mushroom craze unleashed an invasive species – and a worrying new study shows it’s harming native fungi

By Aishwarya Veerabahu, University of Wisconsin-Madison

 is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

Golden oyster mushrooms, with their sunny yellow caps and nutty flavor, have become wildly popular for being healthy, delicious and easy to grow at home from mushroom kits.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/the-golden-oyster-mushroom-craze-unleashed-an-invasive-species-and-a-worrying-new-study-shows-its-harming-native-fungi/

The Conversation

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In: Authors, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Science, Technology, Research
I Speak for the Fish: Think you’re not to blame for overfishing? Think again.

I Speak for the Fish is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson, coming out the third Monday of each month. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television. 

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/i-speak-for-the-fish-think-youre-not-to-blame-for-overfishing-think-again/

Kathy Johnson, Great Lakes Now

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In: butterflies, conservation, endangered species, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research
John Ball Zoo Fights for Great Lakes’ Rarest Butterflies

Butterfly populations are in decline across the continental U.S., dropping by 22% between 2000 and 2020 according to a study published in the journal Science. Almost a third of the 342 species studied have seen their numbers fall by more than half. To help combat this, the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan launched its Great Lakes Rare Butterfly Program in 2021 to protect the region’s most threatened species.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/john-ball-zoo-fights-for-great-lakes-rarest-butterflies/

Donte Smith

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In: Algae Blooms, algal blooms, Authors, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Advocacy group challenges “new normal” status of Lake Erie’s algal blooms

It’s the annual peak algal bloom season and the spotlight as usual, is on Lake Erie’s western basin, including Toledo and southeast Michigan.

For the public, that’s because in 2014, Toledo went three days without drinking water as toxic algal blooms forced the city to issue a “do not drink” order.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/advocacy-group-challenges-new-normal-status-of-lake-eries-algal-blooms/

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

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In: Climate, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Planet Detroit, utilities
Great Lakes energy bills are rising: Federal cuts could add to the pain

This article is the first in a series called The Great Lakes Promise: Cost, Resilience and Refuge. This series was made possible in partnership between Great Lakes Now and Planet Detroit. 

Sherita Hamlin has watched her utility bills more than double in recent years. On Chicago’s West Side, summer air conditioning is a luxury she now rations.

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Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/great-lakes-energy-bills-are-rising-federal-cuts-could-add-to-the-pain/

Brian Allnutt

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In: Feature Homepage, News
Disaster 101: Your guide to extreme weather preparation, relief and recovery

No matter where you live, a disaster can hit and change your life. This comprehensive toolkit — about everything from food access to FEMA to housing — can help you stay ready, informed, and supported.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/disaster-101-your-guide-to-extreme-weather-preparation-relief-and-recovery/

Grist

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In: Agriculture, animals, Authors, barn sanctuary, conservation, Donté Smith, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Empowering Environmental Stewardship: How Barn Sanctuary Champions Compassion and Conservation in the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes, a vital freshwater expanse for millions, face an ongoing environmental crisis. Beneath the vast waters lies a significant threat: pollution stemming largely from agricultural runoff. This flow of excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen contributes to harmful algal blooms and expanding “dead zones,” jeopardizing ecosystems, water quality and public health across the region.

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Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/empowering-environmental-stewardship-how-barn-sanctuary-champions-compassion-and-conservation-in-the-great-lakes/

Donte Smith

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In: Feature Homepage, freighters, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, shipwrecks
Has this freighter made its final voyage?

It’s been 50 years since a freighter sank in the Great Lakes. But in the summer of 2024, one freighter came dangerously close.

On June 8, 2024, the Michipicoten was carrying a load of iron ore across Lake Superior when the crew heard a loud bang. The ship was taking on water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/has-this-freighter-made-final-voyage/

Great Lakes Now

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In: Authors, bird migration, Citizen science, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, John Hartig, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research, turkey vultures
Great Lakes Moment: Detroit River carrion scavenger on the increase

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit PBS.

What is one of the most frequently counted birds by citizen scientists in the annual Detroit River Hawk Watch, but is not a hawk?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/great-lakes-moment-detroit-river-carrion-scavenger-on-the-increase/

John Hartig, Great Lakes Now