The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is hosting a Great Lakes Microplastics Summit to share research findings and raise public awareness.

First, experts from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy spoke to the importance of the newly declared "Microplastics Awareness Week." Then, a Michigan-born recipe developer and cook discussed her new book, Lebanese Baking, a more-than 100 recipe tribute to the flavors and techniques of Lebanon.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency workers in Chicago — the headquarters of the region covering Michigan — are furloughed as the federal government shutdown continues.

Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources explains why so many deer are dying in southeast Michigan. An archivist with the state discusses how the opening of the Erie Canal kick-started Michigan’s population growth. And, an interview with jazz legend Herbie Hancock.

Augusta Charter Township officials approved a rezoning for a data center, and supporters of a ballot initiative hope to reverse that decision in a vote next year.

Starting in 2014, tens of thousands of people living and working in Flint were exposed to lead and other contaminants in their drinking water. The exposure began after the ill-fated decision to change the source of the city’s tap water.

The week includes events in which the public can learn about microplastics, participate in cleanups and discover practical solutions to reduce plastic waste at home.

Michigan school districts will receive 10 propane and 87 electric buses, which will replace older diesel-powered buses in 23 school districts.

The federal government shutdown is impacting Michigan’s national parks. A lack of funding is delaying maintenance and preservation projects, and workers have been furloughed or forced to work longer hours.

Abnormally dry conditions stretch across the state, with a section of mid-Michigan in a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.