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Buses vs. Trains: The Future of Public Transit in the Great Lakes Region

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Sean Ericson, Great Lakes Now

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Great Lakes Moment: Government downsizing, defunding and deregulating at what environmental cost?

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 PBS.

There is always room to improve program effectiveness and efficiency in government, as well as business, nongovernmental organizations and other institutions.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/great-lakes-moment-government-downsizing-defunding-and-deregulating-at-what-environmental-cost/

John Hartig, Great Lakes Now

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In: Collaboration, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News
Northern Michigan moves to clean up ice storm debris — by making energy

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

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

At a giant dirt lot off a side road in Emmet County, the air smells sharply of pine.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/northern-michigan-moves-to-clean-up-ice-storm-debris-by-making-energy/

Interlochen Public Radio

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In: community garden, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Food, Forests and Plants, gardening, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research
How community gardens serve as ‘third places’ for Detroiters

Toward the end of 2023, I was newly unemployed and living by myself for the first time. 

In between jobs, searching for employment and a means of fulfillment and community, I began to reflect on how my mom got into gardening. In the dead of winter, memories of childhood summers spent pulling weeds, tilling soil and fleeing the occasional garter snake alongside her began to color my mind. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/community-gardens-third-places-for-detroiters/

Ethan Bakuli

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In: Latest News, Michigan, News
The lights are coming back on. How can utilities prepare for next time?

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

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

David Thom has one of those jobs where sometimes, unexpectedly, the phone rings late at night.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/the-lights-are-coming-back-on-how-can-utilities-prepare-for-next-time/

Interlochen Public Radio

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In: Forests and Plants, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Latest News, manoomin, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, wild rice, Wisconsin
Groups fight to preserve future of Michigan’s indigenous wild rice

By Jena Brooker, BridgeDetroit

This article was republished here with permission from BridgeDetroit.

An origin story, a teacher of life, a relative, and a source of crucial nutrition, manoomin now has a new protector.

Once covering much of Michigan’s inland lakes and streams, the wild rice (also known as mnoomin or mnomen) is indigenous to the Great Lakes region but has largely disappeared due to colonization, environmental degradation, and climate change.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/groups-fight-to-preserve-future-of-michigans-indigenous-wild-rice/

BridgeDetroit

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What would the Great Lakes region be like with bullet trains?

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Sean Ericson, Great Lakes Now

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In: Agriculture, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Connect, invasive species, Latest News, Live, Michigan, News, Play, Protect, Work
Wetlands rules face rollback under Trump: Great Lakes pollution next?

By Brian Allnutt, Planet Detroit

This article was republished with permission from Planet Detroit. Sign up for Planet Detroit’s weekly newsletter here.

Environmental Protection Agency Director Lee Zeldin issued guidance to limit federal protections for wetlands last week that environmental advocates say will lead to more pollution in the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/wetlands-rules-face-rollback-under-trump-great-lakes-pollution-next/

Planet Detroit

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In: Authors, Books, Authors, Art and Music, Feature Homepage, History and Culture, Ian Solomon, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, sled dog racing, Tourism, upper peninsula, winter
Ian Outside: A Detroiter’s journey to Calumet for CopperDog

It seems like every year winter creeps forward into being one of my favorite seasons. It’s not lost on me that this budding love affair began once I gained the courage to venture into Northern Michigan during the months almost everyone will tell you to avoid. The truth is: Metro Detroit isn’t made for the cold and snow, so I’m allowing the North Woods to change my mind. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/ian-outside-a-detroiters-journey-to-calumet-for-copperdog/

Ian Solomon

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In: canada, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, trade, trump, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
How Trump’s trade war could impact US electricity prices — and state climate plans

By Zoya Teirstein

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

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump initiated a trade war with Canada and Mexico, America’s two largest trading partners. Following through on weeks of threats, he imposed 25 percent tariffs on imported goods from Mexico and Canada and a lower 10 percent tariff on imports of Canadian energy resources.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/how-trumps-trade-war-could-impact-us-electricity-prices-and-state-climate-plans/

Grist

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In: Authors, birds, conservation, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Region, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Detroit River common terns under threat

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 PBS.

Common terns are known for their aerial acrobatics, performing rapid turns and swoops to the delight of those watching.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/great-lakes-moment-detroit-river-common-terns-under-threat/

John Hartig, Great Lakes Now

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In: Feature Homepage, Forests and Plants, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, tribal relations, trump, U.S. Forest Service, Wisconsin
US Forest Service firings decimate already understaffed agency: ‘It’s catastrophic’

By Katie Myers, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, & Izzy Ross

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Grist, BPR, a public radio station serving western North Carolina, WBEZ, a public radio station serving the Chicago metropolitan region, and Interlochen Public Radio in Northern Michigan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/us-forest-service-firings-decimate-already-understaffed-agency-its-catastrophic/

Grist

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In: Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, nuclear energy, palisades nuclear plant
Michigan Residents Push for an Environmental Impact Statement Before Restarting the Palisades Nuclear Plant

By Carrie Klein, Inside Climate News

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

Michigan’s Palisades Nuclear Generating Station is one step closer to becoming the first nuclear power plant in the United States to reopen.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/michigan-environmental-impact-statement-palisades-nuclear-plant-restart/

Inside Climate News

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In: Detroit, Feature Detroit, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Southwest Detroit homes flooded, families displaced by water main rupture

By Isabelle Tavares, Planet Detroit

This article was republished with permission from Planet Detroit. Sign up for Planet Detroit’s weekly newsletter here.

Manuel Nolasco stood in frigid air outside his flooded Southwest Detroit home early Tuesday, chipping away at thick ice chunks that had frozen his car wheels in place.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/southwest-detroit-homes-flooded-families-displaced-by-water-main-rupture/

Planet Detroit

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In: Detroit, Feature Homepage, flooding, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, water infrastructure, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
After water main break, officials say homes in Detroit’s Southwest will get repairs covered

By Adam Yahya Rayes and Sarah Cwiek, Michigan Public

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal 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/2025/02/after-water-main-break-officials-say-homes-in-detroits-southwest-will-get-repairs-covered/

Michigan Public

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In: artificial intelligence, Drinking Water, epa, Feature Homepage, groundwater, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Veteran Great Lakes advocate cautions on prioritizing economic development over protecting the environment

Rolling back clean water protection, gutting agencies and defunding science, research and monitoring is a non-starter for the Great Lakes region, says Ann Arbor environmental advocate Laura Rubin.

She was reacting to the new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Lee Zeldin’s recently released economy-oriented plan for the agency under President Donald Trump.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/veteran-great-lakes-advocate-cautions-prioritizing-economic-development-over-protecting-environment/

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Climate change, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research
The early elk hunt was tough last year. Hot weather is likely to blame.

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

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

The elk hunting season got off to a tough start last year, and state officials say heat is at least partly to blame.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/the-early-elk-hunt-was-tough-last-year-hot-weather-is-likely-to-blame/

Interlochen Public Radio

On:
In: Feature Homepage, freighters, History and Culture, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, News, Shipping and Ports
The fascinating history of the Great Lakes Yemeni sailors

Abdullatif Ahmed was just 23 years old when he first stepped foot on the Medusa Challenger, a 1906-built Great Lakes bulk freighter.

“Before I came to America in 1990,” he said, “I had never even seen the sea.”

Born and raised in Juban, a rural district in southern Yemen, Ahmed was drawn to the Great Lakes by family history and opportunity.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/the-fascinating-history-of-the-great-lakes-yemeni-sailors/

Stephen Starr, Great Lakes Now

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In: Collaboration, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Trump tries to block EV charger money — again. Michigan impact ‘clear as mud’

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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/2025/02/trump-tries-to-block-ev-charger-money-again-michigan-impact-clear-as-mud/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, PFAS, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
CDC awards biomonitoring grants to Great Lakes states, future funding unclear

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

By Isabella Figueroa, Great Lakes Echo

New grants to Great Lakes states to measure harmful chemicals in marginalized communities are facing uncertainty under increased White House scrutiny on federal spending.

In September 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded a first round of $5 million across six state biomonitoring programs that measure chemicals in people.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/cdc-awards-biomonitoring-grants-to-great-lakes-states-future-funding-unclear/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Blue Tech challenge aims at gathering business solutions to Great Lakes problems

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

This coverage is made possible through a partnership with IPR and Grist, a nonprofit independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.

A business competition to tackle environmental and infrastructure issues in the Great Lakes kicked off last week.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/blue-tech-challenge-aims-at-gathering-business-solutions-to-great-lakes-problems/

Interlochen Public Radio

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In: Latest News, Michigan, News
More goose poop, more problems

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

By Clara Lincolnhol, Great Lakes Echo

Chris Compton, owner of a company called Goose Busters, has spent nearly 30 years addressing human-goose conflicts. Over the years, the goose population has continued to grow, especially in more populated areas, he said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/more-goose-poop-more-problems/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Authors, Connect, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, invasive species, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Rouge River oxbow enhances education at The Henry Ford

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 PBS.

In the 1960s, an oxbow was eliminated in the lower Rouge River when a concrete channel was built to move stormwater out of the watershed.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/great-lakes-moment-rouge-river-oxbow-enhances-education-the-henry-ford/

John Hartig, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Points North: A Sticky Solution for Microplastics

By Michael Livingston, Interlochen Public Radio

Points North is a biweekly podcast about the land, water and inhabitants of the Great Lakes.

This episode was shared here with permission from Interlochen Public Radio. 

Microplastics are everywhere.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/01/points-north-a-sticky-solution-for-microplastics/

Interlochen Public Radio

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In: Authors, Detroit, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
How Ducks Unlimited Became Heroes of the Conservation Movement

In the Great Lakes region alone, Ducks Unlimited (DU) has been involved in hundreds of projects in the past decade that involve either the conservation of wetlands through acquisition, or the restoration and management of wetlands. These projects — always in concert with public and private partners, universities and other organizations — seek to establish or conserve the maximum amount of acreage possible with available funds.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/01/how-ducks-unlimited-became-heroes-of-the-conservation-movement/

James Proffitt, Great Lakes Now

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In: Latest News, Michigan, News
Regulators say Detroit SO2 pollution under control after years of exceeding federal standards

By Brian Allnutt, Planet Detroit

This article was republished with permission from Planet Detroit. Sign up for Planet Detroit’s weekly newsletter here.

Michigan regulators will hold an online public hearing on Jan. 28 to discuss redesignating parts of southwest Detroit and Downriver as meeting federal sulfur dioxide (SO2) air quality standards.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/01/sulfur-dioxide-redesignation-detroit/

Planet Detroit

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

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

 

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Nicole Pollack, Great Lakes Now

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, shipwrecks
A Great Lakes ‘Pompeii’? Lake Huron’s depths hold secrets of human history

By Kelly House and Aaron Martin, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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/2025/01/a-great-lakes-pompeii-lake-hurons-depths-hold-secrets-of-human-history/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Authors, Detroit, Feature Homepage, Forests and Plants, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Connecting people to nature through The Great Lakes Way

A recent Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan report documents substantial progress in creating The Great Lakes Way — an interconnected set of greenways and water trails stretching from Port Huron, Michigan on southern Lake Huron to Toledo, Ohio on western Lake Erie.

In 2000, the Community Foundation polled metropolitan Detroit communities about obstacles to building greenways.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/01/great-lakes-moment-connecting-people-to-nature-through-the-great-lakes-way/

John Hartig

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News
Planet Detroit’s top 5 environmental stories of 2024

By Nina Misuraca Ignaczak, Planet Detroit

This article was republished with permission from Planet Detroit. Sign up for Planet Detroit’s weekly newsletter here.

This year brought a whirlwind of changes and challenges for Michigan’s environment and energy future. From smoky skies to dark money scandals, the stories we covered revealed how deeply personal and interconnected these issues are for all of us who call this state home.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/12/planet-detroits-top-5-environmental-stories-of-2024/

Planet Detroit

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In: Latest News, Michigan, News
Wolves could expand across the eastern U.S. — but they might need help

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

By Ruth Thornton, Great Lakes Echo

Gray wolves could thrive in the eastern United States well beyond their current range in the Great Lakes region, but they might have a hard time reaching other suitable habitats without human intervention, researchers say.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/12/wolves-could-expand-across-the-eastern-u-s-but-they-might-need-help/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Latest News, Michigan, News
Deep in the UP, an abandoned mine could offer hope for green energy fights

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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/2024/12/abandoned-mine-green-energy-fights/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News
Great Lakes Moment: Michigan’s Port of Monroe fosters a blue economy that welcomes wildlife

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 PBS.

Historically, the prevailing thinking was that society could have either a healthy economy or healthy biodiversity, but not both.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/12/great-lakes-moment-michigans-port-of-monroe-fosters-blue-economy-that-welcomes-wildlife/

John Hartig

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

By Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, WBEZ

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WBEZ and Grist, a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Sign up for WBEZ newsletters to get local news you can trust.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

WBEZ

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In: Latest News, Michigan, News
In Detroit’s Poletown East neighborhood, residents find healing among the trees

By Ethan Bakuli, Planet Detroit

This article was republished with permission from Planet Detroit. Sign up for Planet Detroit’s weekly newsletter here.

On any given morning, Marcel Wyckoff wakes up in Poletown East to a chorus of birds chirping in the forest outside his window.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/in-detroits-poletown-east-neighborhood-residents-find-healing-among-the-trees/

Planet Detroit

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In: Collaboration, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing
Points North: Saving David

By Michael Livingston

Points North is a biweekly podcast about the land, water and inhabitants of the Great Lakes.

This episode was shared here with permission from Interlochen Public Radio. 

On a blustery September day in 2024, 68-year-old David Holtfreter decides to go kayaking in Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/points-north-saving-david/

Interlochen Public Radio

On:
In: Climate change, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research
Where did all the climate voters go?

By Sachi Kitajima Mulkey

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

For those who worry about climate change all the time, the results of the November election seemed to send a clear message: American voters just don’t care as much as you do.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/where-did-all-the-climate-voters-go/

Grist

On:
In: Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Local governments appeal state implementation of renewable siting law

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

This coverage is made possible through a partnership with IPR and Grist, a nonprofit independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.

More than 70 townships and several counties are suing the Michigan Public Service Commission, challenging whether the commission went through the right process to put in place a law giving the state authority to approve those projects.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/local-governments-appeal-state-implementation-of-renewable-siting-law/

Grist

On:
In: Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism, Waves of Change
Waves of Change: Meet Protect the Porkies founder Tom Grotewohl

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

This month, we spoke with Tom Grotewohl, a resident of Wakefield Township in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and founder of the Protect the Porkies campaign.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/waves-of-change-meet-protect-the-porkies-founder-tom-grotewohl/

Great Lakes Now

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MI and OH: Different strategies to reduce Lake Erie nutrient pollution

By Lester Graham, Michigan Public

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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/2024/11/mi-and-oh-different-strategies-to-reduce-lake-erie-nutrient-pollution/

Michigan Public

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In: Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Wisconsin
Environmentalists, Industry Divided Over Energy Permitting Bill

Melting ice. Wildfire smoke. Crop losses. Climate change is already having an impact on the Great Lakes region. According to a 2022 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in order to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, humanity would have to reach net-zero emissions by the 2070s.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/environmentalists-industry-divided-over-energy-permitting-bill/

Sean Ericson, Great Lakes Now

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In: Food, Forests and Plants, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism
Smashing pumpkins in Traverse City to reduce trash

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

This coverage is made possible through a partnership with IPR and Grist, a nonprofit independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.

Nine-year-old Gunner Vistisen was wearing goggles, a wooden mallet in hand, standing near a blue tarp lined with pumpkins on a lot in Traverse City.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/smashing-pumpkins-in-traverse-city-to-reduce-trash/

Interlochen Public Radio

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

By Kristoffer Tigue, Inside Climate News

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

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

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Inside Climate News

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

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

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

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

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In: Agriculture, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Amish Farmers’ Partnership With Beef Giant Produces Manure Mess

By Keith Schneider, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal 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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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/amish-farmers-partnership-with-beef-giant-produces-manure-mess/

Circle of Blue

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In: Equity and Environmental Justice, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
Public hearing draws on big questions about Upper Peninsula copper mining

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

This coverage is made possible through a partnership with IPR and Grist, a nonprofit independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.

In Gogebic County, on the western end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, towering old-growth evergreens carpet the landscape as it rolls down toward the deep blue of Lake Superior.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/public-hearing-draws-on-big-questions-about-upper-peninsula-copper-mining/

Interlochen Public Radio

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In: Drinking Water, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Students at Michigan State and Wisconsin win EPA funding for environmental health innovations

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

By Isabella Figueroa, Great Lakes Echo

Student researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin are among the winners of an Environmental Protection Agency contest for innovations in sustainability.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/students-at-michigan-state-and-wisconsin-win-epa-funding-for-environmental-health-innovations/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Authors, Climate change, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Sacred Grounds

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 PBS.

In the era of climate change, many Detroit homes and churches face challenging stormwater fees.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/great-lakes-moment-sacred-grounds/

John Hartig

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Mining is back in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Here’s how it works

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

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

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/10/mining-is-back-in-michigans-upper-peninsula-heres-how-it-works/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Books, Authors, Art and Music, Feature Homepage, Food, Forests and Plants, History and Culture, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research
A Foraged Great Lakes Woodland Chai Tea

This story is a part of “A Year in the Wild Kitchen of the Great Lakes,” a series in partnership with expert forager Lisa M. Rose, with the mission of nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world through foraging. To get started with your foraging journey, begin here with our “Framework to Sustainable and Safe Practices.”

As the season shifts and the air chills, I find myself drawn to the warmth and sustenance that the wild foods of fall offer — from roots to mushrooms to nuts to herbs — and take great satisfaction in concocting nourishing recipes for my family and friends.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/10/a-foraged-great-lakes-woodland-chai-tea/

Lisa M. Rose