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Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/author/brian/)

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Brian Bienkowski

Brian currently serves as a reporter for Great Lakes Echo. He's also a contributor to Mindful Metropolis magazine, the City Pulse and Michigan River News. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in business marketing in 2005 and will graduate with a master's degree in environmental journalism this May. Twitter: @BrianBienkowski

Wildlife

Warming rivers threaten iconic Michigan fish

By Brian Bienkowski | August 22, 2017

A beloved, cold-loving state fish is in danger of overheating.

Land

Michigan mine gains two state permits

By Brian Bienkowski | January 2, 2017

Menominee tribe ramps up opposition.

environmental politics

One tribe’s ‘long walk’ upstream for environmental and cultural justice

By Brian Bienkowski | October 13, 2016

An installment in Environmental Health News’s “Sacred Water” series.

environmental politics

River fight boosts a tribe’s long-threatened culture

By Brian Bienkowski | September 22, 2016

The Menominee Tribe, fighting a losing battle with regulators over a mine near their namesake river, has emerged with a stronger, vibrant voice.

environmental politics

Michigan mine risks Wisconsin tribe’s hallowed sites

By Brian Bienkowski | September 21, 2016

Modern boundaries complicate –and stymie–the Menominee Tribe’s effort to protect burial grounds.

Echo

Only half the drugs in sewage are removed before entering Great Lakes

By Brian Bienkowski | November 25, 2013

The impact of most of these “chemicals of emerging concern” on the health of people and aquatic life remains unclear, according to the International Joint Commission.

Water

Drugs found in Lake Michigan, miles from sewage outfalls

By Brian Bienkowski | September 23, 2013

Prescription drugs are contaminating Lake Michigan two miles from Milwaukee’s sewage outfalls, suggesting that the lake is not diluting the compounds as most scientists expected.

Echo

Out of sight, out of mind: Carcinogenic chemical spreads beneath Michigan town

By Brian Bienkowski | September 12, 2013

Officials stumbled upon one of the nation’s largest plumes of an industrial solvent called trichloroethylene, or TCE, in Mancelona, Mich.

Echo

Good news for Detroit: Lead poisoning of kids drops 70 percent since 2004

By Brian Bienkowski | April 3, 2013

Lead poisoning of Detroit children has dropped dramatically, and experts attribute it to the cleanup or demolition of vacant homes, a shrinking population and stricter city landlord laws.

Echo

Hormones from livestock operations may skew fish gender

By Brian Bienkowski | January 8, 2013

Baby fish exposed to hormone-laden manure from Indiana farms were more likely to be male than those raised in uncontaminated water.

The findings add to evidence that farm runoff may alter fish hormones.

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Catch of the Day

  • Michigan Press Association honors Echo reporters

    Ten Great Lakes Echo reporters recently scored honors in the 2023 Michigan Press Association’s College Better Newspaper Contest.  “Our bench is deep, but it has to be to cover the world’s most important beat,” said Echo Editor David Poulson

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Commentary

  • GUEST COMMENTARY: Speak up to stop the spotted lanternfly and other invaders

    By David Strayer If you’ve driven Michigan’s highways lately, you’ve probably seen the billboards: a big picture of a lanternfly, with the message, “See it. Squish it. Report it.” This is good advice, as far as it goes, but it should go further. The spotted lanternfly is a serious pest that is poised to cause […]

  • More Photo Friday

Podcasts

  • Four electric buses will hit University of Michigan’s campus next summer

    Power is supplied to the electric motor very quickly which gives the electric bus high performance and rapid acceleration.

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Climate Stories

Climate News: Great Lakes Region
planetdetroit.org
Experts say updating Michigan’s building code may be key for meeting climate goals. Here’s why.
Experts say updating Michigan’s building code may be key for meeting climate goals. Here’s why.
Read more
wbez.org
Everything you need to know about Illinois’ $4,000 electric vehicle rebate
Everything you need to know about Illinois’ $4,000 electric vehicle rebate
Read more
planetdetroit.org
These 3 Detroit restaurants are tackling climate change in the kitchen
These 3 Detroit restaurants are tackling climate change in the kitchen
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clickondetroit.com
How changing climate is impacting Michigan’s fall colors
How changing climate is impacting Michigan’s fall colors
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COVID-19

  • Communities welcome return of winter festivals

    By Sammy Schuck Most people may know that festivals attract people to Michigan communities. What most may not know is that festivals and events in the state are an annual $1 billion industry, according to Michigan Festivals and Events Association CEO Mike Szukhent. According to Szukhent, the lack of winter festivals last year “hit hard.” […]

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Phone: 517-432-1415

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