Daily News

Wildfire smoke clouds the skies, but what does it do to the water?

On: July 31, 2026

Scientists are studying how smoke from increasingly frequent wildfires—especially those in Canada—can affect Great Lakes ecosystems. Wildfire smoke deposits nutrients, metals, and other particles into the lakes, potentially altering water quality, fueling algal growth, and affecting fish and aquatic food webs, though researchers are still working to understand the full long-term impacts. Read the full story by The Detroit News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260721-wildlife-smoke-clouds

Hannah Reynolds

Trump administration stops work on Great Lakes Asian carp project near Joliet

On: July 31, 2026

The Trump administration has halted work on the $1.15 billion Brandon Road project near Joliet, Illinois, a key effort designed to prevent invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes through the Des Plaines River system. Environmental groups and Great Lakes advocates warn that delaying the project could increase the risk to the region’s ecosystem and its multibillion-dollar fishing and boating industries, while the administration has cited ongoing reviews and funding concerns. Read the full story by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260721-trump-administrative-greatlakes-asian-carp

Hannah Reynolds

Sweeping cyberattack on water systems in multiple states has US officials on edge

On: July 31, 2026

Hackers have targeted water systems in several US states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin, in a coordinated cyberattack that has caused some utilities to issue boil-water notices and switch to manual mode, taking their systems offline, according to U.S. officials. Read the full story by CNN.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260721-sweeping-cyberattack-water-systems

Hannah Reynolds

Sault Tribe stocks more than 1 million fish in Great Lakes waters

On: July 31, 2026

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians released more than 1 million fish into Great Lakes waters this year—including about 902,000 walleye and 278,000 whitefish—as part of a long-running effort to strengthen fish populations and support fisheries. Tribal biologists say the stocking program is especially important for whitefish, whose numbers have declined in part because invasive mussels have reduced the zooplankton they rely on for food. Read the full story by WWMT-TV – Kalamazoo, MI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260721-sault-tribe-greatlakes-fish-stocking

Hannah Reynolds

OpenAI, Oracle data center seeks permit to discharge wastewater into Saline River

On: July 31, 2026

A public comment period is open through August 24 on a draft environmental permit that would allow treated wastewater to be discharged from The Barn, a hyperscale data center for OpenAI and Oracle under construction in Saline Township, Michigan, into the Saline River. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260721-openai-seeks-permit-wasteawater-discharge-saline-river

Hannah Reynolds

Maumee River fish kill estimate rises to 24,500; ODA investigates potential violations

On: July 31, 2026

Cleanup efforts are continuing weeks after a fertilizer spill into Huston Creek in Henry County led to a major fish kill throughout an 11-mile stretch of the Maumee River in Ohio. Read the full story by WTOL-TV – Toledo, OH.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260721-maumee-river-fish-kill-violations

Hannah Reynolds

Can a new design save one of Minnesota’s most controversial mining projects?

On: July 31, 2026

NewRange, formerly known as PolyMet Mining, has submitted the changes to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to kick off a new round of environmental reviews for their proposed open-pit mine in northeast Minnesota. The company filed a new application for a wetlands permit with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Read the full story by MPR News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260721-minnesota-controversial-mining-project

Hannah Reynolds

Great Lakes Grand Prix underway in Michigan City

On: July 31, 2026

The Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City, Indiana, has entered its final weekend, drawing thousands of spectators to Lake Michigan to watch some of the nation’s fastest offshore powerboats compete. Read the full story by WSBT-TV – South Bend, IN.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260721-greatlakes-grand-prix-michigan-city

Hannah Reynolds

The Great Lakes’ most emblematic fish could be consigned to history books

On: July 29, 2026

A delicacy for centuries and a key part of Native tradition, the lake whitefish has seen its population crash. Researchers know why, but stopping it is another matter. Read the full story by The Guardian.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260729-whitefish

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Algal bloom has begun, though toxins are still low

On: July 29, 2026

After a long wait, the inevitable has occurred: Western Lake Erie’s 2026 algal bloom has formed. Toxins have been detected but are presently below the recreational contact threshold for humans. Read the full story by the Toledo Blade.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260729-bloom

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Bad River tribe, groups sue over waterway crossing approvals for Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute

On: July 29, 2026

The Bad River tribe and environmental groups are again suing the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources over decisions allowing work to move forward on Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute at four waterway crossings. Read the full story by Wisconsin Public Radio.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260729-pipeline

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Milwaukee fast tracks projects after historic 1,000-year flood

On: July 29, 2026

Due to climate change, the Great Lakes region has emerged as a national hotspot for extreme precipitation. Milwaukee is fast-tracking infrastructure projects and removing homes from floodplains to increase resilience. Read the full story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260729-milwaukee

Taaja Tucker-Silva

COMMENTARY: Most Americans support conservation – here’s how the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative got politicians from both parties on board too

On: July 29, 2026

The vast majority of Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs value environmental conservation but this support is not easily or often translated into successful, popular initiatives. One success story is the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Read the full story by The Conversation.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260729-glri

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Falmouth farmers want water, EGLE has limits. Both are seeking common ground

On: July 29, 2026

Michigan farmers and water specialists are proposing local “water districts” to collect groundwater and stream data, aiming to give regulators better information for irrigation permit decisions. Read the full story by the Cadillac News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260729-water-mi

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Do not underestimate the power of the Great Lakes, Waterloo researcher warns

On: July 29, 2026

In 2022, a pilot project called Smart Beach in Kincardine, Ontario was launched to make Great Lakes beaches safer. A network of sensors were deployed to monitor water levels, waves, currents, and pedestrian patterns. Read the full story by the CBC.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260729-beaches

Taaja Tucker-Silva

After 72 years, this historic submarine is finally in dry dock for $3.5M preservation

On: July 29, 2026

The preservation journey of Michigan’s historic 85-year-old submarine reached another milestone last week. The 312-foot USS Silversides, a floating museum in Muskegon, Michigan, was recently dry-docked and is now being cleaned of zebra mussels and inspected to determine needed repairs. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260729-sub

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Apostle Islands Red Cliff sea caves collapse

On: July 29, 2026

Two of the Apostle Island nature preserve’s popular sea caves on Lake Superior have collapsed, likely due to increased boat traffic. The caves, in addition to a section of the arch, collapsed along the Red Cliff shoreline near Bayfield, Wisconsin. Read the full story by KARE-TV – Minneapolis, MN.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260729-apostles

Taaja Tucker-Silva

7,500 vehicles crossed the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Day 1; here are some reactions

On: July 29, 2026

The opening of the Gordie Howe bridge has been highly anticipated by people on both sides of the Detroit River. Some Canadians travelled hours to be among the first to cross the international span. Read the full story by the CBC.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260729-new-bridge

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Toledo, Great Lakes could benefit from major water bills in Congress

On: July 27, 2026

A pair of bills vital to Great Lakes and human health, two versions of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, are advancing through Congress. The U.S. Senate and U.S. House versions of the bills differ slightly, but the two chambers agree to continue funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Read the full story by the Toledo Blade.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260727-water-bills

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Gordie Howe International Bridge opens today! Here’s what you need to cross it

On: July 27, 2026

The world’s newest international crossing, the Gordie Howe International Bridge over the Detroit River between the United States and Canada, is slated to open to public motorists at noon on Monday, July 27. Here’s what to expect and how the new bridge works. Read the full story by the Detroit Free Press.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260727-new-bridge

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Project to remove thick mats of algae on Lake St. Clair to begin this fall

On: July 27, 2026

A pilot project to remove large mats of algae build-up from three locations on Lake St. Clair is set to begin this fall. The $800,000 field trial will allow two contracting groups to remove the mats with researchers studying what happens after. Read the full story by Michigan Public.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260727-algal-mats

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Meteorites from viral June fireball event recovered from island in Lake Huron

On: July 27, 2026

Meteorites from a large fireball that was widely documented over northern Ontario skies last month have been recovered on Cockburn Island, a mostly uninhabited island located off the western end of Manitoulin Island in the North Channel of Lake Huron. Read the full story by the CBC.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260727-meteorites-found

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Consumers Energy may drain part of Manistee River to investigate dam damage

On: July 27, 2026

Consumers Energy may cut flow to the Manistee River to inspect damage at the Hodenpyl Dam near Mesick, Michigan. State officials fear tens of thousands of fish could die if Consumers drains the river segment. Read the full story by Bridge Michigan.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260727-dam-damage

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Harmful algal bloom found in southern Michigan lake, health officials warn

On: July 27, 2026

A harmful algal bloom has been detected in Michigan’s Center Lake, the Jackson County Health Department said on Friday afternoon. Read the full story by CBS Detroit.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260727-algal-bloom

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Lake Michigan holds shipwrecks, sunken aircraft and trillions of mussels

On: July 27, 2026

Lake Michigan gives Wisconsin residents a place to cool down on a hot day or get out on a boat to go after some fish. What else do we know about it? Read the full story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260727-lake-michigan

Taaja Tucker-Silva

5 NY state beaches closed for swimming due to high bacteria levels

On: July 27, 2026

Five beaches at New York State Parks are closed all due to high bacteria levels, according to the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Two beaches are also under advisory for high bacteria levels. Read the full story by Democrat & Chronicle.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260727-ny-beaches

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Hope from above: study finds satellites could help Ontario conservation authorities protect wetlands

On: July 27, 2026

A study found that using free satellite imagery can be used to help monitor and protect Ontario wetlands. Read the full story by The Pointer.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260727-wetland-imagery

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Swimmers tackle mile swim in Lake Erie in honor of longtime instructor

On: July 27, 2026

After bad weather caused the cancellation of a mile swim in Lake Erie last weekend, swimmers took to the water near Ashtabula, Ohio, Saturday morning to celebrate the life of a swim instructor who touched many of their lives personally. Read the full story by the Star Beacon.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260727-mile-swim

Taaja Tucker-Silva

Along Lake Superior, erosion threatens the dead and the living’s memories

On: July 24, 2026

Low lying cemeteries near shorelines face threats of erosion as water levels rise. That is especially true for two cemeteries near Lake Superior. Read the full story by NPR.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-superior-erosion

Great Lakes freighter runs aground in the St. Clair River

On: July 24, 2026

A 740-foot Great Lakes freighter carrying grain ran aground and was stuck on the St. Clair River near Sarnia, Ontario. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-stclair-freighter

Like Waukesha, Pewaukee could end up with Lake Michigan water supply

On: July 24, 2026

A lot needs to be done before Pewaukee, Wisconsin can solve its water concerns, but Lake Michigan water might be the best option. Read the full story by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-pewaukee-water-supply

DFO launches 2026 Sea Lamprey control season across Great Lakes

On: July 24, 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has launched its 2026 field season to manage invasive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes, aiming to protect native fish populations and support the ecosystem’s overall health. Read the full story by Sydenham Current.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-dfo-lamprey

Michigan awards $1.5M to spark Blue Tech, maritime innovation across Great Lakes

On: July 24, 2026

State officials announced the selection of five projects that will receive funding through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform’s Michigan Maritime Innovation Grant Program. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-blue-tech-maritime

Traverse City teacher sets sail on Great Lakes research boat

On: July 24, 2026

A science teacher at The Pathfinder School was one of two Michigan teachers selected for a week-long trip aboard the Environmental Protection Agency’s largest research vessel traveling across Lake Superior. Read the full story by Interlochen Public Radio.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-traversecity-teacher-research

7,000 Ohioans spoke up, and they changed how data centers can use Ohio’s water

On: July 24, 2026

Keeping Lake Erie as pristine as possible was on the minds of 7,000 Ohioans who spoke up to stop a blanket permit for data centers to dump their wastewater in the lake. It worked and the permit has been withdrawn. Read the full story by the Plain Dealer.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-ohio-data-center

‘Coast Guard City USA’ hosts annual festival in this Michigan city

On: July 24, 2026

The annual Coast Guard festival in Grand Haven, Michigan hosts is 100th year with new attractions, live music, and more. Read the full story by Detroit Free Press.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-coastguard-festival

Major upwelling causes Lake Michigan beach water temperatures to crash

On: July 24, 2026

A cold-water upwelling has occurred along the nearshore area of Lake Michigan, plunging water temperatures nearly 20 degrees colder from what they had been a day or two ago. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-michigan-beach-temps

Great Lakes Water Authority tackles a troubled water main corridor with $81 million fix

On: July 24, 2026

A stretch of water main that has broken four times in seven years, leaving Michigan drivers stranded and disrupting service across whole neighborhoods, is finally getting a full overhaul. The Great Lakes Water Authority has announced a $81 million, two phase project to rebuild and reinforce six miles of pipe along 14 Mile Road in Oakland County. Read the full story by Smart Water Magazine.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-glwa-corridor-fix

Great Lakes Science Center celebrates 30 years: Growing STEM

On: July 24, 2026

The Great Lakes Science Center is celebrating a major milestone as the downtown Cleveland landmark turns 30 years old. Read the full story by WKYC-TV – Cleveland, OH.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260724-sciencecenter-30years

Ohio EPA abandons proposed statewide data center wastewater permit

On: July 22, 2026

After receiving more than 7,000 public comments, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will not create a statewide general permit allowing data centers to discharge wastewater into state waters such as Lake Erie. Read the full story by The Toledo Blade.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260722-permit-withdrawal

Peterborough County joins cross-border coalition focused on Great Lakes economy and water protection

On: July 22, 2026

Peterborough County, Ontario, has joined the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, becoming part of a coalition of more than 425 municipal and Indigenous government leaders working to protect freshwater resources while promoting economic growth across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region. Read the full story by CJMB – Peterborough, ON.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260722-cities-initiative

Lake St. Clair project will put ‘muck’ removal methods to the test

On: July 22, 2026

Contractors plan to scoop and suction the notorious Lake St. Clair shoreline muck this fall as part of an $800,000 experiment to determine whether it can be effectively removed — and how quickly it comes back. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260722-muck-removal

Piping Plover’s resurgence hits decade milestone

On: July 22, 2026

Absent from Pennsylvania for over 60 years, the endangered piping plover has made a comeback at Presque Isle State Park in Erie. Federal, state and local officials came together in Erie this past weekend for “Pennsylvania Piping Plover Fest,” a celebration of the shorebird’s ten consecutive years of nesting in the Commonwealth. Read the full story by The Lewiston Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260722-plover-resurgence

Erosion took a Lake Erie beach in 2020 — now a $1.3 million project is bringing much of it back

On: July 22, 2026

Crews have begun work to restore the beach in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, after a warmer winter in 2020 eroded 80 feet from the shoreline. The $1.3 million project involves creating a heavy stone barrier parallel to the coast to help reduce the impact from waves while still allowing water to freely flow to the beach. Read the full story by WEWS-TV – Cleveland, OH.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260722-beach-restoration

Keweenaw copper waste continues spread, causes breakwater repair

On: July 22, 2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is spending $1.8 million to raise part of the Keweenaw Waterway north entry breakwater near Houghton, Michigan, by several feet to stem the migration of mining waste known as “stamp sand” that has traveled up the coast of Lake Superior and accumulated in a shipping channel. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260722-breakwater-repairs

Erie region’s grape crop and wineries generate millions for economy

On: July 22, 2026

The Lake Erie Grape Belt, more than 50 miles worth of vineyards that stretch from Harborcreek Township to Silver Creek in Chautauqua, New York, is an economic engine that supports nearly 600 farms and provides hundreds of jobs. The region benefits from the moderating effects of Lake Erie that keeps temperatures within a certain range. Read the full story by the Erie Times-News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260722-grape-region

Anishinabek water gathering advocates for Great Lakes protection

On: July 22, 2026

Members of the Anishinabek Nation are coming together this week for the second annual Water Gathering to protect and advocate for the Great Lakes, preserve traditional water teachings, and address legislation regarding source water protection and drinking water. Read the full story by Sarnia News Today.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260722-water-gathering

Victory Cruise Lines adds Erie to 2028 Great Lakes voyage

On: July 22, 2026

Victory Cruise Lines has added Erie, Pennsylvania, to its 2028 Ultimate Great Lakes Voyage itinerary. The cruise will take passengers to all five Great Lakes and stop at all eight bordering states. Read the full story by WJET-TV – Erie, PA.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260722-cruise-ports

COMMENTARY: Most Americans support conservation – here’s how the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative got politicians from both parties on board too

On: July 22, 2026

In a time of political polarization, it’s easy to forget that the vast majority of Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs value environmental conservation. While this support is not easily or often translated into successful, popular initiatives, one success story is the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Read the full story by The Conversation.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260722-bipartisan-support

Michigan fisheries get one-time funding for whitefish restoration

On: July 20, 2026

Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division received one-time funding of $350,000 for whitefish recovery. The species has undergone a rapid population decline in recent years, and for the first time, recovery efforts have a specific line in the state budget. Read the full story by Michigan Public.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20260720-whitefish-funding

Taaja Tucker-Silva