Spotted lanternfly found in Illinois for the first time
If you see the bug, take a photo, squish it and then report it to the state Agriculture Department.
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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Medical debt may stop impacting credit scores under proposed federal plan
Nearly 41% of adults in the U.S. have medical debt, according to a 2022 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
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Acorns galore thanks to ‘mast year’ for oaks prompting massive seed production around Chicago
The abundance in acorns this fall is the result of a phenomenon that happens once every few years, in which oak trees produce far more acorns than normal.
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Expect fall colors in Illinois to peak in mid-October, experts say
From the cotton-candy scented katsura to the classic red leaves of the maple, here is where you can find some of the best fall foliage in the Chicago area.
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Who enforces the rules at dog parks?
Dogs must be vaccinated and have a permit to visit a dog park. But is anyone checking?
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Midwives could help prevent more deaths. Why don’t more Chicago-area hospitals have them?
Research shows midwives help improve outcomes for both parent and child. But hospitals across the Chicago area are not investing in midwife programs.
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Health officials are encouraging Chicago-area residents to get the new COVID-19 booster
Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck says residents need to battle pandemic fatigue and “boost up,” even if they are feeling “boosted out.”
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The new COVID boosters are coming: Here’s what you need to know
Updated versions of the mRNA vaccines roll out this week. Experts say they offer good protection against current COVID variants. Who should get them, and when’s the best time to roll up your sleeve?
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FDA approves new COVID shots for the fall
If the CDC signs off on Tuesday, shots could be available in pharmacies later this week.
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Chicagoans to be told this week where they can receive free updated COVID-19 vaccine
An updated COVID-19 vaccine was approved Monday by the FDA and will soon be available to all Chicagoans once the CDC gives the go-ahead.
