For Friday, April 18, 2025 🎂

1 – Helped Wanted: 12,000 volunteers. That’s the message from the Alliance for the Great Lakes, the environmental group that organizers Adopt-a-Beach cleanups. 

The alliance aims to activate 1,000 more volunteers this year. That would mean 12,000-plus volunteers to clean up Great Lakes shorelines. 

To meet the goal, they’re asking people to lead a shoreline cleanup, join a cleanup in their area and encourage friends to get involved. 

The group says more Adopt-a-Beach teams are needed everywhere, especially along Lake Huron. 

Go to GreatLakes.org to find out more. 

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2 – Earth Day is next week, celebrated on Tuesday, April 22. 

Local events include an Earth Action Expo at Dow High School in Midland on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

It’s put on by the Midland Section of the American Chemical Society, Dow High Go Green Club and others. 

Organizers say you can come by to engage with sustainability experts, conduct hands-on science experiments, fuel up at food trucks and more. 

They’ll be recycling e-waste for a small fee. 

For more information, search Facebook for “Earth Action Expo 2025.”

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3 – Executive orders from President Trump aim to halt state climate laws and revive the coal industry. 

But Michigan utilities aren’t backing down. 

DTE Energy and Consumers Energy officials say they’re still moving forward with plans to retire coal plants, citing economics and long-term clean energy goals.

This according to a report by Planet Detroit. 

Legal experts argue the federal government lacks authority to override state laws like Michigan’s 100 percent clean energy target. 

But critics warn the executive orders could have a chilling effect on climate action and public health. 

For now, Michigan’s clean energy transition appears to be staying on track.

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM WUCX in University Center, Michigan, near Bay City (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes