Conservative rural residents and environmental leaders are finding common ground opposing data centers over water concerns, creating an unexpected opportunity to strengthen Michigan’s water protection policies.
Posted inCommunity
Earth Day 2026 events in Metro Detroit
From riverfront painting to urban farm tours, Metro Detroit organizations are hosting more than 20 Earth Day events April 22-26. Here’s how to get involved in clean-ups, seed packing, and community celebrations across the region.
Posted inCommunity
Sugaring in Rouge Park connects Black and Indigenous Detroiters
Rouge Park’s Sugarbush preserves Indigenous maple sugaring traditions while connecting Black and Indigenous Detroiters.
Posted inNews
Michigan increases energy bill assistance as White House looks to end LIHEAP
Michigan increases energy assistance by $15 million as White House proposes cutting federal LIHEAP program that helps 400,000 residents.
Posted inNews
Cheboygan Dam risks discussed for years before rains pushed it to crisis point
Records show the agency that primarily regulates hydropower dams, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, sent warning letters for years to a shifting cast of owners while granting multiple extensions.
Posted inData Centers
Ypsilanti water system to consider 12-month moratorium on supplying data centers
Ypsilanti Township calls for 12-month pause on water service to data centers, citing capacity concerns.
Posted inNews
Michigan environmental news: Cheboygan dam crisis prompts 24/7 emergency response
Cheboygan dam water reaches critical levels, flooding closes 14 Michigan bridges. State of emergency extends to 32 counties.
Posted inNews
Storm, flooding risk to ease: Details emerge on Ann Arbor, Lincoln Park tornadoes
Heavy rains should taper off this evening and give Metro Detroiters a break from the localized flooding impacting the area this week. Kyle Klein, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS), told Planet Detroit another quarter-inch to 1 inch of rain will fall in Metro Detroit Thursday evening. The area received between 1 and […]
Posted inNews
After Zug Island pollution lawsuit, attorney urges community engagement
Annie Seaman worked on Zug Island for 40 years from 1973 to 2013. She wore all pink to a community meeting about pollution from the island, but the stories she tells about her time as a U.S. Steel Great Lakes Works employee are less than rosy. Seaman, who lives in Detroit, worked as a powerhouse […]
Posted inNews
VOICES: Utility bills don’t have to break us: Michigan’s path to affordable home energy
A new state roadmap shows Michigan can reduce energy burdens and prevent thousands of asthma attacks through efficiency upgrades and electrification, but utility rate reforms are needed to ensure families save money.