Dangerous humidity is increasing in the Midwest and South, putting farmworkers at risk
Extreme heat combined with high humidity is becoming more common as the climate warms, making it harder for people to cool their bodies.
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Fish and mussels returned to these rivers after decades of cleanup. But new threats loom
Some rivers are success stories where wildlife is bouncing back from heavy pollution. But environmental groups say progress hasn’t happened across the board and backsliding remains possible.
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Trump administration blocks wind farm development in Illinois and across the nation
The Trump administration now has what amounts to a moratorium on new wind farm projects, according to renewable energy advocates.
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As people protest data centers across the Heartland, lawmakers rush to regulate development
Development of large-scale data centers is booming across the Midwest and South. As some communities push back, local and state governments are trying to catch up on how to regulate the new development.
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Central Illinois dragonfly enthusiasts can take part in unique learning opportunity
The program is geared towards children in grades 6-10, but can be adjusted for other grade levels.
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Champaign County carbon sequestration task force submits final recommendations
The Champaign County Carbon Sequestration Activities Task Force wrapped up its work Wednesday night, submitting final recommendations to the county.
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The drought is over in Champaign County. Are more likely in the future?
The drought in Champaign County that began last fall finally ended in April.
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Box turtles are back for the summer. Here’s how to help them survive another year
The creatures are particularly vulnerable this time of year to getting hit by cars or plucked from the wild by curious observers as they trek to their summer stomping grounds.
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How do data centers benefit the places where they’re built? Local mayors give mixed reviews
From taxes and community investment to water and energy depletion, data centers are a polarizing force.
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These citizen scientists track frog calls to monitor ecosystem health
Volunteers with FrogWatch USA track frog calls during mating season to collect data about ecosystem health.
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Illinois lawmakers debate data center regulations in response to growing energy and water use concerns
State lawmakers in Springfield are debating how to regulate data centers as proposals for new facilities spark concerns over their impact on utility costs and water reservoirs.
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Champaign County Board approves 1-year data center moratorium
The Champaign County Board was previously considering a nine month moratorium on data centers.
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Bird populations are shrinking faster in agriculture hotspots— including the Midwest, study finds
New research out of Ohio State University found the rate of bird decline was quicker in areas with more intense agricultural practices.
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chancellor signs 2026 climate action plan— without fossil fuels divestment
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Charles Isbell Jr. signed the Illinois Climate Action Plan Wednesday, but it’s missing a key provision students have been advocating for.
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Urbana residents will soon be opted in to an electric aggregation program. Here’s what you need to know
Urbana residents have been automatically opted in to an electrical aggregation program, unless they’ve already opted out.
