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In: Advocacy, Authors, Budget, Chicago, epa, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, trump, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Authors, bike infrastructure, Biking, Chicago, Detroit, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Recreation and Tourism, Sean Ericson, Toronto, transportation
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

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

Sean Ericson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Agriculture, Chicago, Farming, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, supreme court, wetlands
This wetland fight could go to the Supreme Court

A pending court case could impact farmers across the country. At issue is a USDA rule aimed at protecting wetlands called “Swampbuster.” In place since 1985, it’s being challenged in court by an absentee landowner in Iowa.

Under Swampbuster, farmers have to agree not to drain or fill their wetlands, in order to receive farm benefits such as crop insurance, disaster relief and USDA loans.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/this-wetland-fight-could-go-to-the-supreme-court/

Great Lakes Now

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In: Chicago, Climate change, Drinking Water, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, lead pipes, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Chicago was supposed to warn residents about toxic lead pipes last year. Most still have no idea.

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. This coverage is made possible through an ongoing partnership between Grist and WBEZ.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/chicago-was-supposed-to-warn-residents-about-toxic-lead-pipes-last-year-most-still-have-no-idea/

Inside Climate News and Grist

On:
In: Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, lead pipes, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Chicago residents risk daily lead exposure from toxic pipes. Replacing them will take decades.

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. This coverage is made possible through an ongoing partnership between Grist and WBEZ.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/chicago-residents-risk-daily-lead-exposure-from-toxic-pipes-replacing-them-will-take-decades/

Inside Climate News and Grist

On:
In: canada, Donté Smith, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water quality
‘Forever chemicals’ found nationwide in Canada, CBC map shows

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.

 

CBC News released an interactive map illustrating PFAS hotspots across Canada, revealing widespread “forever chemical” contamination in every province and territory.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/forever-chemicals-found-nationwide-in-canada-cbc-map-shows/

Donte Smith

On:
In: Asian carp, Illinois, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, News
Illinois wants to protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp. A toxic mess stands in the way.

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/illinois-wants-to-protect-the-great-lakes-from-invasive-carp-a-toxic-mess-stands-in-the-way/

WBEZ

On:
In: Authors, Chicago, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Illinois, infrastructure, land subsidence, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Sinking cities: Great Lakes cities not immune from under-recognized threat

Significant areas of the Earth’s surface across continents are gradually sinking and that process brings environmental, social and economic consequences to urban centers in the United States. Great Lakes cities Detroit and Chicago are among those at risk.

That’s the conclusion of a recent study conducted by Columbia University researchers, published by the science journal Nature Cities.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/sinking-cities-great-lakes-cities-not-immune-from-under-recognized-threat/

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Chicago, Detroit, Feature Homepage, great lakes travel, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ontario, public transportation, Toronto, transit
Buses vs. Trains: The Future of Public Transit in the Great Lakes Region

Cities around the Great Lakes region are trying to make transportation cheaper for riders and more environmentally friendly by expanding their public transit networks. Two modes that are often pitted against each other are light rail and bus rapid transit (BRT). While not every BRT line meets the same standards, in general, they have been upgraded for higher capacity and speed, although they have fewer stations.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/buses-vs-trains-the-future-of-public-transit-in-the-great-lakes-region/

Sean Ericson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Authors, Chicago, environmental protection agency, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Experts explain criticality of regional EPA office

Change is happening since Donald Trump took office and began making good on campaign pledges to reduce the size and scope of the work of the federal agencies that serve the country.

And the 50-year-old focus of the U.S. EPA to protect the environment has not been immune.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/experts-explain-criticality-of-regional-epa-office/

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Advocacy, Chicago, Climate change, environmental protection agency, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, Science, Technology, Research
‘Everyone deserves clean air,’ says a Chicago EPA worker who fears her job will end

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/everyone-deserves-clean-air-says-a-chicago-epa-worker-who-fears-her-job-will-end/

WBEZ

On:
In: Buffalo, Chicago, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Feature Milwaukee, Feature-Chicago, great lakes travel, high-speed rail, History and Culture, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, midwest trains, Milwaukee, New York, News, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Sean Ericson, Toronto, Tourism, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
What would the Great Lakes region be like with bullet trains?

A few months ago, I was riding on Amtrak’s new Borealis line from St. Paul, Minn., to Chicago. The train was packed that day, and the new line has proved popular.

My coach seat was much nicer than any airline. Plus, I didn’t have to go through security.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/what-would-the-great-lakes-region-be-like-with-bullet-trains/

Sean Ericson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Chicago, electric vehicles, Energy, Energy News Roundup, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Ohio
From Madigan’s Conviction to ComEd’s EV Rebate Program: How Illinois is Shaping Its Energy Future

Catch the latest energy news from around the Great Lakes region. Check back for these biweekly Energy News Roundups. 

Chicago Democrat Michael Madigan — known for being the longest-serving legislative leader in United States history — was convicted last week of conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/from-madigans-conviction-to-comeds-ev-rebate-program-how-illinois-is-shaping-its-energy-future/

Nicole Pollack, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, The States
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker set ambitious climate goals for the state. It’s far from meeting them.

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/illinois-gov-jb-pritzker-set-ambitious-climate-goals-for-the-state-its-far-from-meeting-them/

WBEZ

On:
In: Authors, Chicago, Energy News Roundup, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, News, Wisconsin
Energy transition sees small wins, major uncertainty in the Upper Midwest

Catch the latest energy news from around the Great Lakes region. Check back for these biweekly Energy News Roundups. 

 

Chicago’s commitment to using 100% renewable energy at city-owned buildings went into effect Jan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/01/energy-transition-small-wins-uncertainty-upper-midwest/

Nicole Pollack, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, News
Environmental cred questioned for Biden-backed ‘hydrogen hub’ in Northwest Indiana

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/environmental-cred-questioned-for-biden-backed-hydrogen-hub-in-northwest-indiana/

WBEZ

On:
In: Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio
New Federal Funds Aim to Cut Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution From US Ports

By Kristoffer Tigue, Inside Climate News

This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here.

Raquel Garcia has been fighting for years to clean up the air in her neighborhood southwest of downtown Detroit.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/new-federal-funds-aim-to-cut-carbon-emissions-and-air-pollution-from-us-ports/

Inside Climate News

On:
In: Advocacy, Authors, Chicago, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
Can environmental law move beyond bedrock 1970’s legislation, while adapting to current and future challenges?

A 2022 report titled Promises Half Kept at the Half Century Mark, by the Environmental Integrity Project, released on the Clean Water Act’s 50th anniversary said the law is “falling short of its original goals.”

Michigan, for example, has the 4th largest number of impaired lakes, reservoirs and streams assessed for water contact recreation in the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/can-environmental-law-move-beyond-bedrock-1970s-legislation-while-adapting-to-current-and-future-challenges/

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
Presenting Atlas Obscura: The Mysterious Sinkholes of Mount Baldy

By Daniel Wanschura

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. 

On July 12, 2013 the Woessner family was hiking in Indiana.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/presenting-atlas-obscura-the-mysterious-sinkholes-of-mount-baldy/

Interlochen Public Radio

On:
In: Asian carp, Chicago, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, invasive species, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Carp Catch-22: Could improvements in Chicago waterways invite unwelcome guests?

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/10/carp-catch-22-could-improvements-in-chicago-waterways-invite-unwelcome-guests/

WBEZ

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
The nation’s first commercial carbon storage plant is in Illinois. It leaks.

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/10/the-nations-first-commercial-carbon-storage-plant-is-in-illinois-it-leaks/

WBEZ

On:
In: Budget, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Midwest States Struggle to Fund Dam Safety Projects, Even as Federal Aid Hits Historic Highs

By Kristoffer Tigue, Inside Climate News

This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here.

MINNEAPOLIS—A record amount of federal aid will soon flow to states to help fix, replace or demolish their aging dams, many of which are under increasing pressure as climate change fuels more frequent and severe extreme weather events.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/10/midwest-dam-safety-projects-funding/

Inside Climate News

On:
In: Chicago, Climate change, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Joliet, Illinois, Plans to Source Its Future Drinking Water From Lake Michigan. Will Other Cities Follow?

By Nina Elkadi, Inside Climate News

This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here.

The aquifer from which Joliet, Illinois, sources its drinking water is likely going to run too dry to support the city by 2030—a problem more and more communities are facing as the climate changes and groundwater declines.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/10/joliet-illinois-lake-michigan-drinking-water/

Inside Climate News

On:
In: Authors, Chicago, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Fish, Birds and Animals, Illinois, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
How do fish survive in large urban waterways, like the Chicago River?

How fish adapt to life in large urban rivers, like the Chicago River, is one of the questions Dr. Austin Happel is trying to answer at the Shedd Aquarium.

“Knowing where different fish species are hanging out, we can look around that area and kind of understand what that habitat looks like and what it’s providing for them,” Happel said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/09/how-do-fish-survive-in-large-urban-waterways-like-the-chicago-river/

Kathy Johnson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Chicago, Climate change, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research
Chicago’s beach season is over … or is it? Lake Michigan temps are breaking records.

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/09/chicagos-beach-season-is-over-or-is-it-lake-michigan-temps-are-breaking-records/

WBEZ

On:
In: Chicago, Climate change, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research
Chicago reveals climate havens don’t exist — they must be created

Experts now say “climate havens” are not places immune from climate change, but areas where adequate preparation is implemented to account for a drastically different climate than anticipated.

Great Lakes cities, like Chicago, are generally considered to be at a lower risk for extreme climate impacts such as wildfires and tropical storms.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/09/chicago-reveals-climate-havens-dont-exist-they-must-be-created/

Mia Litzenberg

On:
In: Chicago, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News
South Shore residents are fed up with garbage on their streets

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/08/south-shore-residents-are-fed-up-with-garbage-on-their-streets/

WBEZ

On:
In: Advocacy, Chicago, Climate change, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research
Chicago teachers demand climate solutions in their next contract

By Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Grist

This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here.

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/08/chicago-teachers-demand-climate-solutions-in-their-next-contract/

Grist

On:
In: Authors, Chicago, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Chicago groups spotlight the city’s water “abundance,” focus on innovation, collaboration as key to its future

For Chicago’s Alaina Harkness, the availability and well-being of Chicago and the Great Lakes region’s water is clear. It’s about innovation, and that requires collaboration. Bringing together the right mix of policy, science, tech, advocacy groups, and others to work on common priorities for the future of water.

This mix happened recently at Chicago Water Week, organized by the not-for-profit, Current, a Chicago-based water innovation hub.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/05/chicago-groups-spotlight-the-citys-water-abundance-focus-on-innovation-collaboration-as-key-to-its-future/

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Illinois, Latest News, News
Waves of Change: Meet educator and Friends of the Fox River president Gary Swick

Waves of Change is an online interview series highlighting the diverse faces and perspectives shaping the environmental justice movement throughout the Great Lakes region.

This month, we spoke with Gary Swick, educator and president of Friends of the Fox River.

Listen to the full interview

The Fox River is a tributary of the Illinois River and flows over 200 miles from southern Wisconsin to Ottawa, Illinois.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/04/waves-of-change-meet-educator-and-friends-of-the-fox-river-president-gary-swick/

Great Lakes Now

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In: Chicago, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
In Chicago, one neighborhood is fighting gentrification and climate change at the same time

By Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Grist

This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here.

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/04/in-chicago-one-neighborhood-is-fighting-gentrification-and-climate-change-at-the-same-time/

Grist

On:
In: Asian carp, Feature Homepage, Illinois, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research
Illinois and Army Corps at an impasse over building barrier to prevent invasive carp

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/03/illinois-and-army-corps-at-an-impasse-over-building-barrier-to-prevent-invasive-carp/

WBEZ

On:
In: Chicago, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Faced with COVID-era civil rights complaints, Chicago commits to environmental justice

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

By Wajeeha Kamal, Great Lakes Echo

Chicago is joining a nationwide trend of large cities incorporating equity or justice goals into preparing for climate change’s impact on public health.

The idea is to better protect Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and other socially vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/02/faced-with-covid-era-civil-rights-complaints-chicago-commits-to-environmental-justice/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Authors, Chicago, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Study calls for EPA to include human well-being in Great Lakes restoration program

A classic definition of “environmental restoration” talks about reclaiming habitat and restoring land and waters that plants and animals depend on. 

What’s missing from that long-standing approach? Humans. People who may live near toxic waters directly benefit when they’re cleaned up. People who fish  the Detroit River for subsistence, for example.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/02/study-calls-for-epa-to-include-human-well-being-in-great-lakes-restoration-program/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Cleveland, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Science, Technology, Research
Points North: Doe, A Deer, A (Sterilized) Female Deer

By Ellie Katz, 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. 

White-tailed deer are one of a few species that have managed to thrive as we urbanize and suburbanize the Midwest.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/02/points-north-doe-a-deer-a-sterilized-female-deer/

Interlochen Public Radio

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In: Chicago, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News
Chicago could be first major Midwestern city to ban gas in new construction

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. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/chicago-could-be-first-major-midwestern-city-to-ban-gas-in-new-construction/

Grist

On:
In: Chicago, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Army Corps plans $1 billion barricade to deter invasive carp at Illinois and Des Plaines Rivers

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/army-corps-plans-1-billion-barricade-to-deter-invasive-carp-at-illinois-and-des-plaines-rivers/

WBEZ

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In: Asian carp, Feature Homepage, Illinois, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes policy advocate calls out Illinois for intransigence on invasive carp solution

The trek in the Great Lakes region’s efforts to stop the advance of invasive carp could be classified as a long, strange and seemingly never-ending trip. 

It started in the early 2000’s when advocates were successful in securing electric barriers to repel the fish. That was an interim measure and was followed by an over-the-top $18 billion plan to separate two great watersheds.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/great-lakes-policy-advocate-calls-out-illinois-for-intransigence-on-invasive-carp-solution/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: AP, Chicago, Detroit, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Flooding drives millions to move as climate migration patterns emerge

By Michael Phillis and Camille Fassett, Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Flooding is driving millions of people to move out of their homes, limiting growth in some prospering communities and accelerating the decline of others, according to a new study that details how climate change and flooding are transforming where Americans live.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/12/ap-flooding-drives-millions-to-move-climate-migration-patterns-emerge/

The Associated Press

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In: Authors, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Impact of PFAS on farming, proposed cuts to the EPA

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

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Illinois
Farmer Claiming PFAS Pollution From Mine Sent to Arbitration — Bloomberg Law News

An Illinois appellate court on Friday ordered a dispute between a farmer and a mining company over alleged water pollution from firefighting foam used to extinguish a fire at a mining operation be settled in arbitration, reversing a lower court decision.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/09/pfas-news-roundup-impact-pfas-farming-proposed-cuts-epa/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Authors, Energy, Energy News Roundup, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Wisconsin
Energy News Roundup: Opposition over solar development in Illinois, Excessive heat in Detroit

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

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Illinois

Will County solar boom not entirely welcomed — Herald-News

Some Illinois local officials say a recent state law limits their ability to block commercial solar developments amid landowner opposition.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/09/energy-news-roundup-opposition-solar-development-illinois-excessive-heat-detroit/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Chicago, Collaboration, Drinking Water, groundwater, Illinois, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News
Chicago Suburbs, Running Out of Water, Will Tap Lake Michigan

By Brett Walton, 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/2023/09/chicago-suburbs-water-tap-lake-michigan/

Circle of Blue

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In: Authors, Energy, Energy News Roundup, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Indiana, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, minnnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Wisconsin
Energy News Roundup: Climate action plan in Illinois, Offshore wind project in Lake Erie

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

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Illinois

Wind, solar training facility opens in Bloomington — Pantagraph

Officials unveil a new technical training center in Bloomington, Illinois, that will train at least 100 people annually for wind and solar jobs.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/08/energy-news-roundup-climate-action-plan-illinois-offshore-wind-lake-erie/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, flooding, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research
A Community-Led Approach To Stopping Flooding Expands

By Maia McDonald and Katrina Pham, Borderless

This piece is part of a collaboration that includes the Institute for Nonprofit News, Borderless, Ensia, Planet Detroit, Sahan Journal, and Wisconsin Watch, as well as the Guardian and Inside Climate News. The project was supported by the Joyce Foundation. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/08/community-led-approach-stopping-flooding-expands/

Borderless Magazine

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In: Chicago, Collaboration, flood maps, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News
On Chicago’s South Side, neighbors fight to keep Lake Michigan at bay

By Siri Chilukuri, Planet Detroit

This piece is part of a collaboration that includes the Institute for Nonprofit News, Borderless, Ensia, Planet Detroit, Sahan Journal, and Wisconsin Watch, as well as the Guardian and Inside Climate News. The project was supported by the Joyce Foundation. 

Jera Slaughter looks at her backyard with pride, pointing out every feature and explaining how it came to be.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/08/chicagos-south-side-neighbors-fight-keep-lake-michigan-bay/

Planet Detroit

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In: Authors, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Clermont County village files lawsuit over forever chemicals, Home testing kits debut in Chicago

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

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Illinois

Home Water Quality Testing Kits For Lead, Copper And PFAS To Debut In Chicago — Forbes

The National Science Foundation is backing a pilot study by Northwestern University to develop and distribute water quality testing kits to Chicago-area residents.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/08/pfas-news-roundup-clermont-county-village-lawsuit-forever-chemicals-testing-kits-debut-chicago/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Alex Hill, Authors, Chicago, Detroit, environmental groups, Feature Homepage, Great Lakes maps, History and Culture, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Mapping the Great Lakes: Who is looking out for the Great Lakes?

Love staring at a map and discovering something interesting? Then “Mapping the Great Lakes” is for you. It’s a monthly Great Lakes Now feature created by Alex B. Hill, a self-described “data nerd and anthropologist” who combines cartography, data, and analytics with storytelling and human experience.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/08/mapping-the-great-lakes-who-is-looking-out-for-the-great-lakes/

Alex Hill

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Chicago, Collaboration, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, watersheds, Wisconsin
FRESH: As Chicago Broils, Citizens and Scientists Study ‘Heat Island’ Effect

August 8, 2023

Fresh is a biweekly newsletter from Circle of Blue that unpacks the biggest international, state, and local policy news stories facing the Great Lakes region today. Sign up for Fresh: A Great Lakes Policy Briefing, straight to your inbox, every other Tuesday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/08/fresh-chicago-broils-citizens-scientists-study-heat-island-effect/

Circle of Blue

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In: Authors, Energy, Energy News Roundup, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Science, Technology, Research, Wisconsin
Energy News Roundup: Improvements coming to Michigan’s power grid, Congress can’t agree on climate spending

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

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Illinois

Chicago Mayor Receives Blueprint for ’Green New Deal’ to Address Environmental Justice — Inside Climate News

Advocates deliver Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson a local “Green New Deal” proposal that aims to tackle energy affordability, clean energy job opportunities, and environmental justice curricula in schools.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/08/energy-news-roundup-improvements-coming-to-michigans-power-grid-congress-climate-spending/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Authors, Energy News Roundup, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Wisconsin
Energy News Roundup: Sulfur smell in Indiana, Minnesota Power launches solar project

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

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Illinois

Byron nuclear station, 12 taxing bodies reach settlement on EAV — Ogle County News

The owner of an Illinois nuclear plant reaches an agreement with surrounding taxing entities on how much it owes in property taxes, settling years of ongoing appeals.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/07/energy-news-roundup-sulfur-smell-indiana-minnesota-power-solar-project/

Kathy Johnson