El Niño and climate extremes: A new Science study led by University of Michigan researchers finds El Niño events are getting stronger as human-caused warming heats the planet—about 36% stronger than pre-industrial levels—raising the odds of bigger global heat and other extreme weather impacts. Great Lakes politics and energy: The Canada-U.S. trade standoff is putting extra spotlight on Enbridge Line 5, with Michigan leaders continuing to frame the pipeline as a major Great Lakes risk as negotiations and pressure tactics escalate. Upper Peninsula mining funding: Michigan lawmakers approved $50 million in state-backed grants for the Copperwood copper mine in the western UP, a move that supporters call job-boosting and critics say raises pollution and tourism concerns. Local water safety after sewage spill: Grand Traverse County Health officials kept a Level 2 advisory in place near the Boardman River after a sewer force main buckled, sending untreated sewage into the water and triggering elevated E. coli readings near the source. Data centers hit Michigan’s doorstep: As backlash to data centers grows nationwide, automakers expanding stationary battery storage tied to AI demand are facing a political “tightrope” over environmental and energy concerns. Kids’ social media limits: Michigan is among states in a Meta settlement that would cap Facebook/Instagram use for under-18 users at two hours a day, restrict overnight access, and tighten age checks. Outdoor and wildlife management: Michigan DNR restored additional waterfowl hunting draws at four managed areas after fundraising covered staffing, keeping more access for the 2026 fall season.