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John Ball Zoo Fights for Great Lakes’ Rarest Butterflies
- by Donté Smith

As U.S. butterfly populations face declines, the John Ball Zoo has launched a program to save these insects in a race against extinction.

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Rescuing Freighters and Busting Swamps
- by Mila Murray

A freighter takes on water in Lake Superior and a lawsuit over farming on wetlands.

Points North: Once in a Blue Moon
- by Interlochen Public Radio

Blue moon ice cream, this quintessentially Midwestern, bright blue dessert, is a mystery. No one can agree on what it tastes like, and no one with the info will say. We try to find out.

Latest News

John Ball Zoo Fights for Great Lakes’ Rarest Butterflies
- by Donté Smith

As U.S. butterfly populations face declines, the John Ball Zoo has launched a program to save these insects in a race against extinction.

This wetland fight could go to the Supreme Court
- by Great Lakes Now

A court case pitting farmer against farmer in Iowa could decide the fate of wetlands nationwide.

Advocacy group challenges “new normal” status of Lake Erie’s algal blooms
- by Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

Alliance for the Great Lakes calls for use of enforceable regulations to prevent toxic algal blooms. Michigan agency says the state has limited regulatory authority and defends the state’s actions.

Chicago was supposed to warn residents about toxic lead pipes last year. Most still have no idea.

Eight months past a federal deadline, more than 90 percent of at-risk Chicagoans haven’t been told their drinking water could be unsafe.

A record year for Great Lakes piping plovers
- by Michigan Public

The Great Lakes piping plover recovery effort has been ongoing since the mid-1980s when the population got as low as a dozen nesting pairs. This year, the number reached 85 nesting pairs for the first time.

Great Lakes energy bills are rising: Federal cuts could add to the pain
- by Brian Allnutt

Excessive infrastructure spending, climate change and a strained regulatory system add costs for ratepayers, advocates say.

Points North: Once in a Blue Moon
- by Interlochen Public Radio

Blue moon ice cream, this quintessentially Midwestern, bright blue dessert, is a mystery. No one can agree on what it tastes like, and no one with the info will say. We try to find out.

In Minnesota, community solar stays alive

More energy news as Wisconsin becomes the latest state to board the nuclear power train and Michigan pauses disputed new energy efficiency standards for homes.

Empowering Environmental Stewardship: How Barn Sanctuary Champions Compassion and Conservation in the Great Lakes
- by Donté Smith

Michigan’s farm animal sanctuaries offer a contrast to industrial agriculture. Learn how their sustainable practices contribute to a healthier Great Lakes ecosystem and cleaner water.

Has this freighter made its final voyage?
- by Great Lakes Now

It’s been 50 years since a freighter sank in the Great Lakes. But in the summer of 2024, one freighter came dangerously close.

How Ontario could have cracked down on Chemical Valley pollution — but chose not to
- by The Narwhal

Toxic emissions from plants in Sarnia have harmed Aamjiwnaang First Nation for decades. Documents obtained by The Narwhal show how Ontario abandoned plans that could have helped.

Great Lakes Moment: Detroit River carrion scavenger on the increase

Tens of thousands of turkey vultures glide over the Detroit River, offering citizen scientists a surprising highlight of hawk migration season.

 

The Great Lakes Now monthly television program is produced by Detroit PBS in partnership with a network of PBS affiliates around the region. Shooting on location in eight states and Canada, the magazine-style show brings viewers stories about the recreational, economic, scientific, political and environmental issues related to the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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