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.
Stories by patty wetli
Real Winter is Coming, Make Sure Your Rain Barrel is Ready — and by ‘Ready’ We Mean in Storage
Before the deep chill hits, make sure to disconnect the barrel, unhook the hoses and spigot, and drain the barrel completely.
Who’s Dreaming of a Wet Christmas? Chicago Holiday Forecast Looking Warm and Rainy
In fact, Dec. 25 isn’t going to feel particularly wintry at all.
Chicago Announces New Year’s Eve Fireworks Along the River
Fireworks will launch from six bridges, with a countdown to midnight projected on the Merchandise Mart.
Chicago TreeKeepers Raise the Alarm About ‘Cemetery of Saplings’ to City’s Urban Forestry Advisory Board
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.
Southside Blooms is Now Part of Chicago’s Official History, Entering the Field Museum’s Botanical Collection
“Our work is part of the sweep of human history. It’s very humbling,” said Quilen Blackwell, co-founder of Southside Blooms.
Streets & San Announces Second Annual Snowplow Naming Contest. You’ll Need to Dig Deep for Fresh Puns, Chicago
The submission deadline is Jan. 12. Six new names will be chosen for Chicago’s fleet of plows.
3.1 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Southern Illinois, Second Tremor To Hit State in 2 Months
This latest seismic activity was centered near the small town of Waltonville (population 432), roughly 110 miles south of Springfield.
The Stars Are Aligning for Chicagoans To Catch the Geminid Meteor Shower Tonight. Yes, Really.
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.
Chicago Film Critics Name ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ the Year’s Best Picture. Will Oscar Agree?
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 Unveils New Rendering of Thompson Center Renovation, Says the Atrium is Staying
Google intends to bring the Thompson Center’s design into the 21st century “while maintaining its iconic form,” the company said.
This Fish Story Is a Whopper, But True: Record-Breaking 750,000 Pounds of Invasive Carp Hauled From Illinois River
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.
Could Ice Scrapers Become Obsolete? UIC Researchers Study What Makes Ice Stick
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?
Friends of the Parks Says ‘No Way’ To Chicago Bears Building New Stadium on Lakefront
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.
End Your Week on a Cute Note With a Look at Shedd Aquarium’s New Rescued Sea Otter Pup
Shedd is one of only 11 institutions in North America with the resources to give a rescued sea otter pup a home.
Arnold Randall, Transformational Leader of Cook County Forest Preserves, Stepping Down in January
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.
Juanita Irizarry, Who Took on George Lucas and Won, Is Stepping Down From Friends of the Parks
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 Sets Dec. 16 Opening Date in Fulton Market, Get Ready for a Taste of West Coast Weirdness
Voodoo Doughnut has announced a Dec. 16, 8 a.m., opening date for its Fulton Market shop at 945 W. Randolph St.
Big Win for Grasslands as Openlands, Wetlands Initiative Celebrate $1.5M Federal Grant to Restore 1,000 Acres at Midewin
The grant was awarded through the America the Beautiful Challenge. The program, now in its second year, is funded in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade Will Roar Through Chicago on Sunday
Imagine if Santa wore leather and had reindeer named Harley and Davidson — that’s the annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade.
Graceland Cemetery Debuts Visitor-Friendly Entryway Designed to Breathe New Life Into This Historic Treasure
Graceland Cemetery has debuted a new entryway designed to draw people in rather than keep people out, embracing its status as one of Chicago’s great green spaces.
Snow or No Snow, Chicago’s Winter Parking Ban Starts Friday. Here’s How to Avoid Getting Towed
Starting Dec. 1, Chicago’s overnight parking ban takes effect on 107 miles of streets, snow or no snow, from 3-7 a.m. daily through April 1.
Chicago Park District Outdoor Skating Rinks Open for the Season, With a New Twist for Gen Xers and Boomers
Outdoor skating rinks at five Chicago parks open Nov. 24, joining rinks at Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park where skating is already underway.
Sunday’s Snowfall Total in Chicago, All 1.8 Inches of It, Beat the Odds
Dec. 7 is the average date for the city to record its first 1-inch snowfall, according to the National Weather Service.
Let’s Talk Turkey: 10 Wild Facts About America’s Bird
This year, don't head to your Thanksgiving gathering empty-handed. Take these wild turkey fun facts with you, and use them to fill awkward silences.
Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is Set to Step Off for Its 89th Year
The annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade steps off for the 89th year on Thursday.
