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. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
In world of AI, Michigan State University Extension bets on human expertise
For years, Michigan State University Extension has existed to serve the public with programs ranging from canning classes to soil testing. Now, it aims to bill itself as an antidote to online misinformation.
Ontario is subsidizing an energy project in Georgian Bay despite expert advice
An internal memo from Ontario’s electricity system operator outlines concerns with TC Energy’s large pumped storage proposal in Meaford.
Time running out for Great Lakes whitefish. Can ponds become their Noah’s Ark?
On the brink of collapse in Lakes Michigan and Huron, whitefish need a miracle. Now, some want to relocate fish en masse to inland waters to preserve dying bloodlines.
Chicago’s ‘Quantum Prairie’ Promises New Era of Great Lakes Technology and Water Use
Explore the quantum shift in Chicago’s economy as it transforms the former U.S. Steel South Works site into a sustainable future.
Environmental groups use anniversary of Kalamazoo River oil spill to warn about Enbridge Line 5
The massive oil spill in the Kalamazoo River 15 years ago polluted the water and shoreline and left oil-coated wildlife.
‘We can’t regulate ourselves’ out of whitefish crisis, experts say
Amid a population crash of Michigan’s staple lake whitefish, fisheries experts told regulators that more research needs to be done to discover how to stem the scourge of invasive mussels. Without that, they said, efforts to limit fishing are futile.
This wetland fight could go to the Supreme Court
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
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.
A record year for Great Lakes piping plovers
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.
How Ontario could have cracked down on Chemical Valley pollution — but chose not to
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 scientists discover new lifeform microbe, name it ShipGoo1
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Duluth found the previously-undiscovered microorganisms hiding in the tar-like goo oozing out of a research vessel’s rudder shaft.
Years after high water crisis, lax policies leave Michigan coast vulnerable
Extreme erosion along the Great Lakes coasts inspired proposals to pull development back from the shoreline. Five years later, regulatory gaps leave some communities vulnerable.
Iconic whitefish on edge of collapse as Great Lakes biodiversity crisis deepens
Few fish are as synonymous with Michigan as whitefish. Pushed to the edge by invasive species, their struggle is the tip of a cataclysmic species collapse that could change our way of life.
Outdoors enthusiasts asked to prevent spreading invasive pests
Outdoor activities such as boating, off-roading, and even hiking can spread invasive species if precautions are not taken.
New PFAS guidelines spark more ‘do not eat’ warnings for Michigan fish
Anglers are warned not to eat their catch from 98 Michigan waterbodies, up from 33 last year, after state officials revised their health guidance in light of growing evidence that PFAS is more toxic than previously thought.
Great Lakes slightly colder than usual ahead of summer
As May’s cooler temperatures give way to summertime warmth in Michigan, the Great Lakes are slightly cooler than usual but warming. But where are Michigan’s warmest waters?
Michigan’s fight against Lake Erie pollution didn’t work. What happens next?
Michigan, Ohio and Ontario failed to reduce the total phosphorus entering Lake Erie in 10 years. State officials and environmentalists are butting heads on where to go from here.
Great Lakes temperature extremes intensifying due to climate change
A new study shows the Great Lakes are vulnerable to more extreme temperature highs and lows over the decades due to climate change.
Will Congress and the President approve money to finish the Soo Lock expansion?
The new lock at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie is in the third phase of construction. The megaproject is over budget and funds to finish the lock are uncertain.
An $80M cleanup made Muskegon Lake trendy. Will ‘eco-gentrification’ follow?
Once ringed by polluting factories, Muskegon Lake has attracted a wealthier clientele to blue-collar Muskegon thanks to a taxpayer-funded cleanup. Cheers about the economic gains are mixed with fear that the lakeshore will become ‘a gated community.’
Keeping the $5.5 billion Great Lakes fishery afloat as Trump administration considers cuts
Federal budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration could cause significant disruption in the efforts to restore and sustain fish populations in the Great Lakes.
Intense rainfall means more floods. What can we do?
Since 1970, U.S. cities have experienced increased hourly rainfall intensity, with the Great Lakes region being among the most affected areas.
Water determines Great Lakes region’s economic future
Climate change, geopolitics, and business opportunities power a blue economy.
Spring bird migration in the Great Lakes
Great Lakes Now host Anna Sysling moderated a panel discussion of avian researchers and regional experts about conservation efforts to protect a variety of bird species across the Great Lakes.
Fish, mines and Indigenous Rights ensnared in court case in northern Ontario
Establishing the Robinson Treaties, covering land around Lake Huron and Lake Superior, created a mess of jurisdiction and rights for First Nations — both signed and unsigned.
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