More than 90 percent of the 16,000-plus animals sheltered by Chicago Animal Care and Control last year were either adopted, transferred to a rescue group or returned to their owner, according to city data. 

Chicago is seldom brought to its knees by brutal weather conditions, but Wednesday was a rare exception. And while subzero temperatures made the outdoors dangerous, they also created extreme beauty.

Just how historic is Wednesday’s polar punch, and how are city agencies helping residents cope?

Unlike humans, birds do not have the luxury of high-powered heating systems to keep warm in the winter, but they do have a variety of unique adaptations to help them survive.

A deadly arctic deep freeze enveloped the Midwest with record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday, triggering widespread closures of schools and businesses, and the canceling of more than 1,500 flights from Chicago's airports. 

What an Illinois Supreme Court ruling about biometrics privacy could mean for Google, Facebook – and everyone else.

Those seeking refuge from this week’s bitter cold at one of Chicago’s public warming centers should not assume their dog or cat will be allowed in with them.

As extreme cold sets in, be on the lookout for scams involving driveway shoveling, furnace inspections and utility bills, the Better Business Bureau says. 

Chicago Public Schools announced that Wednesday’s classes have been canceled. The University of Chicago, DePaul and Northwestern Universities will close their campuses from Tuesday until Thursday morning.

How Chicagoans handled a snowy start to the week – and how the city is preparing for worsening conditions.

Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo plan to close for parts of the week as record-breaking lows are expected to move into the area.

A new report suggests Illinois could do more to attract data centers. What are they – and how are they important to the local economy?

Wednesday’s forecast shows a daytime high of around 14 degrees below zero, which would beat the city’s all-time coldest high of minus 11. When wind chills are factored in, temperatures could reach minus 35. 

The National Weather Service says northern and central Illinois will see record-breaking low temperatures of 18 or 19 degrees below zero or colder on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The National Weather Service says Friday's deep freeze is a preview of next week, which could bring more than a half-foot of snow and the potential for the “coldest stretch in years.”

Although ice melt products can help clear slick walkways, they can also harm pets and cause damage to lawns, gardens and waterways. What you need to know.