On:
In: Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio
Energy News Roundup: Solar-powered pork in Illinois, Michigan gas prices rise, Bitcoin creates Mining Council

Keep up with energy-related developments in the Great Lakes area with Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • At long last, a new Illinois energy bill is likely imminent – Energy News Network

An ambitious clean energy bill appears poised to pass in Illinois before the end of the legislative session this month, with stakeholders feverishly negotiating to find common ground and hash out crucial details.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/energy-news-solar-illinois-michigan-gas-bitcoin-mining-council/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio
Energy News Roundup: Solar-powered pork in Illinois, Michigan gas prices rise, Bitcoin creates Mining Council

Keep up with energy-related developments in the Great Lakes area with Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • At long last, a new Illinois energy bill is likely imminent – Energy News Network

An ambitious clean energy bill appears poised to pass in Illinois before the end of the legislative session this month, with stakeholders feverishly negotiating to find common ground and hash out crucial details.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/energy-news-solar-illinois-michigan-gas-bitcoin-mining-council/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: announcement, Collaboration, Feature Homepage, invasive species, Latest News, mussels
Combined Mussels: Great Lakes Now and Flathead Reservation newspaper partner to share stories

As the official newspaper of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation, the Char-Koosta News has frequent coverage of environmental issues in western Montana especially in tribal lands and waters.

One of those issues is invasive mussels – the same zebra and quagga mussels that plague the Great Lakes and inland rivers and lakes throughout the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/great-lakes-now-flathead-reservation-newspaper-partner-invasive-mussels-stories/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, canada, Feature Homepage, Lake Ontario, Latest News, olympics, Ontario, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, sailing, sports, Toronto
Sarah Douglas: From Lake Ontario to the Tokyo Olympics

Canada has nine sailors heading to the Olympics, six of which hail from the Great Lakes. Sarah Douglas is one of them.

“I’m excited, you know, I’m trying to treat it like any other competition,” Douglas said, “I think with the restrictions that we have, it’s going to be easier, the less distractions, but I’m just going out there to race.”

Douglas, a Toronto native who grew up in Barbados, will be competing in the Laser class in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/douglas-lake-ontario-tokyo-olympics/

GLN Editor

On:
In: COVID-19, Feature Homepage, James Proffitt, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Niagara Falls, Ohio, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism, Wisconsin
Open Doors: Great Lakes tourist destinations make 2021 a new start

A little more than a year ago the nation’s media outlets, including Great Lakes Now, were reporting on the widespread closures and restrictions being enacted across Great Lakes states. There were complete or partial closures and restrictions at nearly all public parks, preserves and other lakes-related facilities. Bars, restaurants and many stores and businesses were locking their doors.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/great-lakes-tourism-recreation-covid-19-2021/

James Proffitt

On:
In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Groundwater Contamination, harmful algal blooms, indigenous communities, Latest News, News, toxic algae, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Tapped Out: Power, justice and water in the West

On the West side of the United States, residents are seeing problems crop up in their waters. Great Lakes region residents will find those issues familiar.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/tapped-out-power-justice-water-west/

GLN Editor

On:
In: AP, Climate change, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, News
Protected areas cover a sixth of Earth’s land and freshwater

By Christina Larson, AP Science Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Roughly a sixth of the planet’s land and freshwater area now lies within protected or conservation areas, according to a United Nations report released Wednesday.

Next comes the hard part. The world needs to ensure that those regions are actually effectively managed to stabilize the climate and to curb biodiversity loss while also increasing the total area of protected places, scientists say.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/ap-protected-areas-sixth-earth-land-freshwater/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Budget, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Michigan, News
Michigan lawmakers propose $500M to repair dams after breach

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers on Wednesday proposed spending $500 million to repair aging dams a year after a hydroelectric dam failed to hold back floodwaters in the Midland area, causing more than $250 million in damage, draining lakes and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/ap-michigan-lawmakers-500m-repair-dams/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, green infrastructure, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Green Infrastructure: Cities around the Great Lakes plan for a changing future

Rain gardens, bioretention features, adaptable parks and more are popping up all around the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/green-infrastructure-great-lakes-climate-future/

Andrew Blok

On:
In: culture, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, History and Culture, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News
I Speak for the Fish

I Speak for the Fish is a new 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/i-speak-for-the-fish/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: biden administration, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice: Michigan’s goal is to be a national leader

President Joe Biden has put a spotlight on environmental justice like no president before him, and that’s good news for Regina Strong.

“I feel like environmental justice is having a moment,” Strong told Great Lakes Now last week. She was referring to a recent indication that U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan may be willing to engage more than his predecessors with state and local governments on issues important to communities.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/environmental-justice-michigan-goal-national-leader/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: culture, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, history, History and Culture, indigenous communities, James Proffitt, Latest News, Michigan, News, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing
Conservation Coordination: Black Lake sturgeon fishing highlights contrasts between Native and state approaches

The brief Black Lake sturgeon season which garners so much attention each year is over, but not for everyone.

The public face of the season usually begins and ends on a bitter-cold Saturday morning after six anglers spear their fish. After that, it’s over for citizens of Michigan and other states who travel for the opportunity to catch a big, long, tasty prehistoric fish.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/black-lake-sturgeon-fishing-indigenous-culture-conservation/

James Proffitt

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Feature Homepage, indigenous communities, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, oil pipelines
“Water is life” is the theme of day 1 of protests to shut down Enbridge Line 5

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; 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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/water-life-theme-day-1-protests-shut-down-enbridge-line-5/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Feature Homepage, indigenous communities, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Michigan vows to seek Line 5 profits if Enbridge defies shutdown order

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; 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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/michigan-line-5-profits-enbridge-shutdown-order/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Feature Homepage, indigenous communities, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News
On eve of Line 5 shutdown deadline, Enbridge vows to defy Michigan order

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan, and Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; 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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/eve-line-5-shutdown-deadline-enbridge-defy-michigan-order/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Climate change, Feature Homepage, high water, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, News, water levels, Waterfront Development
Lake Levels: Expect higher than average lake levels but no new record

High water and erosion caused the beach stairs in Chikaming Township in southwest Michigan to collapse.

Now, two years later, volunteers have rebuilt those stairs, marking renewed access to some of the township’s most cherished assets – its public beaches – after high water in Lake Michigan rendered them unusable.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/higher-than-average-lake-levels-but-no-new-record/

Andrew Blok

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Water Withdrawals, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Water Diversions Could Be More Numerous

As the global climate warms and water scarcity mounts, Great Lakes water is more valuable than ever before. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/great-lakes-water-diversions-future-possibilities/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: announcement, Collaboration, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News
News Up North: Great Lakes Now teams up with Alpena publication for more news about Lake Huron

With regular coverage of marine sanctuary research, Lake Huron’s fishing and other recreational activity and watchdog journalism, The Alpena News daily newspaper brings readers the latest about a four-county Great Lakes community.

Through a new partnership with Great Lakes Now, those stories will reach a larger audience as they will be regularly published on the GreatLakesNow.org website.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/alpena-publication-lake-huron-partnership/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, microplastics, Minnesota, News, plastic, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Plastic debris is getting into the Great Lakes, our drinking water, and our food

Watershed cleanups are popular ways of dealing with local plastic pollution, but once large plastic trash disintegrates into microplastics, they're nearly impossible to pick up.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/plastic-debris-great-lakes-drinking-water-food/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, News, PFAS, Wisconsin
‘The middle of a massive contamination’: Residents of Wisconsin region struggle with aftereffects of dangerous ‘forever chemicals’

By John McCracken / Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

This story was originally published by The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting. The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting is a nonprofit, online newsroom offering investigative and enterprise coverage of agribusiness, Big Ag and related issues through data analysis, visualizations, in-depth reports and interactive web tools.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/pfas-contamination-residents-wisconsin-struggle-aftereffects/

Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake Ontario, Latest News, microplastics, News, Ontario, plastic, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Toronto, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Chemical Impact: Microplastic pollution more complex than we think, says new research

Microplastics act like a chemical sponge, soaking up contaminants such as persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/chemical-impact-microplastic-pollution/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: detroit river, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing
Great Lakes Moment: Walleye frenzy on the Detroit River

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 Public Television.

As daylight lengthens and water temperatures slowly begin to warm, walleye overwintering in Lake Erie take their cue that it is time to spawn.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/walleye-frenzy-detroit-river/

John Hartig

On:
In: AP, detroit river, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, sturgeon
Hold on! 240-pound fish, age 100, caught in Detroit River

By Ed White, Associated Press Writer

DETROIT (AP) — Now that’s a whopper — a very old whopper!

A 240-pound (108.8 kilograms) sturgeon that could be more than 100 years old was caught last week in the Detroit River by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/ap-240-pound-fish-sturgeon-detroit-river/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Climate change, Collaboration, Feature Homepage, great lakes echo, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
Tsunamis caused by air pressure could resuspend Great Lakes contaminants

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Brandon Chew, Great Lakes Echo

It was atmospheric pressure waves that produced 6-foot water waves in Lake Michigan on April 13, 2018, damaging docks and cottages and submerging breakwalls in Ludington.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/meteotsunami-great-lakes-contaminants/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: culture, diving, Feature Homepage, History and Culture, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, News Director's Pick-of-the-Week, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Sanctuaries: Two more National Marine Sanctuaries in the region see the finish line

Growing up in Alpena, Audrey Garant could not wait to leave her hometown in Michigan’s northeast Lower Peninsula. But years later, moving back, seeing the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center built and getting to experience it changed things for her.

“It’s my place to kind of disappear,” she said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/great-lakes-national-marine-sanctuaries/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, Detroit, environmental equity, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, flooding, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News
Flooding Tells ‘Two Different Stories’ In Michigan

By Jane Johnston, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; 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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/flooding-climate-income-inequality/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Latest News, News
Memorable Moments: The Great Lakes Now team shares their favorite stories of working on the initiative

As Great Lakes Now approaches the two-year anniversary of the launch of our monthly program, we asked our staff and contributors about their favorite moments working Great Lakes Now. Their thoughts were as diverse as the show.

Here’s what they shared:

Colleen O’Donnell, social media manager

After some Detroit Public Television staff reorganization at the beginning of the pandemic, Colleen joined the team in June 2020.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/memorable-moments-great-lakes-now-team/

GLN Editor

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Feature Homepage, line 5, News, oil pipelines, Wisconsin
Nearly 50% of spring hearing respondents oppose new Line 5

By Todd Richmond, Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Almost half of the respondents to the Wisconsin Conservation Congress’ spring hearings questionnaire say they would support the organization if it opposes reconstructing Enbridge Inc.‘s Line 5 pipeline across northern Wisconsin.

The company decided to reroute the pipeline after the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa sued to force removal of the line from its reservation.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-spring-hearing-respondents-oppose-new-line-5/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, epa, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Michigan, New York, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
EPA awards Great Lakes grants to Central Michigan, Clarkson

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded grants to Central Michigan University and Clarkson University to continue monitoring coastal wetlands and fish contaminants throughout the Great Lakes basin.

Central Michigan will receive $10 million to monitor approximately 1,000 wetlands over the next five years.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-epa-great-lakes-grants-central-michigan-clarkson/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, biden administration, Climate change, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
America’s gas-fueled vehicles imperil Biden’s climate goals

By Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer

DETROIT (AP) — For President Joe Biden to reach his ambitious goal of slashing America’s greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, huge reductions would have to come from somewhere other than one of the worst culprits: auto tailpipes.

That’s because there are just too many gas-powered passenger vehicles in the United States — roughly 279 million — to replace them in less than a decade, experts say.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-america-gas-fueled-vehicles-biden-climate-goals/

The Associated Press

On:
In: detroit river, Earth Week, Feature Homepage, Latest News, News, Niagara Falls, Quiz, river, St. Clair River, St. Mary's River, Welland Canal
Test Your Knowledge: Rivers on Great Lakes Now

It’s been two years since Great Lakes Now first premiered on Detroit Public Television. There’s been a lot of changes and expansions in the time since, including 24 episodes of the monthly show.

So now we have a challenge for you. If you’ve been paying attention, can you answer these seven questions about rivers that have been shown on Great Lakes Now?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/test-your-knowledge-rivers-great-lakes-now/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Climate change, Commercial Fishing, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, indigenous communities, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism
Native Rights: Where Great Lakes Tribes can fish and how much is up for debate

The rules that govern fishing in the Great Lakes – commercially and for sport – are about to change, perhaps dramatically. That’s because Great Lakes fish are a shared resource, and because of profound changes in fish populations, there is less to share.

It’s difficult to know exactly what will change.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/native-rights-where-great-lakes-tribes-fish-how-much/

Dave Spratt

On:
In: Feature Homepage, great lakes now, Latest News, News, Sandra Svoboda
Anniversary Approaches: Celebrating Great Lakes Now’s monthly show as it nears its two-year mark

We get it. The first 24 months of something isn’t usually a big occasion. Not like the neat 5- or 10- or 25- or even 50-year marks.

But there are some good adages:

Two is better than one.

Double trouble.

It takes two.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/anniversary-great-lakes-now-monthly-show-two-years/

Sandra Svoboda

On:
In: Earth Day, Earth Week, Feature Homepage, History and Culture, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Earth Day 2021: What can you do and where?

The COVID-19 vaccine is still rolling out and making its way to people all around the world. How comfortable people feel about participating in events and group activities is extremely varied.

But that doesn’t have to stop anyone interested in taking part in Earth Day this year, whether they do it indoors, outdoors, around other people or alone.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/earth-day-2021-events-around-the-region/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Collaboration, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, history, History and Culture, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Ontario, Recreation and Tourism, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
How Microfishing Took the Angling World by (Very Small) Storm

By Ben Goldfarb, Hakai Magazine

This story originally appeared in Hakai Magazine and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

In the world of competitive sportfishing, the name Arostegui is royalty.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/microfishing-angling-recreational-fishing/

Hakai Magazine

On:
In: biden administration, Budget, Buffalo, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, The Provinces, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, water shutoffs, Wisconsin
Water Access: As moratoria on shutoffs end, old problems return to the forefront

As moratoria expire across the Great Lakes region, advocates say ongoing affordability and debt relief are key.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/water-shutoffs-debt-infrastructure/

Kari Lydersen

On:
In: Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Feature Homepage, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
Drownings Increase: Research shows possible connection between COVID-19 restrictions and Great Lakes drownings

As COVID-19 changed the pattern of life around the Great Lakes region in 2020, it also altered the pattern of Great Lakes drownings in unfortunate if predictable ways.

With larger than normal crowds and a fatigue with restrictions, the rise in drownings isn’t a surprise.

“You get no lifeguards, heavier beach crowds, more people who were just escaping their house in the heat, going to the beach, and you’re putting more people into a dangerous situation,” said Chris Houser, a professor in the school of environment at University of Windsor.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/drownings-increase-research-connection-covid-19-restrictions/

Andrew Blok

On:
In: Collaboration, culture, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Feature Homepage, history, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines
Michigan tribe seeks cultural property protection in path of Line 5 project

By Patrick Shea, Energy News Network

The discovery of a potential archaeological site in the Straits of Mackinac last fall has opened the door for a Michigan tribe to pursue a new, longshot legal strategy to stop the planned Line 5 pipeline tunnel project.

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians passed a resolution in January instructing its historic preservation office to begin compiling research for an application to classify the straits as a Traditional Cultural Property, a rarely used federal designation under the National Register of Historic Places.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/cultural-property-protection-michigan-line-5/

Energy News Network

On:
In: AP, biden administration, Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
The problem within: Biden targets lead pipes, pushes equity

By Aamer Madhani, Associated Press Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — In the modest bungalows and two-flats of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, there’s never a shortage of needed home repairs staring residents in the face. And then there is the less obvious but more ominous problem lurking in their pipes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/the-problem-within-biden-targets-lead-pipes-pushes-equity/

The Associated Press

On:
In: animals, Art, birds, Books, Authors, Art and Music, culture, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, History and Culture, James Proffitt, Latest News, News, Ohio, Recreation and Tourism, recreational hunting, Recreational Hunting and Fishing
Duck Stamp: Little stamp has big impacts in the Great Lakes and nationwide

Waterfowl hunters began buying them nearly a century ago. Just after that, collectors joined the fun.

Since its inception in 1934 when Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act into law, the duck stamp (as it’s commonly known) has garnered more than $1 billion for habitat conservation in the national wildlife refuge system.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/duck-stamp-impacts-great-lakes-nationwide-refuge/

James Proffitt

On:
In: biden administration, Chicago, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water shutoffs
Spotlight on Infrastructure: Policy executive talks new Biden plan, definitions of infrastructure

While President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, officially the American Jobs Plan, emanates from the White House, a veteran Chicago policy executive says we should consider its genesis as broader than top down.

“It is something that cities and regions have requested – full partnership with the federal government – for quite some time,” said MarySue Barrett, president of the non-profit Metropolitan Planning Council.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/infrastructure-biden-administration-policy-qna/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science
Scientists Concerned About the Bottom of the Food Web in the Great Lakes

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; 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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/scientists-bottom-food-web-great-lakes/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: AP, Feature Homepage, Indiana, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Controversial Indiana environmental bills inch near passage

By Casey Smith, Associated Press/Report for America

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Lawmakers approved two environmental bills Tuesday that critics say could damage the state’s ecosystems by scaling back current policy affecting water, energy and other resources.

A measure seeking to remove protections from Indiana’s already diminished wetlands would eliminate a 2003 law that requires the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to issue permits in a state-regulated wetland and end enforcement proceedings against landowners allegedly violating current law.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-controversial-indiana-environmental-bills-near-passage/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Agriculture, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Supreme Court weighs state power to protect water from farm pollutants

This article, first posted here, was republished with permission from Wisconsin Watch.

By Royce Podeszwa and Jim Malewitz, Wisconsin Watch

The state Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments in a case that could determine whether the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources failed to adequately protect water from manure pollution when awarding a permit to a giant dairy farm in northeastern Wisconsin — or whether the agency lacks the authority to issue such restrictions.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/wisconsin-supreme-court-protect-water-farm-pollutants/

Wisconsin Watch

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Indiana, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Ontario Indigenous lawsuit over water dispute, 50,000 sign up for Flint settlement, Ohio infrastructure loans

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

Keep up with drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Indiana:

  • Indiana Lawmakers Amend Environment Bills as Deadlines Near – Chicago Tribune

Dozens of amendments to bills affecting Indiana environmental policy have sparked debate among lawmakers as the Legislature enters its final stretch of the session.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/drinking-water-ontario-dispute-flint-settlement-ohio-infrastructure/

Grace Dempsey

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, News, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
Bolder Fish: New study looks at how pandemic antidepressant use might affect freshwater ecosystems

As the pandemic wears on, antidepressant use is on the rise.

Claims for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increased by 17% in Canada between 2019 and 2020, according to one report. In the United States, the number of prescriptions filled per week for antidepressant, anti-anxiety and anti-insomnia medications increased 21% between Feb.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/fish-study-pandemic-antidepressant-freshwater-ecosystems/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Indiana, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Local Governments, Organizations Ask Indiana Legislators to Consider Alternatives to Bill Repealing State Wetland Protections

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

More than 60 organizations, including local governments, environmental and conservation groups and water management agencies, sent a letter to Indiana state legislators, asking them to consider policy changes instead of supporting a bill seeking to remove all state protections for Indiana wetlands.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/local-governments-environmental-organizations-indiana-legislators-state-wetland-protections/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
Report: Lake Michigan is ‘running a fever.’ More storms, less fish possible.

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; 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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/report-lake-michigan-more-storms-less-fish/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Michigan governor invokes defense bill, high levels in Minnesota landfills, business lobby sues Wisconsin DNR

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/michigan-governor-minnesota-landfills-wisconsin-business-dnr/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, Duluth, erosion, Feature Homepage, Minnesota, News
Duluth mayor presses Army corps on beach erosion

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Duluth’s mayor is pressing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to investigate whether the agency is responsible for erosion along a six-mile stretch of Lake Superior beach.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Mayor Emily Larson sent a letter March 12 to the corps to investigate whether its maintenance work on shipping channels has caused erosion on Park Point.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-duluth-mayor-army-corps-beach-erosion/

The Associated Press