Kelly House

Lawmakers would pull fish from the lakes and breed them in captivity in hopes of keeping bloodlines alive long enough to quell invasive mussels.

As lake whitefish teeter on the brink of collapse in the lower Great Lakes, Michigan lawmakers are considering investing in a last-ditch effort to save the iconic species before it’s too late.

A state appeals panel on Thursday upheld the bulk of Michigan's regulations limiting local control over renewable energy projects, while rejecting narrow aspects that critics had decried as regulatory overreach.

Great Lakes whitefish in Michigan face potential collapse. Explore the proposed investment by lawmakers to support recovery efforts.

House Republican leaders argued the law prioritizes clean energy at the expense of affordability. Senate Democratic leaders said the repeal has ‘no chance’ of advancing in their chamber.

Bills under consideration in the House aim to expand commercial access to walleye and trout as whitefish catch rates plummet. Recreational fishing advocates and state fishing regulators object.

Michigan’s rivers are back from the brink — and play a pivotal role in state life. From dams to fish and pollution to development, they face a host of challenges that Bridge is exploring in a summerlong series.

Bridge readers identified the environment as a top 2026 election concern, with data centers, Great Lakes health and energy policy topping the list. We break down the issues, the facts and possible solutions.

Michigan may be known as the Great Lakes state, but most of its residents have a river to thank for their hometown's existence. "Just looking at

Walleyes are a favorite sport fish for recreational anglers in Michigan, creating tension for those wanting to open the species to commercial fishing. (Stock photo)