Articles by Regional Reporter, Illinois Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco is the Midwest regional reporter for Grist and WBEZ Chicago. He previously covered waterways, wildlife, and agriculture for the Mississippi River Basin Agriculture and Water Desk, Harvest Public Media, and WNIJ Northern Public Radio.
All Articles
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![shot of wetlands in central illinois]()
![shot of wetlands in central illinois]()
How Big Ag thwarted wetlands protections in Illinois and Iowa
Two years ago, the Supreme Court made it easier to destroy swamps and marshes. Agricultural lobbyists want to keep it that way.
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![Two people participating in a rally for the Environmental Protection Agency.]()
![Two people participating in a rally for the Environmental Protection Agency.]()
30 years of environmental justice, dismantled in 100 days
Under the Trump administration, policies to protect the communities most affected by pollution are "illegal."
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![People stand in protest with backs to camera, wearing capes that have slogans painted on them.]()
![People stand in protest with backs to camera, wearing capes that have slogans painted on them.]()
A Chicago law could shift where heavy industry operates — and who bears the burden of pollution
As Trump dismantles protections, the ordinance is a test case for environmental justice.
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![A woman carries a sign that says]()
![A woman carries a sign that says]()
The US and Canada have long managed the Great Lakes together. That era could be ending.
Political tensions are threatening the future of the largest freshwater ecosystem on Earth.
