Adriana Pérez

Adriana Pérez is an environment reporter, covering the Great Lakes, climate change, environmental justice, wildlife, science and more. Occasionally, she writes about breaking news and immigration. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she hails from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Send her your story tips and almond croissant recommendations.

The Embarras River, near downstate Bridgeport, is met by Muddy Creek at center left on July 20, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

An Indiana pastor became an Illinois oilman. Spills and pollution followed.

August 2, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Indian Liberty is accused of contaminating Illinois waterways, damaging private property and criminally disposing of waste. A Tribune investigation reveals how abandoned oil and gas wells have proliferated at the...

A woman walks with a fan on the Riverwalk during a heat wave on June 29, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago’s second heat wave of the season to bring poor air quality Monday, more 90s starting Tuesday

July 13, 2026 at 12:09 p.m.

The Chicago area is forecast to experience at least three days of 90-degree weather this week, Tuesday through Thursday.

Wildlife tech Caitlin Mrowiec uses calipers to measure a Blanding's turtle as she and others document and collect samples from turtles trapped in nearby wetlands during Blanding's Bowl week on June 22, 2026, in Lake County. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Scientists team up in ‘unparalleled’ effort to protect Illinois’ endangered turtles from increasing threats

July 12, 2026 at 8:16 p.m.

Loss of wetlands, changes in habitat hydrology from dams and agricultural tile drainage, viruses, and poaching put turtle population at risk.

Children play near an open fire hydrant during intense heat on June 29, 2026, in the Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Park District to upgrade air conditioning in fieldhouses in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods

July 10, 2026 at 11:54 a.m.

As part of the $1 million investment, 20 sites on the city's West and South sides will be equipped with improved systems by the end of the summer, the Park...

Morgan McLuckie, executive director of The Orange Tent Project, gives water to Shirley Head while passing out water to people living in an encampment under an I-90 viaduct on the Lower West Side on July 2, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

As Chicago heats up, advocates and experts slam city for not addressing ‘inadequate’ cooling network

July 12, 2026 at 4:09 p.m.

During this week's heat wave, only five locations in addition to police stations planned to remain open through the Independence Day city holiday on Friday.

People relax on the sand and wade into the Lake Michigan water, June 22, 2025, at 57th Street Beach while the heat index soared above 100 degrees. Starting Monday, Cook County residents will experience at least three days of dangerously hot conditions this week.(Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Starting Monday: ‘Air you can wear’ as dangerous heat settles over Illinois

June 29, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Chances for thunderstorms could cool off the area in time for July 4th, but a lack of storms could prolong the hot stretch.

A pipe marks an abandoned well in farmland near downstate Casey on Feb. 11, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Bill aims to curb abandoned oil and gas wells in Illinois through stiffer fines

June 26, 2026 at 2:04 p.m.

The bill, which stiffens fines, comes in response to a Tribune investigation into the thousands of abandoned oil wells in Illinois.

Read the Tribune’s investigation into Illinois’ abandoned oil wells

June 23, 2026 at 12:14 p.m.

Read the Chicago Tribune's investigation into how Illinois regulators have failed to stop the proliferation of abandoned oil and gas wells in the state.

A pump jack and other abandoned oil equipment on the farm of James Myers in downstate Assumption on May 22, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

In Illinois, getting oil and gas operators to pay for abandoned wells can take decades

June 22, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Some companies that are still profiting from oil and gas production elsewhere have potentially shifted the cost of plugging these wells to the state and taxpayers.

The home of Bill and Susan Deetz on June 18, 2026, in the small Central Illinois town of Blue Mound is damaged after a tree fell on it following a tornado the evening before. (Jack O'Connor/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois breaks the record for most tornadoes in a year, bringing 2026 tally to at least 147

July 27, 2026 at 6:48 p.m.

The state leads the rankings across the country, and is head and shoulders above the traditional Tornado Alley areas, according to preliminary NOAA data.

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