What we’re reading: Lake Superior is one of world’s fastest-warming lakes

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🌡️ Lake Superior one of world’s fastest-warming lakes Lake Superior’s Oct. 20 surface temperature reached 52.8 degrees Fahrenheit, about 5 degrees above the historic 47.8 degree average and the second-highest recorded on that date. Researchers attribute the warming to mild fall weather and earlier spring ice melt. Summer surface temperatures increased by an average 4.5 degrees between 1979 and 2006, making Superior one of the world’s fastest-warming lakes. Warmer waters extend biologically productive periods and welcome algae blooms. Researchers seek increased winter monitoring to predict impacts on 40 million Great Lakes residents. 📌 Source: CBC

🚰 Michigan could become first state with permanent income-based water rates Michigan lawmakers advanced a nine-bill package out of the state Senate’s housing committee that would create the nation’s first permanent income-based water-rate system. The plan limits water bills to 2%-3% of income for eligible households, funded by a $1.25 monthly meter charge that would increase to $2 by 2029. The program would generate up to $90 million annually, reimburse utilities, forgive past-due bills, and prevent shutoffs. Community agencies say requests for water assistance now exceed inquiries for help with energy bills statewide. 📌 Source: MLive

🏥 Michigan health insurance shoppers face doubled premiums, carrier exits in 2026 Michigan’s 2026 individual health insurance market faces major disruption as four insurers drop coverage for over 200,000 residents. Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire Dec. 31, potentially doubling or tripling premiums for middle-income earners above four times the poverty level. State regulators approved average 20% premium increases. Blue Cross Blue Shield will absorb 160,000 transferred enrollees. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15, with seven insurers remaining on Healthcare.gov marketplace. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press

🔌 Former House Speaker Tate among lawmakers supporting fast-tracked DTE data center plan Five Michigan lawmakers support DTE Energy’s request to fast-track approval for a Saline Township data center for Oracle and OpenAI requiring 1.4 gigawatts of power. None represent the project area. Local Rep. Morgan Foreman opposes expedited review, favors public hearings. Lawmakers in favor of the data center cite 2024 tax exemption legislation that they say protects ratepayers from costs. The facility would consume nearly one-fifth of DTE’s present electricity sales once developed on a 250-acre farmland tract. 📌 Source: The Detroit News

🪧 Data center on pause in Kalamazoo County after public pushback Franklin Partners withdrew its request to amend Pavilion Township’s zoning ordinance to allow a data center development on 265 acres near N Avenue and 26th Street in the Kalamazoo County community. The firm paused plans after nearly 50 residents attended September’s public hearing, with a Facebook opposition group gaining 500 members. Organizers called the process “rushed.” Residents expressed concerns about energy costs and water usage. The township supervisor said he was told by Consumers Energy that electricity rates would not increase due to the proposed data center. 📌 Source: MLive

🪰 Michigan reports new spotted lanternfly population following resident tip Michigan confirmed a sixth county with spotted lanternfly populations after a resident report through the Eyes in the Field tool. The invasive species now inhabits Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties. Native to China, Vietnam and Taiwan, the insect was first detected in eastern Pennsylvania in 2014 and has spread to at least 15 states. The planthoppers pose no health risks but create outdoor nuisances, officials said. 📌 Source: Lansing State Journal