Michigan’s Department of Agriculture has confirmed new cases of bird flu in cows across three new counties. (U.S. Department Of Agriculture Economic Research Service)

Here’s a weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of the stories we’re following. Have a reading recommendation? Let us know at nina@planetdetroit.org. 

Plastic peril: A comprehensive study by the Alliance for the Great Lakes highlights a pressing environmental crisis—plastic pollution on Great Lakes beaches. The review of litter collected by volunteers at beach clean-ups over the last two decades shows 86% of the debris collected was made of or contained plastic, posing a risk to wildlife and human health. The report called for better regulations to curb the influx of plastics into our lakes and encouraged community involvement. (The Detroit News) 

Trash transformation: This year’s Eco-Artist-in-Residence, Halima Cassells, will give new life to refuse collected at an upcoming Earth Day clean-up. Cassells will transform materials gathered by volunteers at the Saturday event to create an art installation at Eliza Howell Park. Community members can attend workshops led by Cassells to contribute to the project. (WDET)

Sickened cows: Michigan’s Department of Agriculture has confirmed new cases of bird flu in cows across three additional counties, signaling an unusual spread of the virus beyond traditional avian carriers. Officials reported detection in Ionia, Isabella, and Ottawa counties, on top of Montcalm County a couple of weeks ago. The department urged farmers to take extra measures to prevent further transmission, but federal authorities said there is no threat to milk supplies or human health. (Michigan Public)

Solar stance: A recent nationwide survey reveals most residents living near large-scale solar farms had positive views of the projects. The research involving the University of Michigan found three times as many positive perceptions from the 1,000 people surveyed than negative ones. However, attitudes varied when it came to the site selection and planning process. (Inside Climate News, Press Release)

Wrangling rate hikes: In an opinion article, Michigan Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) criticizes DTE Energy’s recent $368 million rate increase, which was based on projected rather than actual costs. With Michigan residents already facing high electricity rates and DTE requesting another increase, Runestad is pushing for energy policy reforms focusing on actual costs with his Senate Bill 812. (The Detroit News)

EPA delay? Twenty-three states have called on the EPA to delay implementing civil rights rules designed to prevent pollution that disproportionately affects minority communities. The requested pause highlights concerns over potential federal overreach into state-managed environmental protections and the practical implications of enforcing these regulations. (Floodlight)

Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is an award-winning Metro Detroit-based editor, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. She is the founder, publisher, and editor of Planet Detroit, a digital media startup focused on producing quality climate, equity, health, and environment journalism that centers grassroots voices, holds power accountable, and spotlights solutions. Planet Detroit has received awards and recognition from the Society for Professional Journalists Detroit, the Institute for Nonprofit News, and LION Publishers since its establishment in 2019. Prior to her journalism career, Nina worked in urban planning in local government and nonprofit sectors, holding a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.