On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, flint, Flint Water Crisis, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Flint water crisis settlement claims process begins this week

By 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/2022/01/flint-water-crisis-settlement-claims/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: AP, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, upper peninsula, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Ohio company will pay nearly $250K for Michigan fish kill

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — A paper mill in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has agreed to pay nearly $250,000 to settle an investigation of a fish kill in the Escanaba River, state regulators said.

A “catastrophic pipe failure” at the Verso Corp. site in Escanaba resulted in a discharge of partially treated wastewater in August 2020, regulators said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-ohio-company-pay-250k/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, drownings, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, swimming
South Haven adds Lake Michigan restrictions in bad weather

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — A southwestern Michigan town that swells with summer visitors is taking steps to keep people out of Lake Michigan during hazardous conditions.

The city council in South Haven agreed to install gates to close popular piers at certain times. Swimmers also could be fined if they’re in the lake, though surfers or kite boarders who embrace big wind and waves would be exempt.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-south-haven-restrictions/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, road salt, Science, Technology, Research
Road salt threatens Michigan lakes and rivers. Can an alternative take hold?

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/2022/01/road-salt-michigan-lakes/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: birds, conservation, endangered species, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Great Lakes Moment: Kirtland’s warblers are thriving in Michigan

Once living on the brink of extinction, the Kirtland’s warbler is now thriving thanks to collaborative conservation efforts. 

The Kirtland’s warbler is one of the largest and rarest songbirds in North America. This handsome yellow-and-gray warbler is named for Dr. Jared Kirtland, on whose farm near Cleveland, Ohio, the first specimen was collected in 1851.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/great-lakes-moment-warblers/

John Hartig

On:
In: Great Lakes Now's Year-End Posts, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism, upper peninsula, Wildlife
Year in Review 2021: The two-beer bear and other Lake Huron canine adventures

Walking my 90-pound shepherd a few days after Christmas in our suburban neighborhood, the jangling bell on his collar seemed a festive touch, one of the neighbors told us. 

But it was more of a reminder of our August trip to Drummond Island than some holiday décor.  

My 11-day summer vacation this year involved throwing my dog, some swimsuits and a lot of sunscreen in my car and heading up to visit generous friends with houses along Grand Lake (north of Alpena) and Lake Huron.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/year-in-review-2021-canine-adventures/

Sandra Svoboda

On:
In: belle isle, Detroit, flooding, Great Lakes Now's Year-End Posts, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism
Year in Review 2021: As the year ends, I’m still thinking about summer joy… and summer flooding

Like many people, I made some really big changes to my life in 2021. One of the more significant changes was leaving my former role at WDET, Detroit’s NPR station, and joining the team at Great Lakes Now as associate producer.  

Having joined the GLN team in October, it still feels like a brand new experience for me as the calendar year comes to a close, but so far, I’m learning a lot from Supervising Producer Rob Green and our fearless Program Director Sandra Svoboda.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/year-in-review-2021-summer-flooding/

Anna Sysling

On:
In: benton harbor, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Should Benton Harbor residents have to pay for water they can’t drink?

By Lindsey Smith, 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/2021/12/benton-harbor-residents-pay-water/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Agriculture, farms, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, local economics, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
O Christmas Tree: Is your Christmas tree environmentally friendly?

Earlier this month, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared December 2021 as “Christmas Tree Month” in Michigan.  

It’s a move that makes sense — the Christmas tree industry provides jobs and bolsters the national and state economy. 

“Michigan’s integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers and retailers, work together to ensure a quality product that is enjoyed by millions throughout our state and country,” Whitmer said in a statement.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/christmas-tree-environmentally-friendly/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: benton harbor, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
High costs, few customers: Benton Harbor water woes loom for Michigan cities

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/2021/12/high-costs-benton-harbor-water/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, lake trout, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Recreation and Tourism
I Speak for the Fish: Center stage alongside Great Lakes steelhead trout 

In the spirit of yuletide reminiscing, I recently found myself looking back at my journey to bringing more freshwater fish content to PBS audiences. One particularly poignant and mildly terrifying turning point was the first time I stepped onto a really big stage to speak on behalf of freshwater fish.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/center-stage-steelhead-trout/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: AP, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Michigan, News, pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
US requires higher safety standards for more pipelines

By John Flesher, Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A new federal regulation requires higher safety standards for pipelines carrying oil and other hazardous liquids through the Great Lakes region, marine coastal waters and beaches, officials said Thursday.

The rule issued by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration designates those locations as “high consequence” zones where pipeline operators must step up inspections, repairs and other measures to avoid spills.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-safety-standards-pipelines/

The Associated Press

On:
In: birds, Collaboration, Fish, Birds and Animals, Hunting, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wisconsin
Proposed eastern sandhill cranes hunt in breeding states stirs controversy

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

By Nicholas Simon, Great Lakes Echo

Efforts by politicians to create a hunting season for eastern sandhill cranes in both Wisconsin and Michigan are stirring debates among hunters, farmers and birders.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/eastern-sandhill-cranes-hunt/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: AP, benton harbor, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Tests show lead in Benton Harbor tap water finally dropping

By Michael Phillis, Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The amount of lead in Benton Harbor, Michigan’s drinking water has declined, new testing shows, after three straight years of elevated results compelled residents to consume bottled water and prompted a hurried effort to replace old pipes.

Lead levels in the majority Black city’s drinking water are now just within standards set by the state that if exceeded, force a utility to take corrective action and inform residents of a problem, according to state officials.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-tests-lead-benton-harbor/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, line 5, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Enbridge seeks federal jurisdiction in oil pipeline dispute

By John Flesher, Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge Energy moved Wednesday to shift to federal court a Michigan lawsuit seeking shutdown of an oil pipeline that runs beneath a channel linking two of the Great Lakes.

The Canadian company argued that a 2019 lawsuit filed in a state court by Attorney General Dana Nessel should be heard by U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-enbridge-federal-jurisdiction/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Lake Superior, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, National Parks, News, Recreation and Tourism, upper peninsula
Pictured Rocks to begin charging 1st entrance fee in March

MUNISING, Mich. (AP) — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will soon begin charging visitors entrance fees for the first time in the 55-year history of the tourist destination in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Park officials announced Monday that the park along Lake Superior will start charging visitor fees starting March 1, 2022, and that camping fees and lighthouse tour fees will increase as of Jan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-pictured-rocks-entrance/

The Associated Press

On:
In: energy roundup, Feature Homepage, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, Minnesota, News, News Roundup Energy, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Energy News Roundup: Duke Energy’s Financial Assistance Program, Propane Price Increases in Minnesota, Pennsylvania Prepares for Increased Energy Costs

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: 

Indiana: 

  • More than $330,000 available in winter energy bill assistance for Duke Energy Indiana customers 

Duke Energy Indiana set aside over $330,000 for customers facing difficulty paying their winter electricity bills.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/energy-news-roundup-financial-assistance-program/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Illinois, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Ontario, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Drinking Water News Roundup: Infrastructure funding in Minnesota, Wisconsin, false confidence in Michigan water

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: 

Illinois: 

  • Illinois To Receive $1.7 Billion To Replace Lead Pipes—1340 WJOL 

Illinois is expected to receive roughly $1.7 billion from the federal infrastructure bill to help address the issue of lead pipes in the state. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/drinking-water-roundup-infrastructure-funding/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, environmental health, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
More people are worried about the health of the Great Lakes, according to poll

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/2021/12/people-worried-health-great-lakes-poll/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research
For the first time, “rock snot” nuisance algal blooms found in Lower Peninsula trout stream

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/2021/12/rock-snot-algal-blooms-lower-peninsula/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Feature Homepage, flood damage, flooding, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, shoreline, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Lower Rates: New flood risk assessment will reduce insurance rates in the Great Lakes region

Approximately 85,000 homeowners in the Great Lakes region will see rate reductions for the first time because of the National Flood Insurance Program’s new risk rating system, experts say.

The flood insurance program is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It provides coverage to property owners, renters and businesses to help them recover from floods faster.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/flood-risk-assessment-reduce-insurance-rates/

Taylor Haelterman

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, cleanup, detroit river, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, waterfront
First phase of cleanup at former steel mill site complete. Now what?

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/2021/12/first-phase-cleanup-steel-mill-site/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Chicago, conservation, detroit river, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, Illinois, Indiana, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Moment: Small habitat patches can have big ecological impact

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. 

Contradicting the historical conservation planning tenet that gave preference to protecting larger, more intact areas, a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science has shown that small, isolated patches of habitat are inordinately important for biodiversity conservation.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/small-habitat-patches-ecological-impact/

John Hartig

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, Municipalities, News, Ontario, Research, Data and Technology
What’s Your Water Source: Who gets their water from Lake Huron

Where do we get our water? It’s a critically important and highly regulated question, yet it took some digging to find the answers.  

Specific to Lake Huron, there are a total of 30 public water supply systems across Michigan and Ontario that source surface water for nearly 3 million people to drink. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/water-source-lake-huron/

Alex Hill

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, data, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, water affordability
Rising Cost of Water in Michigan Leads to Affordability Problems

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/2021/12/cost-water-michigan-affordability-problems/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Indiana, indiana dunes national park, Latest News, Michigan, National Parks, News, Recreation and Tourism, sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore
Spike Sustained: As COVID-19 policies relax, park attendance (mostly) remains strong

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many Great Lakes national parks experienced record visitation as people sought to experience the outdoors and participate in safe forms of recreation. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was one of those parks. According to unofficial data from the National Park Service, over 1.7 million people visited in 2020, the highest attendance on record.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/covid-policies-park-attendance/

Noah Bock

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, contamination, detroit river, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, shoreline, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Another seawall collapse due to gravel pile stored too close to Detroit River

By 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/2021/12/seawall-collapse-gravel-detroit-river/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, line 5, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Michigan drops oil pipeline suit, refocuses on separate case

By John Flesher, Associated Press

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer abandoned a lawsuit Tuesday aimed at shutting down an oil pipeline that runs through part of the Great Lakes but said the state would continue pursuing a separate case with the same goal.

Whitmer’s legal maneuver followed a federal judge’s decision earlier this month to retain jurisdiction over a suit brought by Enbridge Energy after the state revoked an easement allowing Line 5 to cross the Straits of Mackinac.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-michigan-drops-oil-pipeline-suit/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Books, Books, Authors, Art and Music, Feature Homepage, groundwater, Latest News, Michigan, News, water diversions, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes for Sale: Veteran activist and author puts renewed spotlight on diverting Great Lakes water

Tracking Michigan’s environmental issues has been a long, rewarding and at times arduous undertaking for Dave Dempsey.  

He was an environment adviser to former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard in the 1980s and now provides policy advice to the Traverse City non-profit For Love of Water. In between were stops at the Michigan Environmental Council and the International Joint Commission.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/great-lakes-veteran-activist-author/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
New lead testing method could reveal higher levels in water

By Michael Phillis, Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — For years, testing of the tap water in an upscale Detroit suburb showed the city was in the clear. Then residents got a notice seemingly out of the blue: Their water could be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-lead-testing-method-higher-levels/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Tribal Governments and First Nations
Ignore the buzz, here’s why Enbridge Line 5 won’t likely close anytime soon

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/2021/11/enbridge-line-5-wont-close/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fossils, history, History and Culture, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, museums, News, Ontario, Science, Technology, Research, Wisconsin
Fossil Finds: Great Lakes coral and sea life remnants says much about its past and future

The Great Lakes region wasn’t always the freshwater realm we know today: rewind to a couple centuries ago and it was actually covered in tropical seawater. That’s why many of the fossils found in the area today are portions of coral reefs and ancient sea creatures.  

“When you think of Michigan or Illinois, you imagine cold and snow, but it wasn’t always that way.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/fossil-great-lakes-coral-remnants/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: AP, Budget, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Whitmer proposes $300M in water funding for communities

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday proposed $300 million in water spending to help local utilities address elevated lead levels, plan for pipe replacement and connect users of contaminated wells to municipal supplies.

The governor said the funding would expand her $500 million MI Clean Water Plan, some of which has been authorized since it was unveiled more than a year ago.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-whitmer-300m-water-funding-communities/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Lake sturgeon, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, science, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Sturgeon Restoration: Drawing in the public with a festival

This story is the fourth in a four-part series looking at sturgeon restoration efforts. 

Lake sturgeon restoration efforts are taking place across the Great Lakes basin.  

But what that restoration looks like is entirely dependent on location and other factors, such as whether or not any lake sturgeon remain in the area. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/sturgeon-restoration-public-festival/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Drinking Water, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Algae blooms threaten Illinois, Wisconsin DNR cuts runoff regulations

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: 

Illinois: 

  • Illinois EPA Invests Over $29 Million in Wastewater and Drinking Water Projects in First Quarter of FY22 —MyRadioLink 

The state of Illinois’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to invest over $29 million in wastewater and drinking water projects for the first quarter of the 2022 fiscal year.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/drinking-water-news-roundup-algae-blooms-dnr/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News Roundup PFAS, PFAS, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Minnesota requiring businesses to monitor, PFAS impact on COVID vaccine, new New York standards

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/2021/11/pfas-news-covid-vaccine-minnesota-businesses-new-york-standards/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, line 5, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Judge keeps Michigan oil pipeline case in federal court

By John Flesher, Associated Press

A federal judge retained jurisdiction Tuesday in a dispute over a Canadian oil pipeline that runs through a section of the Great Lakes, rejecting Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s contention that the case belongs in state court.

The clash over whether Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 should continue operating raises issues “under consideration at the highest levels of this country’s government” involving a U.S.-Canada treaty and federal pipeline safety regulation, U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-judge-michigan-oil-pipeline-case-in-federal-court/

The Associated Press

On:
In: diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, sturgeon
I Speak for the Fish: Teamwork, smooth swimming and other lessons from Great Lakes fish

Watching how fish move, how they use the water to their advantage has made me a better diver. Underwater, I strive to be as trim as a walleye and as effortless as a sturgeon. And while my cameraman husband hunts for photo ops with the stealth of a muskie, I can usually be found frolicking in the shallows like a carefree sunfish. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/speak-fish-teamwork-swimming-lessons/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: AP, benton harbor, Drinking Water, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Program to help Benton Harbor residents with water bills

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — State officials announced a pilot program Wednesday aimed at helping eligible residents of a Michigan city where there’s been a lead crisis pay water and wastewater bills.

The federally-funded program is designed to help households that have had water disconnected or are facing disconnection pay to have it restored.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-program-benton-harbor-residents-bills/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, flint, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Judge OKs $626 million settlement in Flint water litigation

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — A judge on Wednesday approved a $626 million deal to settle lawsuits filed by Flint residents who found their tap water contaminated by lead following disastrous decisions to switch the city’s water source and a failure to swiftly acknowledge the problem.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-judge-million-settlement-flint-water-litigation/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, sewer systems
Reduce flooding from backed up sewers? There’s an app for that

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/2021/11/flooding-sewers-app-research/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: benton harbor, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Mayor says Benton Harbor will need more support from state to fix water system

By Dustin Dwyer, 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/2021/11/mayor-benton-harbor-support-state-fix-water-system/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, enbridge, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
White House: No plans to shut down Line 5

By Sarah Cwiek, 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/2021/11/white-house-line-5/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: AP, Michigan, News, Research, Science, Technology, Research, shoreline, water levels, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
MSU researchers collecting data on Great Lakes shoreline

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Researchers at Michigan State University are collecting data on how Great Lakes shoreline, including how residents view coastlines and the impact of high water levels.

Assistant professor Erin Bunting said the goal is to empower local communities, which is important to the future of the lakeshores and future research.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-msu-researchers-data-great-lakes-shoreline/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, benton harbor, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
EPA to begin testing water at 300 Benton Harbor homes

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will soon start testing the water in 300 homes in a Michigan city where there’s been a lead crisis to check certified filters given area residents by the state to remove lead from the drinking water.

EPA officials will collect water samples in Benton Harbor, according to The Herald-Palladium. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-epa-testing-water-benton-harbor-homes/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, line 5, Michigan, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
White House: US will discuss Michigan pipeline with Canada

By John Flesher, Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The U.S. and Canada will discuss the future of an oil pipeline that crosses part of the Great Lakes and is the subject of rising tension over whether it should be shut down, the White House said Monday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/white-ap-house-michigan-pipeline-canada/

The Associated Press

On:
In: benton harbor, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Docs: Benton Harbor water response marked by delays, poor messaging

By Kelly House and Jonathan Oosting, 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/2021/11/benton-harbor-water-response-poor-messaging/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: culture, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, history, History and Culture, Lake Superior, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, shipwrecks, Wisconsin
Edmund Fitzgerald 2021: Attend a shipwreck memorial service in person or virtually

“The legend lives on…”

Nov. 10 has been an unassailable part of Great Lakes culture and history since 1975 when the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior with its entire crew of 29 and was immortalized in the famous song by Gordon Lightfoot.

The ship went down in Lake Superior, near Whitefish Point, but it’s a piece of history that connects people all around the region who care about the lakes and their history or have experienced their own loss.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/edmund-fitzgerald-shipwreck-memorial-service-2021/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, indigenous communities, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, sturgeon, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Restoration: Starting anew in Sturgeon and Saginaw bays

This story is the third in a four-part series looking at sturgeon restoration efforts.

Lake sturgeon restoration efforts are taking place across the Great Lakes basin.

But what that restoration looks like is entirely dependent on location and other factors, such as whether or not any lake sturgeon remain in the area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/sturgeon-restoration-starting-anew-in-sturgeon-and-saginaw-bays/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: AP, benton harbor, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Lead, Michigan, News
Benton Harbor on edge as lead water crisis persists

By Michael Phillis, Associated Press

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Shortly after sunrise on a recent Saturday in Benton Harbor, Michigan, residents began lining up for free bottled water so they could drink and cook without fear of the high levels of lead in the city’s tap water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-michigan-benton-harbor-lead-water-crisis-persists/

The Associated Press