dam safety

Federal energy regulators have ordered immediate inspections of the Cheboygan Dam powerhouse and other Michigan dams at risk of failure after recent historic flooding.

State regulators have been cleared of liability in a 2020 mid-Michigan dam failure that flooded communities, destroyed more than 100 homes and drained popular lakes.

Officials have known about the dangers of the Cheboygan Lock and Dam for years, but failed to compel private owners to make repairs. Taxpayers are now funding emergency work.

Water levels behind the Cheboygan dam had been creeping up for days. With a hydro power plant that's part of the dam complex operational again, more water can flow through, relieving pressure on the dam.

As of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the water levels at Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex reached 6.48 inches below the top — 0.36 inches higher than the previous measurement.

Roughly 2,000 mid-Michigan property owners are suing the state over a dam failure in 2020 that unleashed a flood and caused about $175 million in damages.

What happens with public works are sold to private companies at a heavily discounted rate?Then, the discovery of a rare wildflower that only lives in one tiny corner of the Great Lakes.And, we revisit a conversation with Detroit visual artist Tyree Guyton, known for the Heidelberg Project.

The state Department of Natural Resources recommends removing the Trout Lake Dam in mid-Michigan. Community members are advocating to save it.

What to know about COVID vaccines, especially if you’re pregnant or have small infants in your life. Also, Eastern Michigan becomes the latest to cut ties with some foreign universities. Then, the Third Place music festival returns to Washtenaw County. Plus, new views on your favorite fresh water: cartographer Alex Hill’s book, "Great Lakes in 50 Maps."

Dam rebuilding is moving forward in Midland and Gladwin counties after a legal appeal against the project’s financing was denied, but some still say there needs to be a better way to fund these kinds of projects.