Why some Chicago neighborhoods are more prone to deadly summer heat
The temperature in your neighborhood is determined in part by the number of trees and parks and how much pavement and industry there is.
Environment & Public Health
Waste, sustainability, climate change and environmental justice. WBEZ covers our surroundings and the way we coexist with them.
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Illinois officials didn’t see as much federal funding to replace lead pipes as expected
The EPA’s state-by-state analysis means Florida gets the largest share of funds this year.
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No, it’s not your imagination — products are getting smaller
Companies are keeping prices the same while shrinking quantities.
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Mpox is down, but US cities could be at risk for summertime outbreaks
A new study suggests dozens of U.S. cities are at risk for mpox outbreaks this summer. Health officials say they are working to prevent the scale of infections.
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Chicago is wildin’ out: From a ‘chonky’ turtle to a fox family in the park
Experts weigh in on what makes Chicago a haven for different animals and plants.
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Cook County Health is bracing for a financial storm to pay for migrants’ health care
The county is treating an influx of migrants while preparing for a wave of low-income patients to lose Medicaid health insurance.
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There’s only one Chonkosaurus, but snapping turtles have been spotted throughout Chicago
The turtles are usually found living in shallow ponds or streams, including the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and smaller lagoons.
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Searching for Chonkosaurus: Chicago’s celebrity snapping turtle
A team of WBEZ and Chicago-Sun Times reporters ventured onto the river this week to catch their own glimpse of the hefty turtle, nicknamed “Chonkosaurus.”
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Chonkosaurus, where are you? The hunt for Chicago’s celebrity snapping turtle.
A team of journalists and an expert from the Field Museum set out this week to find the renowned reptile that had recently been spotted on the Chicago River.
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Illinois bill would make it easier to sue ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ for deception
The bill passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and is expected to be signed by Governor JB Pritzker.
