Environment
Floating wetlands in Lake Decatur aim to improve water quality while providing wildlife habitats
As winter approaches, the durability of two new floating wetlands in Lake Decatur will be tested. These man-made structures were installed on the lake this summer with the goal of improving water quality and creating a habitat for wildlife.
Now-9am: Dense fog advisory in much of central Illinois
URBANA – The National Weather Service in Lincoln has posted a Dense Fog Advisory for much of central and southwest Illinois until mid-morning on Friday.
Put your rake down! Fallen leaves are healthy for soil and wildlife
Scientists say leaving autumn leaves on the ground can add important nutrients to the soil and create needed habitat for insects.
Starved Rock State Park will undergo an $18 million improvement project over the next year
The improvements will include repairs to retaining walls, bridges, stairways and boardwalks.
Decatur begins first phase of water rationing due to the ongoing drought
Officials said Lake Decatur’s water level continues to drop and drought conditions persist in the Lake Decatur watershed as much of central Illinois has received below average rainfall since mid-August 2025.
IPM’s 2025 State of Change special broadcast explores Illinois’ prairies and bison
State of Change 2025 airs Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. on WILL-TV.
Conservation land trust in Coles County to expand
This project adds another stretch of the Embarras River to the existing 14 river-miles under Grand Prairie Friends’ protection across Champaign, Douglas and Coles Counites.
Lawmakers OK sweeping energy reform package that governor pledges to sign
SPRINGFIELD — A closely-watched and long-debated piece of energy legislation is set to become law after passing through both legislative chambers with the governor’s endorsement.
Drought is shrinking Mississippi River levels — again. That’s a big problem for farmers
Farmers rely on the Mississippi River to ship grain and bring them imported fertilizer and other critical inputs. But another year of low river levels means barge travel will be more expensive.
Senator Durbin touts value of federal research funding in visit to University of Illinois bee facility
Sen. Dick Durbin brought $8 million to UIUC over five years for research on bee DNA. He came to campus on Thursday to see the results.
As tick-borne illnesses rise, Illinois is taking steps to increase surveillance
Tick-borne diseases have been on the rise in Illinois for many years. And new research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign finds ticks are migrating to different parts of the state.
Midwest cities will receive millions to clean up ‘forever chemicals.’ But some say it’s not enough
Settlement payments from chemical companies are helping cities pay for expensive PFAS removal technology. But local leaders say the dollars often fall short of covering the full costs to clean up drinking water.