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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![Gardener inspects seedlings]()
![Gardener inspects seedlings]()
Once dismissed as weeds, native plants are now flying off the shelves
Gardeners across the country are flocking to climate-resilient native plants as concerns about extreme heat, flooding, and pollinators grow.
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![Illustration over tire tracks over prairie and stream]()
![Illustration over tire tracks over prairie and stream]()
Illinois is feuding with itself over endangered species protections
The state Department of Transportation has sidestepped endangered species protections in 11 cases, according to public records.
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Trump and the Illinois governor keep feuding over an invasive fish
After accusing Illinois of being an "unreliable partner," the Trump administration is handing control of a billion-dollar carp barrier to Michigan.
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![Engineer stands over hole in street where a lead pipe is being replaced.]()
![Engineer stands over hole in street where a lead pipe is being replaced.]()
Can replacing Illinois’ toxic lead pipes lead to a workforce boon?
Illinois has nearly 1.5 million lead service lines. A new report estimates replacing the unsafe plumbing could generate 90,000 jobs.
