Wildlife
Book gathers historic accounts of Michigan cougar encounters
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By Anna Barnes
A new book from a Rogers City-area writer collects tales of the contentious issue of the presence or absence of cougars in the Northern Lower Peninsula and UP.
Climate
Ice fishing returns to Lake Erie after years of thin ice and open water
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By Clara Lincolnhol
Ice fishing has returned to Lake Erie this year after several seasons of thin ice and open water. Business owners and anglers have noted an increase in activity, with some reporting higher turnout than in previous years. At the same time, changing ice conditions in recent years have raised questions about long-term trends on the Great Lakes.
Agriculture
Cover crop mixes can cut carbon emissions from farms, study says
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By Victoria Witke
A new U-M study done in Lenawee, Tuscola and Monroe counties finds that cover crop mixtures on farms can help mitigate adverse impacts of climate change, instead of single species cover crops. There are concerns about the freezing of federal payments for agriculture programs.
Climate
Michigan climate action plans must better address marginalized communities, study finds
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By Georgia Hill
Many local governments in Michigan are taking steps to address climate change, but a recent study suggests that their efforts often overlook communities most vulnerable to environmental hazards.
Nearshore
State continues to support restoration of iconic lighthouses
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By Dylan Engels
State funds are now available for the North Pierhead Lighthouse restoration in Manistee, with the goal of opening to the public in 2026. Since 2021, the State Historic Preservation Office has awarded over $390,000 to restore lighthouses, among them Grand Haven Inner Pier Light, Eagle Harbor Light Station in Keweenaw County and, most recently, North Pierhead Lighthouse in Manistee.
Recreation
State program brings fourth graders to state parks
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By Kayte Marshall
The DNR’s Nature Awaits program brings fourth graders to more than two dozen state parks, including ones in Mattawan, Holland, Paradise, Norton Shores and Detroit.
Land
Legislation to increase land division could expand housing opportunities, but worries arise
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By Daniel Schoenherr
A new Senate bill would make it easier to subdivide parcels of 10 or more acres in what proponents say would encourage construction of more affordable housing. Critics counter it could put a strain on municipal infrastructure. Sponsor is from St. Clair Shores.
Transportation
Michigan Municipal League suggests delivery tax to help fund local roads
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By Victoria Witke A proposal would impose a 50-cent per delivery “retail delivery tax” to raise about $275 million a year to fix local streets. We hear from the Michigan Municipal League, which is floating the idea, and the Michigan Retailers Association and Small Business Association of Michigan which call it a no-go. An Ann Arbor legislator on the subcommittee that handles transportation funding says the money is badly needed.
Solutions
Gun safety bill would add firearm education for middle and high school students
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By Katie Finkbeiner
A group of Democratic and Republican senators want to bring gun safety instruction into middle and high schools with DNR-certified instructors. The lead sponsor, from North Muskegon, said the program would improve gun safety among youth and perhaps increase the ranks of young hunters. Cosponsors include senators from Detroit, Harbor Springs, Manton and Mount Pleasant and Six Lakes. A U-M expert discusses.
Recreation
Artificial turf trend continues in high schools amid safety considerations
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By Donté Smith
Artificial turf fields are becoming a hallmark at high schools across the state with the Michigan High School Athletic Association reporting around 100 high schools now playing on them.
A study by the University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute and Case Western Reserve University showed athletes were 58% more likely to sustain an injury during athletic activities on artificial turf, compared to natural surfaces, with significantly higher injury rates observed in football, soccer and rugby.