Great Lakes Water Safety: Organizers of the Chicago River Swim say they’re using daily lab testing to keep bacteria levels below health thresholds, with researchers at UIC monitoring the downtown stretch most likely to be “low risk,” while warning rain runoff could raise contamination. Michigan Environment & Wildlife: Michigan confirmed bovine TB in two Iosco County cattle herds, triggering more investigations into animal movements and surveillance, with officials noting deer can carry the disease in parts of the state. Mining & Public Money: Protect the Porkies filed an appeal challenging a $50 million Michigan Strategic Fund award for the Copperwood Mine project near Lake Superior, arguing the funding route bypassed lawmakers. Energy & Clean Power Fight: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers celebrated a federal appeals ruling that blocked Trump’s emergency push to keep aging coal plants running past retirement, warning of higher bills and setbacks for clean energy. Data Centers & Local Impact: A new poll finds Americans’ environmental concern about AI is rising, alongside worries about local pollution and electricity use from data centers. Coastal Awareness: Wisconsin marked September as Coastal Awareness Month, spotlighting Great Lakes shoreline protection and public education. Solar + Storage in Northern Michigan: DOE funding cleared a plan for a 1.15 MW battery system paired with existing solar at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy in Traverse City.