But fear not lovers of all things fall, more seasonal weather is on the way.
Stories by Patty Wetli
October in Chicago Is Off to a Scorching Start After a Hotter Than Normal September
Oct 2, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Endangered Black-Crowned Night Herons Are Thriving in Chicago. Researchers Want to Know Why
Sep 29, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The more scientists can learn about the Chicago colony of black-crowned night herons, the more they can help these birds help themselves. Because night herons are hanging on in Illinois by a thread.
WTTW News Explains: How Do Chicago’s Lake Michigan Water Cribs Work?
Sep 28, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Meet Ellis Chesbrough, Chicago’s first city engineer and designer of the water delivery system we still use today. WTTW News Explains how water cribs work out on Lake Michigan.
Spotted Lanternfly Isn’t an Eco Disaster But It Does Have a Major ‘Yuck’ Factor. Here’s How Chicago Can Defend Itself
Sep 27, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The first sighting of the invasive pest was confirmed in Chicago, but we’re years from a major infestation and have learned from cities like Pittsburgh how to minimize the nuisance, an expert said.
Get Ready to Stomp and Squash: Illinois’ First Infestation of Dreaded Spotted Lanternfly Confirmed in Chicago
Sep 27, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The insect was found in the Fuller Park neighborhood of Chicago, according to a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Illegal Building Still Standing in Humboldt Park. Community Meeting Scheduled To Discuss Its Future
Sep 26, 2023 | Patty Wetli
More than a year after the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture began construction on a non-permitted facility in historic Humboldt Park, a community meeting has been scheduled to discuss the project's status and explore future possibilities for the structure.
Are You Ready for ‘Chicagohenge’? Fall Equinox Creates Amazing Sunrise, Sunset Effect
Sep 22, 2023 | Patty Wetli
During the fall and spring equinoxes, the sun rises due east and sets due west, creating an effect dubbed “Chicagohenge.”
Did You Forget To Make Plans for National Public Lands Day This Weekend? We’ve Got You Covered
Sep 22, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Created back in 1994, the day is meant to celebrate the connection between people and the green space in their community.
The Pelicans Have Landed. Here’s Where to See Them Near Chicago
Sep 21, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The Forest Preserve District of Will County is celebrating the birds’ fall arrival during Saturday’s Pelican Watch event at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon.
Chicago’s Looking for Its Next Official Millennium Park Christmas Tree. Think You’ve Got What It Takes?
Sep 20, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The selected tree will serve as the centerpiece of Chicago’s official holiday celebrations in Millennium Park. Here’s how to submit yours for consideration.
Openlands Announces Michael Davidson as CEO, First New Leader at the Conservation Organization in 35 Years
Sep 19, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The last time the conservation organization experienced a changing of the leadership guard, the year was 1988, Ronald Reagan was president, Mike Tyson was heavyweight champ, and floppy disks were still a thing.
After Recent Rains Flooded Ant Colonies, They Formed Their Own Life Rafts
Sep 19, 2023 | Patty Wetli
If their nests become waterlogged, ants will evacuate and form a waterproof ball that floats on the surface until the waters recede.
Brookfield Zoo Has More Big News to Celebrate: A Record-Setting $40M Donation
Sep 19, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Brookfield Zoo has received a historic $40 million gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, the largest single private contribution in the zoo's 89-year history, officials announced Tuesday.
Nearly a Foot of Rain Devastates Calumet City With Second Flash Flood This Year: ‘All My Stuff Is Gone’
Sep 18, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Residents of Calumet City are recovering from a second round of flooding in less than three months after more than half a foot of rain fell on the area Sunday.
Invasive Plants Threaten Illinois Beach’s Native Ecosystems. Volunteers Needed to Join the Defensive Line
Sep 13, 2023 | Patty Wetli
A kick-off event Sept. 16 is aimed at recruiting more volunteer stewards, whose work helps safeguard the nature preserve’s endangered and threatened species.
These Baby Shark Rays Are Among the Most Threatened Marine Life on the Planet. Shedd Aquarium is Providing Safe Harbor
Sep 12, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Bowmouth Guitarfish, also called Shark Rays, are hunted for their fins and thorns. Three rescued pups have arrived at Shedd Aquarium.
Brookfield Zoo’s Baby Giraffe Makes Her Public Debut, and She Has a Name
Sep 8, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The zoo’s three-week-old baby giraffe is making her debut Friday and can now be seen daily, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
‘There There,’ an Exploration of the Urban Native American Experience, Announced as 2023 One Book, One Chicago
Sep 6, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Author Tommy Orange will take part in a discussion of his debut novel on Nov. 15 at Harold Washington Library Center.
2 Dead, 1 Critical, 1 Missing As Chicago's Summer Swim Season Ends on Tragic Note
Sep 5, 2023 | Patty Wetli
A pair of water rescues on Chicago's lakefront over the holiday weekend resulted on one person dead and another in critical condition, according to the Chicago Police Department. Indiana officials report a teen drowned in East Chicago.
It’s Beetle Mania! Field Museum Scientist Says It’s Time to Give These Unsung Pollinator Heroes Their Due
Sep 4, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Beetles, and weevils in particular, are thought of as destructive pests. Bruno de Medeiros, assistant curator of insects at the Field Museum, is upending those preconceptions.
Tonight’s Blue Super Moon Will Be Year’s Biggest and Brightest, But Its Impact on Tides Is Cause for Concern
Aug 30, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The super blue moon also means unusually high tides, which could worsen the impact of Hurricane Idalia.
Is Seafood Radioactive After Japan’s Nuclear Wastewater Release? Rahm Emanuel Says He’ll Eat Fukushima Fish in Show of Support: Report
Aug 25, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Now U.S. ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel plans to travel to Fukishima prefecture and eat some local catch of the day to quell concerns about the release of treated radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean.
Chicago Officially Hit 100 Degrees for First Time in More Than a Decade, And It Felt Even Hotter
Aug 24, 2023 | Patty Wetli
On Thursday, Chicago notched its first official 100-degree day since 2012 and tied a daily high set nearly 80 years ago, according to the National Weather Service.
Dangerous Heat That Could Feel Like 115 Degrees Hits Chicago, Here’s How To Keep Your Cool
Aug 23, 2023 | Patty Wetli
Cooling centers and splash pads are open to help people cope with oppressive heat that will feel like 115 degrees.
Illinois’ Nature Preserve System Is Turning 60. Celebrate By Visiting the State’s Rarest Landscapes
Aug 23, 2023 | Patty Wetli
This weekend, you’re invited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the creation of Illinois’ state nature preserves by touring some of state’s rarest and most endangered landscapes.
It’s a (Very Tall) Girl! Brookfield Zoo Welcomes Baby Giraffe
Aug 21, 2023 | Patty Wetli
The 6-foot, 130-pound calf was born Aug. 19, Brookfield Zoo announced Monday.