Environment stories in Chicago

The Chicago area has been seeing one of its warmest Octobers in decades, but just how long will those temperatures last? According to the latest forecasts from the NBC 5 Storm Team, the above-average temperatures will continue for most of the upcoming week, including on Sunday when readings are

Some parts of the Chicago area woke up to poor air quality Friday morning, with pollutants pushing air quality into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category and as a dense fog advisory remained in effect. As of 6 a.m., AirNow.gov showed air quality in parts of Cook County and ex

A 5-month-old orphaned walrus named Annautaq was rescued from Alaska and transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation. The walrus, found alone on a beach, is receiving specialized care and will eventually join the facility's walrus herd.

The USDA has reported the spread of screwworms to wildlife in Texas, emphasizing the importance of hunters and wildlife professionals in monitoring this issue. This discovery raises concerns about the health of local ecosystems.

The U.S. has officially designated Chiricahua as its newest national park, bringing the total to 64. Located in Arizona, it joins three other national parks in the state.

Shedd Aquarium's CEO Bridget Coughlin reassures the public that the institution is not in crisis despite the recent deaths of five beluga whales. She emphasizes the ongoing rescue efforts and the challenges faced in caring for the newly added belugas from Marineland.

Recent changes to the Endangered Species Act by the Trump administration could jeopardize 24 federally endangered and 12 threatened species in Illinois. The new interpretation reduces habitat protections and limits penalties for harming these species.

A new study highlights a dramatic 60% decline in marine life in the Gulf of Mexico following the 2010 BP oil spill, with populations of fish, crustaceans, and larger animals still struggling to recover. Researchers attribute this decline primarily to the spill, as natural variables showed no significant changes.

During a peak migratory weekend, over 1,000 birds were injured or killed after colliding with buildings in Chicago. Volunteers worked tirelessly to collect the affected birds, highlighting the dangers of urban environments for migratory species.

This weekend, more than 1,000 migratory birds were found injured or dead after colliding with buildings in Chicago and at Northwestern University. Conservationists are calling for bird-friendly designs and reduced nighttime lighting to prevent future incidents.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupted on October 17, sending a lava fountain 700 feet into the air and a plume cloud reaching 25,000 feet. The US Geological Survey is closely monitoring the activity of this highly active volcano.

More than 1,000 birds were injured or killed in collisions with buildings in Chicago and Evanston over the weekend. The Chicago Bird Collision Monitors are advocating for bird-friendly building designs to prevent future incidents.

A person has died after their vehicle sank into contaminated water near Buffington Harbor in Gary, Indiana. Recovery efforts were complicated by hazardous conditions, leading to a temporary suspension of operations.

Cyprus, a 9-year-old beluga whale rescued from Marineland in Canada, has died in San Diego, marking the sixth death of rescued belugas. This follows four deaths at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, raising concerns about the health of these animals post-rescue.

The Norte Fire in Orange County, California, has burned over 570 acres but is now 25% contained. Evacuation orders have been lifted, and damage assessments confirm seven homes were affected.

A family of barn owls has made a rare appearance in Manhattan's Upper West Side, nesting in a water tower. This marks the first documented instance of barn owls nesting in the area, drawing crowds eager to see the elusive birds.

At 71, she never stopped working or learning, but a few weeks ago, Ann Marie LoPrieno’s life came to a tragic end. After her death, her family is considering legal action. LoPrieno was walking to Courageous Bakery in suburban Oak Park on the morning of September 23 when she was hit by the dri

A judge has temporarily suspended operations at Pullman Innovations, an animal feed plant in Chicago's southeast side, due to persistent foul odors. The ruling follows a lawsuit from the Illinois Attorney General and the City of Chicago, citing violations of air quality laws.

A fall storm system with periods of “soaking rainfall,” thunder and winds gusting as high as 40 mph will move into the Chicago area Thursday, the NBC 5 Storm Team said. The system will also bring much colder temperatures, NBC 5 Storm Team meteorologist Iisha Scott said, with winds ma

A judge has temporarily halted operations at Pullman Innovations, an animal feed plant on the South Side, due to ongoing odor complaints. The Illinois Attorney General and the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit alleging violations of air pollution laws, seeking compliance before the plant can reopen.

Chicago's fall foliage is beginning to show, but peak colors may arrive later than usual due to warm weather and El Niño. Dr. Christy Rollinson from the Morton Arboretum explains the factors influencing this year's color changes.

A group of fishermen experienced a shocking encounter when a humpback whale crashed into their boat off Long Island. The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral, raising awareness about marine wildlife safety.