This job has ruined road trips for me. I used to love staring out the window and admiring the passing scenery. Look at all that greenery, I thought, as we sped by “forests” and “wildflowers.” So pretty, so healthy. Ah, ignorance was bliss. Today all I see are eco-disasters.

Chicagoans just shivered through one of the coldest Thanksgivings in a decade. Despite the frigid end of the month, November 2024 was still nearly 5 degrees warmer than normal. In fact, the entire year is on track to become the warmest since recordkeeping began in 1872, according to the National Weather Service.

Not even Chicago’s light pollution can dim the glow of Jupiter. On Saturday, the giant planet will shine its brightest of the year and will be visible all night as it travels the sky from sunset to sunrise. According to NASA, look for Jupiter to begin its rise in the east-northeast. Aside from the moon and Venus, it will be the brightest object in the sky.

Have you been wondering how Chicago's new budget will impact your wallet in 2025? We've got answers. Start your Monday off with WTTW News. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News) Chicagoans won’t see their 2025 property tax bills rise to cover the cost of a city-imposed increase, but they will have to dig deeper to cover a host of tax and fee hikes that a deeply divided Chicago City Council approved to fill a massive budget gap. The city’s new budget, which takes effect Wednesday, closed a $982.4 million gap with the help of a variety of tax and fee hikes.

Get over the cold weather and hump day blues with these local stories from WTTW News.   Sucker fish enter a stream in droves as they prepare to spawn. (Courtesy Shedd Aquarium) The Great Lakes are teeming with fish. There’s game fish, which fisherman catch, like bass, walleye, trout and northern pike. But what about the “bottom feeders”? Also known as rough fish, these species include suckers, carp, bullhead and the like.

It’s Tuesday, Chicago. Bundle up and start your day right with these local stories from WTTW News. Kim Foxx, left, and new Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke, right. (WTTW News) On Monday, Eileen O’Neill Burke was sworn in as the new Cook County state’s attorney.

Well, it’s back to reality this Monday. WTTW News hopes you had a nice holiday weekend. We have you covered with stories ranging from the city budget to museum exhibits.  Mayor Brandon Johnson delivers his budget address on Oct. 30, 2024. (WTTW News) The first sign that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposal to spend $17.3 billion in 2025 was dead on arrival came just minutes after he finished telling the Chicago City Council the only way to balance the city’s budget was to hike property taxes by $300 million.

This Saturday, WTTW News is sharing highlights from our nature beat. It's cold outside but you can still enjoy a glimpse into the great outdoors from the comfort of your home.   (yancymckiddy / iStock) Last year’s “snow drought” in Chicago — one of the least snowiest years on record — is likely to end this winter, according to a seasonal outlook released by the Climate Prediction Center.

It’s a holiday weekend. If you have the day off or are trying to find a break from work, check out these stories from WTTW News and find some holiday cheer.  Ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park. (Courtesy of Maggie Daley Park) From light shows to theater, themed bars and dance spectacles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. We’ve rounded up some of the season’s highlights in Chicago and the suburbs. Need to burn off some Turkey-related calories?