Stories by Patty Wetli

The National Weather Service is still refining its forecast in terms of snow totals, but is certain that a storm system and arctic blast will hit Chicago this weekend.

Trees from Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic display were repurposed as enrichment activities for several animals. 

The second of two rounds of storms is still expected to dump significant amounts of snow in the northwest portions of the greater metro area Tuesday afternoon and early evening, according to the weather service.

In addition to a special four-day celebration of Millennium Park, city officials announced dates for major summer events including an earlier-than-usual Air and Water Show.

Parts of the Chicago region could get socked with upwards of 8 inches of snow while areas closest to the lake could see just an inch or two, forecasters said.

The trains are running at reduced speeds of 35 miles per hour “out of an abundance of caution,” officials said.

Illinois boasts the largest population of wintering bald eagles outside of Alaska. They’re attracted to our not-quite-frozen waterways.

Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks will headline a double-bill at Soldier Field on June 21, officials said Thursday morning.

Celebrate the golden-winged warbler while it’s still around. It’s suffered one of the steepest population declines of any songbird in the last half century.

Before the deep chill hits, make sure to disconnect the barrel, unhook the hoses and spigot, and drain the barrel completely.

In fact, Dec. 25 isn’t going to feel particularly wintry at all.

Fireworks will launch from six bridges, with a countdown to midnight projected on the Merchandise Mart. 

Chicago has touted the tens of thousands of trees it’s planted in recent years. But the city’s volunteer TreeKeepers say too many saplings die for lack of a maintenance plan.

“Our work is part of the sweep of human history. It’s very humbling,” said Quilen Blackwell, co-founder of Southside Blooms.

The submission deadline is Jan. 12. Six new names will be chosen for Chicago’s fleet of plows.

This latest seismic activity was centered near the small town of Waltonville (population 432), roughly 110 miles south of Springfield.

Clear skies, a new moon and relatively warm temperatures will make for a great opportunity to catch the peak of the Geminid meteor shower Thursday — even in Chicago.

In what could be a preview of the 2024 Academy Awards, “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Oppenheimer” received top honors from the Chicago Film Critics Association.

Google intends to bring the Thompson Center’s design into the 21st century “while maintaining its iconic form,” the company said.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reporting an intensive 10-day “harvest” operated that netted 750,000 pounds of invasive silver carp, pulled from the Illinois River near Starved Rock.

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago set out to explore what makes ice tick. Specifically, how does ice stick to surfaces?

As reports surfaced Thursday that the Bears were exploring Soldier Field’s south parking lot as a potential site for a new stadium, opposition immediately mobilized.

Shedd is one of only 11 institutions in North America with the resources to give a rescued sea otter pup a home.

Arnold Randall has announced he will step down at the end of the year as general superintendent of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, a position he's held since 2010.

After eight years as executive director of Friends of the Parks, Juanita Irizarry is stepping down at the end of the year, telling WTTW News, “I’m looking forward to radical rest.”

Voodoo Doughnut has announced a Dec. 16, 8 a.m., opening date for its Fulton Market shop at 945 W. Randolph St.