On Earth Day, let’s remember those who protect our planet

On Earth Day, let's remember those who protect our planet

One morning in January 1969, an oil platform off the coast of Santa Barbara exploded. More than 3 million gallons of oil spread across California’s coastline, darkening the coast and killing marine life. It was the largest oil spill the United States had ever experienced. The disaster has already galvanized the environmental movement around pesticides … Read more

McHenry County residents wall off homes to protect against rising Fox River

Rising Fox River waters flooded homes along Whippoorwill Drive in Crystal Lake on April 20, 2026. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Jason Bell has lived in Nanda Township for 27 years and has seen the Fox River flood many times. And this week it’s flooding again. Along Beach Street in the Bayview Beach area, homes lined up along a narrow channel away from the river, and docks and boats were submerged. Since Wednesday, Bell has been … Read more