How the Trump administration is fast-tracking logging in Illinois’ only national forest
Shawnee is the only national forest in the state and one of the smallest in the nation.
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This conservation practice boosts wildlife species on farmland, new research finds
University of Illinois researchers analyzed traces of DNA in rivers and streams to learn how strips of trees near water — called riparian buffers — impact land species.
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Wind chills below zero Monday morning following severe weather and stark temperature drops
After severe storms and a cold front passed through Central Illinois, the National Weather Service said wind chills are expected to drop below zero again late Monday night and heading into Tuesday morning.
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Preserving wetlands: ‘Those that are remaining are critical to maintain’
Wetlands are important not just to all the animal and plant species that live there, but they’re also valuable to humans because they purify drinking water by taking nutrients and pollutants out of the system through all of the plant life and natural cycling that occurs.
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As state regulators warn of impending energy shortfalls, capacity prices rise again
State-driven resource planning process will begin in 2026.
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With a federal tax credit ending early, installing home solar is about to get more expensive
The massive tax and spending law signed in July halts a federal incentive for residential solar, and homeowners and installers are hurrying to complete projects before the end of the year. Industry experts say there are other ways to cut costs like “group buys.”
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Improved natural gas storage fields will save customers money, Ameren Illinois says
Buried in the rate request that Illinois regulators cut last month from nearly $129 million to $73 million is the final phase of Ameren’s modernization efforts for its natural gas storage field just south of Freeburg.
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University of Illinois student officials worry about losing self-governing power
Student officials at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign say administrators have changed their election rules without their input.
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Freezing temperatures continue until end of the week
Meteorologists said wind chills will range from zero to as low as 15 degrees below zero on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
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A native prairie bird lost federal protection. People are still trying to save it on private land
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates millions of lesser prairie chickens may have once scurried across a range of almost 100 million acres across the Great Plains. Today, scientists estimate there are only about 27,000 left in five states – Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado.
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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.
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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. Cass, Champaign, DeWitt, Fulton, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Menard, Morgan, Piatt, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Woodford Counties are included in the advisory. Meteorologists advise that if you plan…
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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.
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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.
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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.
