A recent Michigan State University study reveals that while many Michigan local governments are developing climate adaptation plans, few address the disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities.
Posted inDeep Dives
Community voices take center stage in Planet Detroit’s 2025 reporting lab
Planet Detroit’s 2025 Spring Neighborhood Reporting Lab, backed by The Kresge Foundation, will train community-based writers to profile grassroots leaders fostering change in Metro Detroit.
Posted inNews
Environment on the sidelines in Whitmer’s State of the State address
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer started her seventh annual State of the State address with a familiar theme: “the importance of working with anyone to get things done for Michiganders.” That includes working with the Trump administration, with which Whitmer said she “hopes to find common ground.” Whitmer, a Democrat, focused on three priorities that will drive […]
Posted inNews
GLWA customers challenge water rate hike as costs spike by 5.9%: ‘Why now?’
The Great Lakes Water Authority voted to increase water rates for metro Detroit water systems by 5.9% on Wednesday, along with a 4.5% sewer rate hike. The increase represents a slight reduction from the 7.73% water rate hike and 5.39% sewer increase proposed by GLWA. The decision came after dozens of people packed a GLWA […]
Posted inNews
Southwest Detroit flood repairs will take 6 weeks ‘minimum’
In the wake of the Southwest Detroit flood, city officials project a six-week timeline to restore homes. ‘It’s sad,’ says Elvin Nolasco, whose parents are staying in a hotel.
Posted inNews
What we’re reading: Detroit flood victims face waiver dilemma for city-funded repairs
Detroit residents impacted by last week’s water main break flood were asked to sign a liability waiver before receiving city-funded repairs, raising concerns and skepticism. Meanwhile, General Motors is investing $400,000 in Detroit-based Matrix Human Services to launch a pilot workforce program training 40 Detroiters for clean energy and EV industry jobs.
Posted inNews
What climate change means for bird flu — and the soaring price of eggs
This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here. By FRIDA GARZA and ZOYA TEIRSTEINGrist Buying eggs at the grocery store has become a major headache for U.S. consumers, with the average price of a dozen large eggs in a typical American city reaching $4.95 last month. Since the start […]
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Can Michigan finally silence its highways? Lawmakers push for noise abatement funding
By FINN MILLS Capital News Service LANSING — A new House bill could help reduce traffic noise from Michigan highways. The proposal from Rep. Ron Robinson, R-Utica, would provide state money for noise abatement projects, the first boost in over 17 years. Noise abatement measures used in the past include the addition of walls and […]
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Biosolids use by Michigan farmers sparks PFAS fears
By RUTH THORNTON Capital News Service LANSING – A common practice by farmers to fertilize their fields may be spreading PFAS — forever chemicals — into new areas and into the food supply. Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials derived from the treatment of sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants that are applied as fertilizer. They […]
Posted inNews
‘Valentine’s Day Massacre’ hits Michigan’s federal workers
Federal workers in Michigan faced layoffs during the “Valentine’s Day Massacre” under the Trump administration’s push to downsize the government, impacting at least 60 Forest Service and 14 Fish and Wildlife Service employees.