The Trump administration’s disinvitation of two Canadian mayors from the Great Lakes Day summit has sparked concerns about the future of the vital water-sharing agreement between the U.S. and Canada, which is crucial for safeguarding the largest freshwater ecosystem on Earth.
Posted inNews
What Detroiters need to know about the bird flu
Detroit residents are advised to take common-sense precautions against avian influenza, including avoiding areas with high levels of bird poop, regularly cleaning bird feeders, and keeping pets indoors, according to wildlife biologist Kaitlyn Barnes.
Posted inNews
Lake Erie defies the trend as Great Lakes water levels take a dive
Great Lakes water levels fall below last year’s figures, with Lake Erie remaining near historical norms. This change follows a dry fall and increased winter evaporation.
Posted inNews
Detroiters face April 3 deadline to claim flood damages
Southwest Detroit residents impacted by February’s water main break must file claims by April 3 to secure compensation for uninsured damages.
Posted inNews
Michigan regulators request BASF’s plan to halt Detroit River pollution: Letter
Michigan regulators give BASF 60 days to produce a plan to stop contaminated groundwater from its Wyandotte chemical plant from polluting the Detroit River.
Posted inNews
Detroit softens lead inspection rules in new rental program: Expert says it’s ‘unconscionable’ move
Starting May 1, Detroit’s rental properties will undergo visual-only inspections for lead-based paint and bare soil, aiming to boost landlord compliance. A public health expert says that without dust sampling, serious and irreversible lead hazards may go undetected.
Posted inCommunity
Planet Detroit moves into first dedicated office at the Green Garage
Planet Detroit’s move to the Green Garage marks a new chapter as we join a community dedicated to sustainability and public service.
Posted inNews
What we’re reading: DWSD proposes 3.5% rate hike
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department proposes a 3.5% rate hike, citing inflation and rising costs. Meanwhile, southwest Detroit residents affected by the Feb. 17 water main break must file damage claims by April 3 to seek reimbursement.
Posted inNews
Michigan tribes exit Enbridge Line 5 tunnel talks, call process flawed
Seven Michigan tribal nations have exited talks on the Line 5 tunnel permit, citing process flaws and treaty rights violations by Enbridge, the company behind the project under the Straits of Mackinac.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Environmental justice starts at home, says Shayla Zimmerman. A Detroit flood started her career trajectory.
Shayla Zimmerman, environmental advocate since 15, focuses on community organizing and nonprofit empowerment. Meet Planet Detroit’s 2025 Neighborhood Reporters in this Q&A series, written by Neighborhood Reporters.