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The Checkup

This Great Lakes News Collaborative series examines the links between the region’s changing climate, its abundant water and its residents’ health.

The collaborative’s five newsrooms — Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now, Michigan Public and The Narwhal — are funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

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Latest News

A New Paradigm: How climate change is shaping mental landscapes in the Great Lakes
- by Mia Litzenberg

A changing climate is causing psychological distress across the Great Lakes. From the loss of heritage crops, disappearing ice and record-breaking floods, residents across the region are looking for new forms of support.

Toxic blooms on Lake Erie still a problem 10 years after Toledo issued a ‘do not drink’ order
- by Michigan Public

It’s been ten years since Toledo issued a ‘don not drink’ order for its water system for three days due to cyanobacterial blooms near its water intake in Lake Erie. The blooms are not any worse, but they are not any less.

Cattle Production That Enhances Water and Environmental Quality
- by Circle of Blue

Michigan State’s Jason Rowntree is out to prove that ranching is an ecological asset.

When the Heat Is On, Water Can Still Be Off in Great Lakes Cities
- by Circle of Blue

Formal water shutoff policies in some cities are ill-defined for extreme heat.

Heat, pollution, and climate change anxiety are affecting children
- by Michigan Public

Hotter days make heat exhaustion a greater hazard for kids. Unusual weather events, particularly storms that cause flooding, add stress to children’s lives.

Michigan medical students fight to make climate change part of curriculum
- by Bridge Michigan

Doctors need to understand how climate change plays a role in health, so Michigan medical students are pushing for climate health education in their programs.

Heat Islands in the Great Lakes: Community, infrastructure and fresh water solutions

Heat is becoming a threat in cities everywhere. Here is the second half of our two-part series which looks at the connection between heat and health, the role water plays, what’s being done, and where these cities have room to improve.

Heat Islands in the Great Lakes: The human health cost

Heat is becoming a threat in cities everywhere. Here is part one of our two-part series that takes a looks at the connection between heat and health, the role water plays, what’s being done and where these cities have room to improve.

Drugs, microplastics and forever chemicals: New contaminants emerge in the Great Lakes
- by The Narwhal

Scientists studying unregulated “emerging contaminants” say Ontario and the federal government need a coordinated plan to protect our water and health

In warming Great Lakes region, water, heat can be an unhealthy combination

From mosquitoes to sewer overflows, the heat and moisture of a changing climate are creating new health threats in the Great Lakes region, prompting a call to educate residents and doctors about the risks.

Bald eagles nearly died out. What can we learn from their return to the southern Great Lakes?
- by The Narwhal

The pesticide DDT nearly wiped out North America’s bald eagles. Communities, scientists and politicians worked hard to bring this symbolic bird back from the brink.

Wildfire Rampage Injures Lungs in the Great Lakes
- by Circle of Blue

People are unprepared for smoke from forest fires worsened by intense drought and heat.

More from the Great Lakes News Collaborative

Spotlight on complexity of bottled water issues, as BlueTriton exits Ontario
- by Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now spoke with activists and experts on the legal and environmental justice concerns related to bottled water.

Groundwater: Who’s in charge?
- by Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

As groundwater resources are increasingly under threat in the U.S. — including the Great Lakes region — regulation, oversight and planning for the long-term are diffused and often lacking.

After 10 million pieces of beach trash, Chicago advocates push for sustainable packaging
- by Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

As plastic items dominate beach littering, Alliance for the Great Lakes’ says we need to ramp up reusable items and sustainable packaging. What about personal responsibility?

Cheryl Porter’s vision for the future of water
- by Great Lakes Now

With 28 years of experience in the water sector, Cheryl Porter shares her inspiring journey from junior chemist in Detroit to leading the American Water Works Association.

Storied Two Hearted River gets 21st century update in new book
- by Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

Author and hydrologist Bob Otwell calls for an end to “inertia” and “lip service” on climate change and expresses concern for Michigan’s groundwater.

A New Paradigm: How climate change is shaping mental landscapes in the Great Lakes
- by Mia Litzenberg

A changing climate is causing psychological distress across the Great Lakes. From the loss of heritage crops, disappearing ice and record-breaking floods, residents across the region are looking for new forms of support.

Making up for lost trees
- by Andrew Reeves

Canadian conservation groups purchase land from farmers to increase biodiversity around the Great Lakes region.

Detroit legislator takes the long view on Michigan’s water affordability struggles
- by Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

“There are people counting on us to get this done,” says Senator Stephanie Chang in a Great Lakes Now interview.

Inside is Not the Answer: Air quality in the Great Lakes
- by Mia Litzenberg

The hidden impact of outdoor air pollution in the Great Lakes region is the public health epidemic of poor indoor air quality.

Heat Islands in the Great Lakes: Community, infrastructure and fresh water solutions

Heat is becoming a threat in cities everywhere. Here is the second half of our two-part series which looks at the connection between heat and health, the role water plays, what’s being done, and where these cities have room to improve.

Canada-U.S. mayors want to tap Great Lakes region’s water for economic transformation
- by Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

“Sustainable prosperity” and innovation are key to mayors’ 10-year plan. Expert says economic transition from the Rust Belt era is more appropriate, cautions “today’s abundance may be tomorrow’s drought.”

Wisconsin’s Jane Elder chronicles personal and professional Great Lake’s journey in new book

Coming of age in the 1970s, Jane Elder “cared about the environment and wanted to be in that space.” Now, Elder is concerned with today’s lack of oversight on climate change in the Great Lakes region.

Waves of Change: Meet activist and We the People of Detroit president Monica Lewis-Patrick
- by Great Lakes Now

Waves of Change is an online interview series highlighting the diverse faces and perspectives shaping the environmental justice movement throughout the Great Lakes region.

Chicago groups spotlight the city’s water “abundance,” focus on innovation, collaboration as key to its future

“Innovation is integral to delivering on all of our water priorities,” says top executive. What about conservation?

Michigan author reflects on 20th anniversary of landmark book The Living Great Lakes

Author Jerry Dennis revisits his sailing journey from Lake Michigan to the Atlantic Ocean where he searched for “the heart of the inland seas.”

Waves of Change: Meet educator and Friends of the Fox River president Gary Swick
- by Great Lakes Now

Waves of Change is an online interview series highlighting the diverse faces and perspectives shaping the environmental justice movement throughout the Great Lakes region.

PFAS News Roundup: PFAS are shown to be unique bipartisan voting concern in Wisconsin

Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in this biweekly headline roundup.

Finding creative new ways to manage invasive cattails
- by Lily Stewart, Great Lakes Now

Scientists are thinking holistically about biodiversity, sustainability, and resilience when it comes to the role invasive cattails play in the Great Lakes.

When to Watch?

Check your local station for when Great Lakes Now is on in your area.