217 Today: The ancient farming practice that’s getting a new life — and reducing emissions

Compressed biochar.

Monday, April 22, 2024

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois is, once again, home to a federally recognized tribal nation.
  • Young adults incarcerated in Illinois prisons could soon have access to educational opportunities and mental health services.
  • On Saturday, Crystal Lake Park in Urbana was filled with people learning about ecology ahead of Earth Day. 
  • The Fighting Illini football team played in their annual Orange and Blue Spring Game Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about an ancient farming practice that’s getting a new life — and reducing emissions.

Reporting today contributed by Peter Medlin, Mawa Iqbal, Mae Antar, Colin Hislope and Kate Grumke. 

Farrah Anderson

Farrah Anderson is a 2024 graduate of the University of Illinois. At Illinois Public Media, Anderson works as a general assignment reporter focusing on police and investigative stories.