Environmental News - Chicago Tribune

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How America’s push for the atomic bomb spawned enduring radioactive waste problems in St. Louis

Newly public documents are showing how America’s push for the atomic bomb helped saddle St. Louis with an enduring radioactive waste problem.

Weather service warns of potential flash flooding Wednesday as Gov. Pritzker issues disaster proclamation for Cook, other counties

Cicero residents called on state, county and local agencies to invest and come up with long-term solutions to improve the city’s “crumbling” infrastructure and better manage wastewater.

Northern lights to illuminate Midwestern sky

The best place to view them is an area with dark skies, which won’t be possible with city lights. In Illinois, there’s the Green River State Wildlife Area about two hours west of Chicago.

Deadly flooding is hitting several countries at once. Scientists say this will only be more common

Lethal flooding has simultaneously hit India, Japan, China, Turkey and the U.S. Northeast.

An Iowa meteorologist started talking about climate change on newscasts. Then came the harassment

The harassment started to intensify as TV meteorologist Chris Gloninger did more reporting on climate change during local newscasts — outraged emails and even a threat to show up at his house.

‘Small is mighty’: Shedd Aquarium spotlights plankton’s impact on aquatic ecosystems with vibrant, bubbly exhibit

The Shedd hopes that this eye-catching display will provoke in visitors a deep admiration for plankton and how they help sustain life on Earth.

After more flooding in Chicago, how to combat intensity of storms fueled by climate change is top of mind

Some pockets of the metro area saw up to 3 inches of rain Wednesday following as much as 8 inches on Sunday, weather officials said.

Norfolk Southern says other companies should share blame in fiery Ohio derailment

Norfolk Southern says the owner of the rail car that caused the fiery Ohio derailment in February failed to properly maintain it in the years before the crash.

Train derails outside rural Wisconsin village, authorities say no hazardous materials leaked

Investigators are looking into what caused a freight train to derail outside a small village in south-central Wisconsin.

Chicago flooding is a stark reminder of major cities’ vulnerability during extreme weather

Scientists say urban centers in the U.S. need to adopt new strategies for dealing with catastrophic weather events intensified by climate change.

With wildfire smoke and pollution, some want end to neighborhood fireworks: ‘It should be a no-brainer’

'We can’t control the wildfires happening in Canada. But we could control how we celebrate our freedom and independence.'

How loud was the NASCAR Chicago Street Race? We measured the noise along the downtown course.

NASCAR mandated all cars be fitted with mufflers to reduce sound emissions to answer concerns from nearby businesses and residents.

Illinois to sue EPA over standards for residential wood-burning stoves

Programs that encourage people to trade in older stoves and other wood-burning appliances, such as forced-air furnaces, haven’t necessarily improved air quality, officials say.

Excited fans brave downpours to witness NASCAR Chicago Street Race: ‘I’ve got to see it; might not be back next year’

Several NASCAR racers shared concerns before the race delay was announced and again when it was announced that the race would indeed start Sunday.

Thunderstorms wreak havoc across Chicago, flooding highways and homes, but rain may not put much of a dent in drought

Weekend thunderstorms wreaked havoc across Chicago Sunday, causing flooding the National Weather Service described as “potentially life-threatening."

Climate change keeps making wildfires and smoke worse. Scientists call it the ‘new abnormal’

As Earth’s climate continues to change from heat-trapping gases spewed into the air, ever fewer people are out of reach from the billowing and deadly fingers of wildfire smoke, scientists say. Already wildfires are consuming three times more of the United States and Canada each year than in the 1980s and studies predict fire and smoke to worsen.

City appeals to block scrap shredder from opening on Southeast Side after judge rules permit should be allowed

Even President Biden has weighed in on the controversial plans for the Southside Recycling plant.

Forecasters expect a hot, smoky summer in much of America. Here’s why you’d better get used to it.

Heavy smoke from wildfires in Canada has blanketed parts of the Midwest, causing hazardous air for residents, just weeks after drifting smoke did the same thing along parts of the East Coast.

Friday forecast: Smoke likely to linger in Chicago area affecting air quality even as sporadic thunderstorms pop up Thursday

Smoke expected to linger into Friday as weak winds out of the southwest are unlikely to clear the area, weather officials say.

Illinois and other Midwest states are in a drought. Crops are stressed and rivers are running low.

The middle of the country is extraordinarily dry. Crops are stressed, rivers are running low, and cities and towns are anxiously hoping for a break in the weather.

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