Adriana Pérez

Adriana Pérez is a general assignment and environment reporter. She writes about the Great Lakes, climate change, environmental justice, agriculture, wildlife and everything in between. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she previously worked at the Dallas Morning News. Send her your story tips and almond croissant recommendations.

Environment |
Morton Arboretum awards $6.8M for urban forestry projects in 22 priority Illinois communities

June 12, 2024 at 12:59 p.m.

On any summer day, no matter how hot, Tom Tomschin can sit comfortably on his porch and enjoy the pleasant shade of his front yard. "My neighbors always want to...

Weather |
Quick cold snap expected Monday, leading to dangerous beach conditions; warmer temps to follow

June 9, 2024 at 6:12 p.m.

With beach season underway, meteorologists are urging Chicagoans to "stay dry when waves are high" as afternoon gusty winds and cooler evening temps Sunday result in dangerous swimming conditions along...

Some local creatives are insect enthusiasts who want to share that love. Others, trying to overcome aversions, are making less realistic, more appealing merch.

Environment |
Artists, entrepreneurs transform cicadas from ick to in demand while building community

June 2, 2024 at 2:39 p.m.

Some local creatives are insect enthusiasts who want to share that love. Others, trying to overcome aversions, are making less realistic, more appealing merch.

Several speakers emphasized an interconnectedness between struggles, asking that politicians including Gov. J.B. Pritzker take action "from Chicago to Palestine."

Local News |
In pro-Palestinian rally at CPD station, coalition calls for mobilization ahead of DNC in August

May 19, 2024 at 7:10 p.m.

Several speakers emphasized an interconnectedness between struggles, asking that politicians including Gov. J.B. Pritzker take action "from Chicago to Palestine."

Illinois ranks 8th in the country for most landfill methane emissions. Reducing these emissions is critical to slowing short-term global warming, experts say.

Environment |
Landfill study shows flawed detection methods, higher methane emissions in Illinois, other states

May 19, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Illinois ranks 8th in the country for most landfill methane emissions. Reducing these emissions is critical to slowing short-term global warming, experts say.

In 2023, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District collected 675 tons of debris from the river using skimmer boats. Between 75% and 95% of debris collected is plastic.

Environment |
Tiny pieces of plastic pose one of the biggest threats to Chicago River wildlife and water quality

May 10, 2024 at 2:44 p.m.

In 2023, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District collected 675 tons of debris from the river using skimmer boats. Between 75% and 95% of debris collected is plastic.

News |
Tornado watch issued as severe storms redevelop in the Chicago area

May 7, 2024 at 2:52 p.m.

Severe weather hazards include damaging hail as big as tennis balls and gusty winds up to 70 mph as the storms move west to east, according to meteorologists.

Crime and Public Safety |
Cinco de Mayo Parade in Little Village canceled after reports of gunfire, police say

May 5, 2024 at 6:26 p.m.

Gang violence in the area Sunday led to multiple arrests, including gun arrests, according to police.

Reports of sightings are likely individual "stragglers" that have come out too early or from people who have taken a shovel to the ground.

Environment |
Illinois cicadas, loud but harmless, expected to make historic emergence in mid- to late May

May 5, 2024 at 1:19 p.m.

Reports of sightings are likely individual "stragglers" that have come out too early or from people who have taken a shovel to the ground.

Huesca, 30, was shot and fatally wounded driving home from work April 21 in Gage Park while in uniform.

Crime and Public Safety |
Slain Chicago police Officer Luis Huesca mourned at visitation: ‘An attack on the entire community’

April 28, 2024 at 7:59 p.m.

Huesca, 30, was shot and fatally wounded driving home from work April 21 in Gage Park while in uniform.

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