Western NY death toll rises to 28 from cold, storm chaos
The storm that walloped much of the country is now blamed for at least 49 deaths, with rescue and recovery efforts continuing Monday.
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Frigid monster storm across US claims at least 34 lives
The National Weather Service says about 60% of the U.S. population has faced some sort of winter weather advisory or warning.
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18 die as monster storm brings rain, snow, cold across the US
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A frigid winter storm killed at least 18 people as it swept across the country, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses and leaving millions of people on edge about the possibility of Christmas Eve blackouts. The storm unleashed its full fury on Buffalo, New York, with hurricane-force…
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Winter Storm Warning continues until Saturday morning for most of Central Illinois
Illinois Public Media is tracking a winter storm system. Forecasters expect it to bring blowing snow and dangerously cold temperatures to Central Illinois on December 22 and 23. This story will be updated with posts from Chambana Weather meteorologist Andrew Pritchard and the National Weather Service. Closings and cancellations are being updated here. Updated Friday…
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How to prep for holiday driving in the midst of arctic cold and blizzard predictions
A major snowstorm is coming to the Midwest and Great Plains during some of the busiest days for travel this year. Here’s how to stay safe while driving, especially on rural roads. A massive snowstorm is going to hit many Midwestern and Great Plains states during some of the busiest days for holiday travel. “This…
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A federal bill with bipartisan support could bring 20x more money to Illinois conservation efforts
NORMAL — That manatees still swim along Florida’s coast, grizzly bears still roam the west and bald eagles still fly in North American skies is due, in large part, to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 — once described by the Supreme Court as “the most comprehensive legislation for the preservation of endangered species enacted…
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Researchers are using a geologist’s version of an MRI to map the Mahomet Aquifer
During several days last week, a helicopter hauling a huge antenna flew at low altitudes over rural Champaign County. The antenna sent electromagnetic waves into the ground about 100 feet below, where they bounced off of underground rock and sediment formations, and were picked up by sensors mounted on the antenna’s frame. In this way…
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Economy | Environment | Health
Tax credits, prison reform pass in veto session
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers last week passed significant legislation dealing with electric vehicle manufacturing incentives and the availability of hygiene products for prisoners in the state’s correctional system. But some weightier issues, including a possible assault weapons ban, will wait until a lame duck session scheduled for early January. Last week, lawmakers wrapped up a…
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Bobcats made a big comeback in the Midwest. But not everyone is happy they can be hunted again
For 44 years, Illinois banned bobcat hunting. That changed in 2016, when the state started a lottery for permits to hunt the predators. And every year since Illinois has hosted a bobcat hunting season. So far, the state has hosted six hunting seasons and hunters have nabbed more than 1,600 bobcats. Stan McTaggart with Illinois…
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Pipeline project raises concerns
A CO2 pipeline project that would stretch 1,300 miles has raised agriculture and environmental concerns across Illinois. McDonough County farmer Steve Hess is familiar with pipelines. Hess has one carrying natural gas on his property and says he believes it has been positive for the community. Hess said, “We’ve talked about it (the natural gas…
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Colder air rushing into Central Illinois
Illinois Public Media News is monitoring winds and storms on Tuesday. We will update this post with the latest forecast information. Updated Tuesday at 9:35 p.m. Temperature observations from the last three hours show sharply cooler air spilling into the area as a cold front moves through Illinois. Temperatures dropped about 20 degrees at Galesburg…
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A new, divided Congress will have to take on a new Farm Bill with far-reaching effects
WASHINGTON — The Congress that takes office next year will feature a Senate with a narrow Democratic majority and a House that, so far, has a slim Republican majority. What’s not clear is how that split in control will affect one of the biggest pieces of legislation on the agenda next year: the Farm Bill….
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Midwest river towns looking for answers after forever chemicals found in water
CORDOVA, Ill. – This fall, the towns and rural farmsteads along the Mississippi River received alarming news about their drinking water. Chemicals from a large 3M factory north of Cordova found a way into the river and their wells. Listen to this story here. The facility employs about 500 people and makes the adhesives used…
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‘State of Change’ program focuses on the effect of carbon in Illinois
URBANA – Carbon is a key to life on Earth. Whether it’s animals, people, plants, or water, life on our planet would not be possible without carbon. Human use of carbon means Illinois and our planet are in a State of Change. The second episode of State of Change premieres Thursday, November 17 at 7:30…
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Live blog: Snow falling in Central Illinois
Meteorologists are predicting snowfall on Tuesday, November 15. This is a live blog of stories and social media posts: Listen for coverage on WILL-AM 580 + FM 90.9 between 6-9am and 4-7pm. Also, follow meteorologist Andrew Pritchard here: Chambana Weather. Check current road conditions on Illinois highways here: IDOT Winter Conditions. Updated Tuesday at 8:00…
