More than 30 countries have banned cosmetics testing on animals, and while the practice hasn’t been banned in the U.S., Illinois is now the third state to enact “humane cosmetics” legislation. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2020.
Stories by Alex Ruppenthal
Free Soil Tests Offered as U. of I. Studies Lead’s Impact on Urban Farming
As urban agriculture programs expand in Chicago and other cities, a new project aims to unearth data on one of the biggest potential obstacles to city-based farming efforts: soil contamination.
USDA Declares Agriculture Disaster in Illinois Following Floods
The move comes in the wake of near-record levels of flooding this spring that forced farmers to delay planting crops.
How Clean is the Chicago River? A New Project Wants to Show You in Real Time
What lies below the surface of the Chicago River today is not what it was a century ago, but pollution is still a problem. A Chicago nonprofit aims to offer real-time water quality data to the public later this year.
Illinois Sightings Raise Hope for Endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee
It’s been a rough few decades for the rusty patched bumblebee. Once widespread in Illinois and throughout much of the U.S., the species has lost nearly 90% of its population over the past 20 years.
Children Don’t Like Nature as Much as Adults, UChicago Study Finds
As they set out to learn more about kids’ affinity for nature, a group of psychologists had a strong idea about what they would find. As it turned out, their assumptions were wrong. “We were incredibly surprised,” said the lead author of the study.
Illinois Among 12 States Suing Trump Administration Over Fuel Economy Standards
A lawsuit filed Friday aims to stop a plan by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that would lower fines for automakers that fail to meet fuel-economy standards.
Illinois Becomes Latest State to Crack Down on Coal Ash Pollution
A new law in Illinois prohibits discharge of coal ash into the environment and establishes a regulatory framework to ensure that polluting companies finance the cleanup of coal ash waste, according to the Illinois Environmental Council.
A New Way to Measure the Mental Health Benefits of Nature in Cities
A new study offers a framework cities can use to begin measuring the mental health benefits of nature, while helping municipal planners and policymakers integrate nature into their projects.
Pritzker, Other Governors Pitch Plan to Protect Great Lakes
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and four of his counterparts in the region are urging candidates in the 2020 presidential election to back a new plan aimed at protecting the Great Lakes.
Duckworth, Durbin Reintroduce Bill to Halt Sewage Dumping Into Great Lakes
Tens of billions of gallons of untreated sewage and stormwater runoff end up in the Great Lakes each year, polluting the water and prompting beach closings and swimming advisories. How new legislation aims to help.
Ocean-Themed Art by Students in 45 Countries on Display at Shedd Aquarium
The massive art project that got the attention of students across the globe is part of an educational initiative aimed at preserving oceans and the people who live closest to them.
Chicago Animal Welfare Group Sponsors ‘Anti-Horse Carriage’ Pedicab
Save a horse, ride a bike. That’s the message some Chicago animal welfare advocates are looking to send by sponsoring one of the pedicabs that shuttles riders along Michigan Avenue.
Study Finds High Levels of Fecal Bacterial at Chicago-Area Beaches
A new report raises some red flags about the potential health risks associated with swimming at local beaches.
Giant Ice Treats Keep Animals Cool at Brookfield Zoo
As a heat wave moved across the Chicago area last week, polar and grizzly bears stayed cool at the zoo with fruit-filled blocks of ice weighing 300 pounds.
Mamby on the Beach Festival Canceled Amid Dispute Over Endangered Birds
The festival had been scheduled for Aug. 23-24 at Montrose Beach, where a pair of endangered piping plovers established a nest this spring.
Lincoln Park Zoo to Remain Free Through at Least 2050
The 151-year-old zoo will continue to offer free admission for the next 30-plus years after agreeing to an extended contract with the city.
Northwestern Develops Tool to Help Scientists Play Nice While Collaborating
Scientists are often the foremost experts in their fields of study, but they aren’t necessarily well versed in the tricky science of collaboration.
Open-Water Swim in Chicago River Delayed, New Goal September 2020
A bold plan to get hundreds of people into the Chicago River for a 2.4-mile swim remains docked for a year or so after organizers struggled to secure permits and coordinate with a number of city agencies.
Report on Climate Change Warns of ‘Killer Heat’ in US
Illinois residents experience roughly two days each year in which the heat index surpasses 105 degrees Fahreneit. Within roughly three decades, that number could rise to 26 days per year, according to a new report.
Humboldt Park Alligator Evades Capture as Bemused, Concerned Onlookers Stand By
Dozens of people lined a wall overlooking the Humboldt Park Lagoon on Friday waiting for a glimpse of an elusive alligator that continues to evade authorities’ efforts to capture it.
Shedd Aquarium Takes In Pair of Orphaned Sea Otter Pups
Two sea otter pups rescued recently off the coast of California have a new home in Chicago where they are now “thriving,” according to the aquarium.
New ‘Get Outside’ Map Features 350 Places to Enjoy Nature in Chicago
Environmental nonprofit Openlands created a new online tool to help Chicago-area residents easily identify ways to explore the outdoors in and around the city.
Why Alligators Don’t Make Good Pets (and 9 Other Fun Gator Facts)
As the search for the Humboldt Park Lagoon alligator continues, learn more about these fear-inducing creatures – and why they shouldn’t be brought home as a pet.
Illinois Officials Urge Preparedness Following California Earthquakes
In the aftermath of two major earthquakes that shook southern California last week, officials in Illinois are urging residents to prepare themselves and their homes in the event of a similar incident.
Monarch Butterflies Bred in Captivity May Lose Ability to Navigate, Study Finds
New research by University of Chicago scientists shows that despite the positive intentions of conservationists who promote captive breeding for monarchs, the practice may not be producing the desired effect.
