EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt told representatives of a children’s health group last week that he wants to eliminate lead from drinking water within 10 years, but he has yet to offer a strategy to meet the goal.
Stories by Alex Ruppenthal
‘Rainbow’ Dinosaur Revealed in Field Museum Study
The colorful display of feathers common among hummingbirds has roots in a bird-like Chinese dinosaur from 161 million years ago, a new study finds.
Gray Seal Pup Born at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo welcomed a newborn gray seal on Dec. 26. The male pup weighed 36 pounds at birth and is expected to weigh more than 120 pounds by the time he is weaned at three weeks.
Field Museum Scientists Help Protect 2 Million Acres of Rainforest
A team led by Field Museum conservation ecologist Corine Vriesendorp has worked for 15 years to protect one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This week, it was designated as a national park.
Dolphins, ‘Fitbits’ and the Deep Data Dive to Transform Animal Research
Brookfield Zoo is leading a first-of-its-kind study to collect data from dolphins and other aquatic mammals using a Fitbit-like device that figures to revolutionize human understanding of the animals’ behavior.
Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands: Shedd Reveals 2018 Travel Program
If scuba diving with whale sharks or kayaking past glaciers sounds like you’re kind of thing, Shedd Aquarium has a trip for you this year.
World Record-Holding ‘Bird Man’ Visits Chicago to Discuss Epic Journey
In 2015, Noah Strycker became a birding legend after a yearlong journey across seven continents to see more than half the world’s 10,000-plus bird species. He speaks this month in Chicago about the adventure and his new book “Birding Without Borders.”
Nearly 600 Tons of Dumped Tires Collected in Chicago Area
Public and abandoned properties in the Chicago area might appear a little less cluttered. The Illinois EPA collected 598.5 tons of used tires in December as part of a state program to mitigate hazards associated with them.
Chicago Recycling, Garbage Pickup Schedules Now Available Online
Confused about when the city makes blue cart pickups? You can now look up recycling and garbage pickup schedules online as Chicago looks to boost its dismal recycling rate.
Colorful Macaws Launch New Bird Exhibit at Notebaert Nature Museum
A trio of tropical birds has landed in Chicago this winter to show off their vibrantly colored feathers and occasional dance moves – but they won’t be here for long.
S.H. Bell’s Manganese Dust-Control Plan OK’d by City
Chicago public health officials have signed off on a Southeast Side company’s updated plan to cut emissions of brain-damaging manganese dust that regulators say pose a health risk to nearby residents.
Chicago Will Require Storage Company to Install Air Monitors
A Southeast Side company must install air monitors to detect levels of dust emissions from heavy metals processed on-site, according to a letter issued by the city this week.
Illinois Sues Baxter Healthcare for Polluting North Suburban Lake
The lawsuit filed Wednesday by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim alleges that Baxter violated a federal permit several times over a five-month span by releasing contaminated water that exceeded pollution limits.
Zoo's Snow Monkey Paternity Test Reveals Surprise Father
A paternity test to determine the sire of four Japanese macaques born since 2014 at Lincoln Park Zoo came back with a surprising result.
High Manganese Levels Found in Children’s Toenails on Southeast Side
Children on Chicago’s Southeast Side have higher levels of manganese in their toenails than children in other parts of the city, according to preliminary results of a study aiming to measure the impact of toxic metals on children’s health.
EPA Union Blasts Pruitt’s Pick to Lead Regional Office in Chicago
Former Wisconsin politician Cathy Stepp “will bring a fresh perspective” to the EPA, agency chief Scott Pruitt said Tuesday. But the announcement drew blunt criticism from the group’s national employee union.
4 Shedd Penguins Celebrate Landmark 30th Birthday
Meet Drake, Magdalena, Pebbles and Wellington. They are the first penguins to turn 30 at Shedd Aquarium, and among the oldest penguins in human care across the U.S.
MAP: Snowy Owl Sightings in Chicago Area
Bird enthusiasts are enjoying an “invasion” of snowy owls in Chicago and across northeastern Illinois this winter. Check out our map of recent snowy owl sightings.
Why Do Animals (Including Humans) Play? A Chicago Researcher Explores
From siblings with snowballs to wrestling chimpanzees, playful behavior is usually easy to spot. But the question of why we play – and whether we all play for the same reasons – is less apparent.
Fracking Harms Health of Infants Born Nearby, UChicago Study Finds
Babies born within 2 miles of a fracking site are more likely to suffer negative health effects, according to a new study co-authored by a professor at the University of Chicago.
Shedd’s Rescued Animals: How Are They Doing?
Over the past year, staff from Shedd Aquarium’s Animal Response Team have come to the aid of animals across the globe. Here’s an update on how some of them are doing.
UIC Gets $4.2M Grant to Advance Efficient Energy Systems
Thanks to a new U.S. Department of Energy grant, UIC’s Energy Resources Center will promote and help install high-efficiency combined heat and power systems across the Midwest.
Asian Carp Expert to Lead New Shedd Research Team
A new team led by biologist Andrew Casper will expand Shedd Aquarium’s research of animals that live in local waterways—and how to protect them.
Rauner Silent on Committing Illinois to Paris Climate Goals
Gov. Bruce Rauner has thus far ignored calls to commit Illinois to meeting goals set in the Paris climate agreement, which aims to slow global warming through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
City Eyes Affordable Housing in East Garfield Park
Chicago is looking to transform two vacant lots into affordable housing, a proposal that’s part of an international sustainability contest the city hopes will help boost interest among potential developers.
