Echo

Latinos and the environment: An emerging force?

By |

Latino voters showing their political clout in the presidential election have implications for Great Lakes environmental policy. The challenge for the environmental establishment is finding the best way to engage this growing political force.

Echo

Engaging readers, journalists and mudpuppies

By |

Almost three-and-a-half years ago Echo reported the discovery of a stable population of mudpuppies in Ontario’s Sydenham River. Mudpuppies are one of the more bizarre-looking creatures that inhabit the Great Lakes region. Their fans are as diverse as adult scientists and young kids. And Echo journalists. Here’s why: When people come across these giant salamanders they inevitably Google around to find something out about them.

Echo

Great Lakes states have some of the most coal plants bad for minority health

By |

 

Illinois has the most coal plants in the nation that disproportionately threaten the health of poor people and minority communities, according to a recent report by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The state had nine plants that received a failing grade from the organization. Indiana and Michigan had the second most plants, with five each, that failed the organization’s test. “Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio – are home to 32 percent of the failing coal-fired power plants in the U.S.,” said the report. “In addition, eight of the 12 worst offending coal plants are located in communities in these states.”

People living near coal plants are more likely to be minorities and poor, so they are more often exposed to pollutants that damage their health, said the Daily Climate, a news service run by the non-profit Environmental Health Sciences.

Echo

Wisconsin gets ready for hunting season with social media

By |

 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is using social platforms “to help the public prepare for the hunt, share traditions, ask experts questions and share stories of Deer Season 2012,” according to an agency news release. This week the department is holding daily online chats about deer hunting. The discussions are an extension of the agency’s “Ask the Experts” series. The biweekly online chat sessions offer Wisconsin residents a chance to speak with experts on topics as diverse as fall fishing and frac sand. This week’s topics include hunting safety and hunting locations.

Echo

Michigan restaurant puts local first

By |

Six of the top 10 trends of 2012 listed by the National Restaurant Association focus on locally sourcing food and sustainability. Michigan restaurants are following suit, using tasty dishes to remind residents of the state’s agricultural assets. Echo’s Emanuele Berry takes us farm to table.