Detroit’s chronic absenteeism is alarmingly high, with asthma as a major factor. Many children lack proper asthma treatment, resulting in missed school and hospital visits.

Michigan’s 2024 State of the Great Lakes report underscores efforts to enhance water quality and ecosystem health in the Detroit River. This includes monitoring toxic PFAS chemicals, phosphorus, and bacteria, and implementing strategies to curb phosphorus runoff causing harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie.

Governor Whitmer has signed a use tax exemption for large data centers in Michigan, potentially attracting wealthy companies to the state. Environmental advocates warn that the high water and energy demands of these facilities could undermine state climate goals and raise residents’ utility bills.

The Eaton fire in Los Angeles has scorched over 10,000 acres, threatening historic sites and destroying over 1,000 structures, while the Palisades Fire has claimed two lives and destroyed more than 1,000 structures, marking it as one of the most destructive in the nation.

The solar arrays will help power 127 city buildings. Homeowners in these areas will receive twice their home’s fair market value or $90,000, whichever is higher.

Michigan’s cherry farmers face volatile weather and rising costs, causing fungi and pests to surge, resulting in up to 75% crop loss this season.

Planet Detroit is accepting applications for its 2025 Neighborhood Reporting Lab, offering training in profile writing, interviewing, and photography to empower local storytellers.

EPA and state agencies seek public feedback as particulate matter nonattainment designations move forward.

Michigan’s environment and energy future faced significant challenges in 2024, including Project 2025, potential data center expansion, DTE rate hikes, wildfires and campaign finance violations.