Environment
What to know about algal blooms after Mattoon’s recent water crisis
The bacteria within blue-green algae can create dangerous levels of microcystins, or neurotoxins, which can sicken and even kill people who drink, cook or wash with water containing them.
Solar for All would have powered emergency housing in a Midwest town. Then the EPA cut the funds
Municipalities and nonprofits across the country may have to abandon planned solar energy projects after the Environmental Protection Agency announced it was terminating a $7 billion grant program to expand solar access.
Illinois is making ‘rewilding’ an official conservation strategy
A new law in Illinois formalizes efforts to reintroduce native keystone species like bison and beavers in the state, which advocates say will help other species recover.
Clean water advocates say new law will protect drinking water from PFAS contamination
The PFAS Reduction Act will phase out the use of manufactured per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS, by 2032.
The Midwest is getting warmer, even though summer highs are dropping. Here’s why
Summer afternoon temperatures have cooled off in the middle of the country in recent decades. But hotter nights and winters are still driving more overall warmth in the region.
Mattoon invests in algaecide, new water pump to prevent future water emergencies
The city of Mattoon will be spending around $300,000 to prevent harmful algal blooms like the one that tainted its drinking water a month ago.
What to know about signed bill banning carbon sequestration at the Mahomet Aquifer
The measure had dozens of co-sponsors, mostly Chicago area Democrats and lawmakers from both parties in the central and east-central Illinois region where the Mahomet Aquifer is the primary source for drinking water.
Farmers in Illinois may lose conservation resources, allowing soil to ‘fly in the breeze’
After two years of funding cuts in Illinois, conservation advocates worry that soil health could suffer – and dust storms could become a greater risk.
Millions of acres of Midwest forest were left vulnerable by a storm. What’s being done to protect it?
A massive ice storm hit northern Michigan in late March, knocking down limbs and trees across an estimated 3 million acres. The acres of fallen trees and brush have created concern over invasive species and the looming threat of wildfires.
Illinois bet on solar to meet its climate goals. Trump has the industry in his crosshairs.
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans earlier this month curtailed federal tax incentives for the solar energy industry and for individuals and companies that purchase solar panels.
Some farmers are using this new, experimental practice to help prevent flooding
Across much of the Midwest, the atmosphere is becoming warmer and retaining more water, leading to heavier downpours. A two-crop system called relay intercropping could help farmers buffer weather whiplash and boost profits.
Carbon sequestration and the Mahomet Aquifer: scientists break down what you need to know
Carbon sequestration’s use is expanding on a large, commercial scale. Here’s what experts say people need to know about the controversial technology.