
Inside the Michigan lab where scientists raise killer bugs to save trees
The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that feeds on ash wood, has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. The key to saving what’s left may be growing behind paned glass in a quiet Brighton business park.

PFAS News Roundup: 3M being investigated for contamination, New safety bills introduced in Michigan
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in this biweekly headline roundup.

Great Lakes Moment: New trail connects people with secluded Detroit River wetlands
The new Grosse Ile Township greenway trail is designed to improve public access to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge’s Gibraltar Bay Unit.

The Endangered Species Act turns 50: Congress is working to weaken it
The U.S. Senate has approved three changes to remove protections from threatened and endangered wildlife.

Illinois, feds grapple with agreement that would advance billion dollar plan to stop invasive carp
Illinois objects to terms of “complex” partnership agreement required by the Army Corps of Engineers, while Michigan policy expert questions the need for the project.

Michigan lawmakers pledge ‘full support’ for reopening Palisades nuclear plant
The push to repower the shuttered Palisades nuclear power plant has momentum in Lansing, with a bipartisan caucus pledging support for the plant’s revival.

Energy News Roundup: Illinois house passes ethics bill, EPA rule in Indiana
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news in Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.
Culinary masters aboard Great Lakes freighters: Navigating the high seas of flavor
On many freighters sailing the Great Lakes, there are cooks known as galley stewards who are on a mission to elevate the on board dining experience, while also creating a sense of community.
Mapping the Great Lakes: Freighters!
The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total area, and they are also some of the busiest inland waterways in the world.

Bill aims to allow backyard wildlife feeding, but critics fear deer disease
State Rep. Ken Borton wants to allow recreational wildlife and bird feeding to be protected. He said the intent is to allow feeding of squirrels and other small animals. But state wildlife officials say that would encourage deer and elk to congregate, spreading disease.

Science Says What? Looking for love as northern forests heat up
Today, southern flying squirrels are routinely found in Ontario’s Algonquin Park, roughly 62 miles (100 km) from their historic northern limit and solidly in the territory of a separate species of squirrel – northern flying squirrels.

FRESH: New Wisconsin Law Aims to Protect Watersheds From Farm Runoff
Fresh is a biweekly newsletter from Circle of Blue that unpacks the biggest international, state, and local policy news stories facing the Great Lakes region today.