Environment
Scientists near Peoria wake up early to catch invasive birds
Invasive birds cost the United States’ farming industry billions of dollars every year. But to find out which species are the biggest culprit, you have to get up way before the sun comes up.
Ban on carbon capture near Mahomet Aquifer wins unanimous approval in Illinois Senate
Over the last few years, environmental groups and others in Central Illinois have raised concerns about the region’s water potentially becoming contaminated by an emerging technology that’s intended to reduce the harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
Midwest light pollution kills migrating birds, but scientists know how you can help
An ornithologist spent four decades tracking 40,000 bird deaths at a single building. His records paved the way to better scientific and public understanding.
‘Mission Accomplished’ for Rantoul air force base, yet $76 million of environmental clean-up remains
Most of the Chanute Air Force base transferred to the village of Rantoul in 2023. At the time, the Air Force declared “Mission Accomplished” in a press release — but it acknowledged there’s still at least $76 million more toxic clean-up to do. Today, it is unclear what the plan is for the many abandoned and deteriorating buildings.
Bogs sink carbon dioxide ‘like no ecosystem on Earth,’ but many are at risk of being drained
Peat bogs sequester a massive amount of the Earth’s carbon dioxide. But even as scientists work to better understand bogs’ sequestration, the wetlands are under threat.
Midwest biofuel industry hopes to gain more miles under Trump’s new term, but uncertainty remains
Biofuel advocates calling on the new administration to increase ethanol and biodiesel volumes in the country’s fuel supply, expand E15 gasoline and clarify tax credits.
Champaign County approves a temporary ban on carbon sequestration, citing water contamination fears
Champaign County Board members voted Thursday night to approve a zoning ordinance amendment that will pause all carbon sequestration in the county for 12 months. The moratorium will allow the board time to develop a more comprehensive, and potentially permanent, ban.
Wildfires latest: Firefighters prepare for dry conditions and strong winds
The National Weather Service issued a rare warning that dry winds combined with severely dry conditions created a “ particularly dangerous situation,” indicating that any new fire could explode in size.
Wildfires latest: At least 10,000 structures have burned in a series of fires around Los Angeles
Gov. Gavin Newsom said California has deployed more than 1,400 firefighting personnel to battle the blazes. Oregon, Washington, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona dispatched teams to assist.
Live Christmas trees accepted at local lakes
The trees create habitat for multiple fish species and promote algae growth for insects that attract fish for anglers.
Illinois is transitioning to cleaner energy. Here’s how it is impacting some rural communities
Up to 50 wind turbines are set to operate in Piatt County, Illinois, as part of the Prosperity Wind project from Apex Clean Energy. Standing more than 600 feet tall, they are the largest turbines in the state.
Mississippi River mayors launch a new push for a legal agreement to manage the waterway
Legal agreements govern the Great Lakes and some river systems in the U.S., but the Mississippi River doesn’t have a compact. Some mayors on the waterway think it’s time to change that.