NASA warns that Earth’s warming climate is amplifying wildland fire activity, which is degrading water quality and releasing contaminants into drinking water supplies, necessitating long-term solutions such as reducing plastic use and encouraging controlled burns.
Dear EarthTalk: What’s the connection between wildfire and contamination of drinking water? How can affected residents make sure they are not being poisoned? — Peter B., Sacramento, CA
Posted inLifestyle
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Reimagines a Classic for International Jazz Day
The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic is celebrating International Jazz Day with a reimagined orchestral tribute to Miles Davis and Gil Evans’ Sketches of Spain, featuring jazz, classical, and global influences.
Posted inNews
Device that helps make space travel possible named ‘Coolest Thing Made in Illinois’
The NASA Standard Initiator, a small electrically activated pyrotechnic device made in Illinois, helped fuel the success of the Artemis II mission and won the 2026 “Makers Madness” competition.
Posted inBooks
Books on Parenting by various authors
Books can help parents navigate the challenges of parenthood, from the first year of a baby’s life to dealing with childhood obesity, and can provide comfort, advice, and humor along the way.
Posted inNews
150,000 Illinois households may lose federal food assistance beginning May 1
Advocates rallied at the Illinois Capitol to support three bills that would provide assistance to those who have lost access to their SNAP benefits due to changes made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Posted inSports
Illinois House unveils new version of Bears’ megaprojects bill
The Illinois House has unveiled a new version of property tax legislation that the Chicago Bears say is a prerequisite for building a new domed stadium in suburban Arlington Heights, and the measure is expected to be considered in committee on Wednesday.
Posted inNews
Plainfield Looks to Avoid Joliet’s “Mad Rush” with Data Center Moratorium
The Plainfield Village Board has approved a 180-day moratorium on all data center applications and permits to update zoning laws and ensure local power grids can handle the demand before allowing developers to break ground.
Posted inEntertainment
Lyric Opera Safronia a Soul-Searching Look Back at Black Migration to Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago has completed its sold-out world premiere run of Safronia, a landmark new opera by Chicago’s inaugural Poet Laureate Avery R. Young, which tells the story of the Booker family’s return to Mississippi to bury their patriarch and reclaim land stripped from them.
Posted inLifestyle
Wine of the Week: Prova Portugal: Discover the wines of Portugal
Portugal is a country with a long wine history, and Wines of Portugal offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant flavors of its wines, made from native grapes, and meet the producers who are shaping their growing reputation.
Posted inCommentary
This Earth Day, Humanity Is Failing Our “First Commandment”
We are facing the sixth mass extinction, caused by human activity, and must transition from finite to infinite energy sources to protect the garden we were given.
