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State of Michigan to avoid buying products containing PFAS

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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/michigan-avoid-products-containing-pfas/

Michigan Radio

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In: AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, recreational hunting, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, wolves
Senators urge emergency protections for wolves in US West

By Matthew Brown, Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A group of Democratic lawmakers on Thursday urged the Biden administration to enact emergency protections for gray wolves in the U.S. West in response to Republican-backed state laws that make it easier to kill the predators.

Twenty-one U.S.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-senators-emergency-protections-wolves/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Detroit, Drinking Water, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, technology
Software to help inventory lead water lines in Detroit

DETROIT (AP) — A high-tech strategy could help Detroit save $165 million while also pinpointing the number of lead water lines in the city.

Data crunched with software from technology startup BlueConduit will hopefully provide a report of the probable locations and number of lead lines, the water department said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-software-inventory-lead-water-detroit/

The Associated Press

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In: Advocacy, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Latest News, Michigan, News, plastic, recycling
Great Lakes artists repurposing trash for art

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

By Emilie Appleyard, Great Lakes Echo

Artists in the Great Lakes region are taking trash and turning it into art.

Dave Matsen, a retired professional photographer from Ludington, Michigan, found inspiration from his garbage at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/great-lakes-artists-trash-art/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Detroit, detroit river, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, St. Clair River, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Endangered catfish indicates improving health of the Detroit and St. Clair rivers

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.

A small catfish that is endangered in both Michigan and Ontario is making a comeback thanks to improved water quality and artificial reef construction in the Detroit and St.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/endangered-catfish-health-detroit-rivers/

John Hartig

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Sturgeon Restoration: Streamside hatcheries on the Manistee, Milwaukee and Maumee rivers

This story is the second 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/2021/10/sturgeon-restoration-streamside-hatcheries-manistee-milwaukee-maumee-rivers/

Kathy Johnson

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Check this Michigan map for childhood lead levels in your community

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/2021/10/michigan-map-for-childhood-lead-levels-community/

Bridge Michigan

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Why are so many Michigan water systems finding lead? They’re looking harder

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/2021/10/michigan-water-systems-finding-lead/

Bridge Michigan

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In: AP, Climate change, COP26, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Pritzker to visit UK, tout climate-change efforts next week

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will travel to the United Kingdom next week to discuss the state’s efforts to neutralize climate change while bolstering economic development, his office said Wednesday.

The Democrat and top staff members will travel to Britain and Scotland from Nov. 2-9 and attend the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-pritzker-uk-climate-change/

The Associated Press

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In: Drinking Water, flint, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Seven Years On: The Flint water crisis has yet to conclude

Although it’s been seven years since the Flint water crisis became one of the state’s biggest public health disasters, Flint’s struggle with both the repercussions of the initial incident and with getting clean water have not ended. The court cases continue to unfold, and the city slowly replaces its lead lines.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/seven-years-flint-water-crisis/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Drinking Water, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Pennsylvania
Drinking Water News Roundup: Minnesota’s salty water problem, aging infrastructure affects taste, Pennsylvania grants

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

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

Click on the headline to read the full-story:

Indiana:

  • ELIZABETHTOWN: Town using loan to improve water quality—The Republic

The Indiana community of Elizabethtown has recently been granted about $1.4 million to protect the quality of their drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/drinking-water-aging-infrastructure-pennsylvania/

Maya Sundaresan

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Company formerly known as Nestle drops water withdrawal permit

By Sophia Kalakailo, 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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/nestle-water-withdrawal-permit/

Michigan Radio

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Center in UP to look at impact of oil spills in freshwater

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (AP) — Lake Superior State University in Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula has been selected as a hub for a center that will look at the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments.

The U.S. Coast Guard National Center of Expertise for the Great Lakes also will help develop effective responses to spills, according to the school.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-center-impact-oil-spills-freshwater/

The Associated Press

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In: canada, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Michigan, News, nuclear, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Nuclear Question: Debate continues over long-term storage of nuclear waste in the Great Lakes

Canada’s plan to store spent nuclear fuel 1,600 feet below ground in the Great Lakes basin, some 30 miles from Lake Huron, is continuing to ruffle feathers throughout the Great Lake states.

Earlier this month, U.S. lawmakers called out the Canadian plan for failing to prioritize the health of the Great Lakes and the 40 million residents who depend on it for clean drinking water ahead of its own energy needs.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/storage-nuclear-waste-great-lakes/

Andrew Reeves

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In: AP, Drinking Water, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Michigan city declares emergency over lead; governor visits

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she visited Benton Harbor on Tuesday to listen to residents who have been urged to use bottled water because of elevated levels of lead in their tap water.

Whitmer’s stop, which wasn’t publicly disclosed until it was over, came hours after city commissioners unanimously declared an emergency and empowered Mayor Marcus Muhammad to lead Benton Harbor’s response.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-michigan-city-declares-emergency-governor/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, enbridge, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
Enbridge temporarily stops Michigan pipeline due to protests

The operator of a Michigan oil pipeline said it temporarily shut down Line 5 Tuesday after protesters warned the company that they planned to turn an emergency valve.

Video posted on social media showed someone with a hard hat and a wrench inside a fenced area in Tuscola County, 90 miles north of Detroit.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-enbridge-michigan-pipeline-protests/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, flint, Flint Water Crisis, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Arbitrator: Official wrongly fired in Flint water scandal

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — The only Michigan official fired in the Flint water catastrophe likely was a “public scapegoat” who lost her job because of politics, an arbitrator said in ordering $191,880 in back pay and other compensation.

It’s a remarkable victory for Liane Shekter Smith, who served as head of the state’s drinking water office when Flint’s water system was contaminated with lead.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-official-wrongly-fired-flint-water/

The Associated Press

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In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Restoration: Studying Michigan’s and Wisconsin’s current flourishing populations

This story is the first 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/2021/10/sturgeon-restoration-studying-michigan-wisconsin-populations/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Restoration: Studying Michigan’s and Wisconsin’s current flourishing populations

This story is the first 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/2021/10/sturgeon-restoration-studying-michigan-wisconsin-populations/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, News Roundup Energy, Pennsylvania
Energy News Roundup: Illinois clean energy bill, Michigan Weatherization Month, national increase in heating 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:

  • CenterPoint Energy customers express concerns about proposed rate hike – 14 News

CenterPoint Energy recently proposed to construct two natural gas combustion turbines in place of its former coal-based plant.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/energy-illinois-clean-energy-bill-michigan-heating/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Tourism, Wisconsin
SS Badger makes final Lake Michigan crossing of season

This article is part of a collaboration between The Alpena News and Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television to bring audiences stories about the Great Lakes, especially Lake Huron and its watershed.

LUDINGTON (AP) — The SS Badger backed into its dock Oct.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ss-badger-makes-final-lake-michigan-crossing-of-season/

The Alpena News

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In: Climate change, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, United Nations
U.N. Climate Conference: Michigan’s role at the U.N.’s COP26 and in the U.S.’s climate future

Even when the topic is cars and climate change, in Michigan it still comes back to the Great Lakes.

“To me, really, the take home is always, always, always water,” said Liesl Clark, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. She appeared at an event in Detroit that previewed COP26.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/un-climate-conference-michigan-role/

Natasha Blakely

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PFAS News Roundup: Michigan works on transparency, 3M could cost the Minnesota public billions, study recruitment in Michigan

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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/pfas-study-michigan-wisconsin-minnesota-billions-transparency/

Natasha Blakely

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In Benton Harbor, residents’ complaints of lead-tainted water carry echoes

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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/benton-harbor-residents-complaints-lead-tainted-water/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, flint, Gary Wilson, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News
Intervention: Doctor who exposed Flint’s lead levels sees similarities in Benton Harbor water crisis

For Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, advocating for safe drinking water for Benton Harbor was an easy decision.

She called it a “duh” moment, a “choiceless choice.” Of course she would join a group of citizens and activists in requesting the U.S. EPA to use its emergency intervention authority in Benton Harbor, she said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/intervention-doctor-lead-levels-benton-harbor-water-crisis/

Gary Wilson

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In: AP, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Homepage, flooding, infrastructure, Michigan, News
Soil hauled from Detroit park as part of storm water project

By Corey Williams, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Tons of soil is being removed from a westside Detroit park as part of a storm water retention project to reduce flooding in streets and basements during periods of heavy rainfall.

The project at Rouge Park is expected to capture nearly 100 million gallons of storm water each year, alleviating pressure on the city’s combined sewer system, Detroit Water and Sewerage Deputy Director and Chief Engineer Palencia Mobley said Wednesday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-detroit-rouge-park-storm-water-project/

The Associated Press

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City in Michigan urged to use bottled water due to lead risk

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Michigan on Wednesday urged residents of Benton Harbor to use only bottled water for cooking and drinking, a major shift in response to the city’s elevated levels of lead.

The state recently said it would distribute free water and filters in the southwestern Michigan city.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-benton-harbor-bottled-water-lead-risk/

The Associated Press

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In: Budget, Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Ontario, Toronto, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Indiana iron spill, Michigan lead reduction plan, potential nuclear accident in Ontario

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/drinking-water-indiana-iron-michigan-lead-nuclear-ontario/

Maya Sundaresan

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Hoping to avoid Enbridge Line 5 shutdown, Canada asks U.S. to negotiate

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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/enbridge-line-5-shutdown-canada-us-negotiate/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Michigan, Recreation, State Parks

Trails that can accommodate strollers, wheelchairs with tank treads and baby changing stations in men’s bathrooms are part of a push to accommodate a surge of new visitors at Michigan state parks.

The post Michigan DNR expanding accessibility for more visitors first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/01/michigan-dnr-expanding-accessibility-for-more-visitors/

Guest Contributor

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In: AP, Budget, COVID-19, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Michigan
Whitmer signs bills to complete budget, hails bipartisanship

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday signed off on $55 billion in spending to complete the state budget, hailing the bipartisan bills as an example of finding common ground with Republicans despite partisan tension during the coronavirus pandemic.

“This budget shows that divided government doesn’t have to be dysfunctional government,” the Democrat said at Lansing Community College.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-whitmer-budget-bipartisanship/

The Associated Press

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As Drought Grips American West, Irrigation Becomes Selling Point for Michigan

By Keith Schneider, 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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/drought-irrigation-michigan/

Circle of Blue

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In: AP, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Lead, Michigan, News
Michigan sending water, filters to Benton Harbor due to lead

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The state of Michigan will provide bottled water and water filters in Benton Harbor, where tests have revealed elevated levels of lead, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The action comes less than two weeks after about 20 groups urged the Biden administration to immediately step in.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-michigan-sending-water-filters-to-benton-harbor-due-to-lead/

The Associated Press

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Community Assistance: Report finds disparities in drinking water fund distribution

Drinking water systems in small and more diverse communities nationwide are less likely to receive state funding through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, according to a recent report.

Through the fund, the EPA awards grants to each state and the states add a 20% match, according to the agency.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/report-disparities-drinking-water-fund-distribution-inequity/

Taylor Haelterman

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In: AP, Detroit, Feature Detroit, infrastructure, Michigan, News
Long-duration storm drops 1-4 inches of rain on Detroit area

By Corey Williams, Associated Press

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (AP) — Between an inch and 4 inches of rain fell on the Detroit area as of Wednesday morning during the latest batch of wet weather to roll through parts of Michigan and other Midwestern states.

The long duration of the storm, however, allowed rainfall runoff to enter storm drains, rivers and streams more slowly starting Tuesday afternoon, which helped the area avoid levels of flooding that submerged thousands of basements, dozens of streets and even freeways this summer.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-long-duration-storm-rain-detroit-area/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Detroit, Feature Detroit, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, News
DNR: Virus behind deaths of common carp on Detroit-area lake

LAKE ORION, Mich. (AP) — A virus is being blamed on the deaths of between 300 and 600 mostly adult common carp this summer in a Detroit-area lake.

An investigation has confirmed that the koi herpesvirus caused the fish kill in Lake Orion, Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources said Friday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-dnr-virus-deaths-common-carp-detroit-area-lake/

The Associated Press

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Bridge Over Warming Water: Grants fund fish habitat conservation projects around the Great Lakes

Rivers, streams and lakes are warming, casting a dark shadow on the future of coldwater fish in the Great Lakes region. To save them, state and federal agencies around the Great Lakes are investing millions in these fish.

Currently, the Great Lakes are home to coldwater fish like ciscoes, walleyes, suckers, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon and coho salmon.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/warming-water-grant-programs-fish-habitat-conservation/

Rachel Duckett

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In: Collaboration, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, great lakes echo, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Traverse City
FishPass stays off November ballot, will be decided in appeals court

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

By Max Copeland, Great Lakes Echo

The fate of Traverse City, Michigan’s FishPass project will be decided in court. That’s after city commissioners decided not to put the question before voters in November.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/fishpass-november-ballot-appeals-court/

Great Lakes Echo

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Rising Waters: Great Lakes lighthouse keepers fight to preserve history in the face of climate change

One evening in the late 1800s, a lighthouse keeper named John Herman was drinking, as he usually did, when he decided to play a prank on his assistant. Herman locked the assistant in the lantern room and left him there. 

When the assistant managed to get out of the room, he found himself all alone in the lighthouse.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/rising-waters-great-lakes-lighthouses-climate-change/

Rachel Duckett

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In: AP, Climate change, Forests and Plants, isle royale, Michigan, News
Fire on Michigan’s remote Isle Royale 15 percent contained

ISLE ROYAL, Mich. (AP) — A wildfire on Michigan’s remote Isle Royale has been about 15% percent contained and crews have saved some historic cabins from encroaching flames, an official said Wednesday.

The fire began Aug. 10, apparently sparked by a lightning strike on the drought-stricken wilderness island, said Liz Valencia, a spokeswoman for Isle Royale National Park.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-fire-michigan-isle-royale-15-percent-contained/

The Associated Press

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Trails, camps closed on Isle Royale after wildfire expands

ISLE ROYAL, Mich. (AP) — A wildfire that’s burned about 200 acres on Michigan’s remote Isle Royale has prompted the National Park Service to close some trails and campground areas on the wilderness island.

The park service said Sunday on the Isle Royale National Park’s Facebook page that the closures were necessary “to maintain public health and safety” after the fire on the Lake Superior island’s east end expanded over the weekend amid lingering drought conditions.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-trails-camps-closed-isle-royale-wildfire/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Chicago, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Michigan, News
Illinois woman swims across iconic Michigan lake twice

ALDEN, Mich. (AP) — A medical student from Illinois has swum across one of Michigan’s largest inland lakes — twice — to raise money and awareness about diabetes.

Marian Cardwell accomplished the 35-mile feat at Torch Lake in Antrim County after dropping a plan to swim across Lake Michigan from Chicago to Grand Haven, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-illinois-woman-swims-michigan-torch-lake-twice/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Michigan, News
Program aims to capture storm drain debris headed to lake

ROSEVILLE, Mich. (AP) — A new program in Macomb County aims to reduce the amount of trash that reaches Lake St. Clair from a storm drain.

A steel bulkhead and a boom have been installed at the outlet of the sewer to capture floating debris before it enters the lake, the Macomb County Public Works office said.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-program-storm-drain-debris-lake-st-clair/

The Associated Press

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In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology
Grayling Revival: Researchers hope to reintroduce a once-abundant native fish

Every year, Nicole and Tom Watson take a trip to Alaska. Like the typical tourist, they enjoy fly fishing and experiencing the untamed wilderness, yet their visit is no ordinary vacation. Among their duffel bags and backpacks, there’s a special piece of carry-on luggage: a carefully sealed container of fish eggs.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/grayling-revival-researchers-native-fish/

Noah Bock

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In: AP, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Michigan, News
Census: Big population drops in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

By Corey Williams, Associated Press

Figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau showed some of Michigan’s largest percentage population losses were in the state’s Upper Peninsula, while three of the state’s four most populous counties gained people.

The U.P. for years has struggled through job losses tied to downturns in the manufacturing and mining industries.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-census-population-drops-michigan-upper-peninsula/

The Associated Press

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In: Cleveland, Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, flint, Forever Chemicals Featured, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, PFAS
Drinking Water Roundup: Senate passes $1 trillion infrastructure bill, Canada reaches $8 billion settlement with First Nations

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:

  • State moves toward phaseout of firefighting foam with harmful ‘forever chemicals’ – Chicago Sun Times

Illinois will take a first step toward reducing the use of firefighting foam containing harmful “forever chemicals” under a bill signed into law by Gov.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/drinking-water-senate-infrastructure-bill-canada-settlement-first-nations/

Rachel Duckett

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Policy
Michigan Democratic lawmakers propose $5 billion plan to deal with climate change-caused flooding

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.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/michigan-lawmakers-plan-climate-change-flooding/

Michigan Radio

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In: Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News
Industry Woes: Water industry struggles with both competitive hiring and retiring workforce

The national struggle to fill open jobs has added to existing concerns of replacing the large number of soon-to-be retirees for employers in the water industry.

More than 90% of the chambers of commerce across the nation report worker shortages holding back their economies, according to the United States Chamber of Commerce.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/water-industry-struggles-competitive-hiring-retiring-workforce/

Taylor Haelterman

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In: Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, News, News Roundup PFAS, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Tech company develops PFAS-eliminating technology, PFAS Action Act heads to Senate, study finds PFAS in Arctic ice

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

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/pfas-action-act-senate-study-arctic-ice/

Rachel Duckett