Jerome McDonnell
Former Environmental Reporter
Jerome joined WBEZ in 1984 as an intern thinking this would be a quick “Peace Corps like” broadcasting experience. But suddenly he was producing a business program and then a Saturday morning calendar program. These days his picture is in the dictionary under “public radio lifer.” McDonnell produced the internationally focused program Midday with Sondra Gair and took over as host after Sondra passed away.
For a few delusional moments in the mid 90s, Jerome was executive director of talk programming while simultaneously hosting Worldview, but he quickly swore off management responsibilities. Jerome believes broadcasting’s highest calling is to bring people together to make difference. He has the messiest desk at WBEZ and is Team Leader for Bike to Work Week.
Stories by Jerome McDonnell
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Illinois’ bold new green energy goal: 1 million all-electric vehicles by 2030
Illinois’ green energy vision relies on revving up electric vehicle ownership and industry — with rebates, tax credits and incentives.
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Illinois’ 596 Nature Preserves Need More Than Protection From Development To Thrive
Acre by acre, a new conservation group is restoring the Prairie State’s most precious natural resource — the prairie.
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Up-close Encounters With Crocs And Tornados Bring Photography Prizes To Two Chicago-Area Women
Two women from the suburbs have won top prizes in the National Wildlife Federation’s annual photography contest.
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New River Trail Offers Black History Sites And Nature
From an Underground Railroad site to “the most historic Black town in America,” see local Black history on a new heritage water trail.
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Finding ‘Messages Of Hope’ Artwork On A Forest Preserve Trail
Small boxes strapped to trees become works of art on a Willow Springs forest preserve trail.
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A Naturalist’s Quest: Find 2,500 Living Things In The Wilds Of Cook County
Chicago resident Jeff Skrentny is spending 2020 listing insects, plants, birds and other natural things.
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A Panel Of Experts Weigh In On How To Improve Recycling In Chicago
WBEZ’s Jerome McDonnell sat down with a group of policymakers to talk about what does and doesn’t work with Chicago’s recycling program.
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Your Questions About Recycling And Composting In Chicago, Answered
A panel of experts and policymakers discuss the city’s struggling recycling program — and how to make it better.
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Offshore Wind Turbines Are Popping Up On The East Coast. Could They Help The Great Lakes?
Ohio officials recently approved the use of wind turbines in Lake Erie. In Illinois, the fight for renewable energy hasn’t been so easy.
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Lake Michigan Is Eroding Illinois’ Only Natural Shoreline. Here’s What It Looks Like Today.
Flooding damage to the rare, natural communities at Illinois Beach State Park extends over hundreds of acres.
