217 Today: A unique tree-climbing fox is on the decline in the Midwest. Researchers want to know why

Tiktok Instagram Facebook-f
A gray fox perched on a log. Within the last four years, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio have launched gray fox studies to find out why numbers have declined and what may help the species rebound.
  • Photo: Courtesy Of The Ohio Division Of Wildlife

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Today’s headlines:

  • A soil scientist at the University of Illinois Urbana campus is reaching out to landowners and farmers, as he pares to take soil samples at locations where samples were taken years ago.
  • A report draws attention to the treatment of pregnant detainees inside Illinois county jails.
  • A self-made billionaire from St. Louis is sharing business advice with central Illinoisans.
  • Anti-abortion groups gathered outside of the Walgreens headquarters in Deerfield to rally against mifepristone.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about how researchers in several states are working to find out what’s behind the decline of the gray fox.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Alex Keefe, Mawa Iqbal and Rachel Cramer.

WILL and the Illinois Newsroom are committed to bringing you in-depth, relevant coverage that keeps you informed and engages you with our community and state. Join with thousands of others to keep this important public media-based resource available to all. Donate today >>

Stephanie Mosqueda

Stephanie Mosqueda is a senior majoring in journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with minors in Spanish and public relations. She is the 217 Today producer and a reporter for the Illinois Student Newsroom.