“Chicago owns the most outfalls that discharge into the river system, and controlling what comes out of them is essential to reach our shared vision for a fishable-swimmable river that is accessible to everyone,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River.
Stories by Patty Wetli
‘Watershed’ Moment for Chicago River System as Tougher Rules Take Effect for City’s Sewer Discharges
Traveling to Carbondale for the Eclipse? IDOT Says ‘Pack a 10-Gallon Tank of Patience’
The Illinois Department of Transportation learned a lot from the traffic jam “hangover” that followed 2017’s solar eclipse: mainly to warn motorists to expect gridlock.
Preservationist-Backed Study Finds Promontory Point Rock Wall is Good for Another 100 Years as Efforts Continue to Fight Off Demolition
An independent engineering study has concluded Promontory Point’s limestone blocks are still functioning as ample shoreline protection, which refutes a longstanding position held by the Army Corps of Engineers.
MWRD Primary Results Are in: Waller Defeats Pogorzelski, Moves on to General Election
Challenger Sharon Waller has bested incumbent Daniel “Pogo” Pogorzelski in the Democratic race to claim a seat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s board of commissioners, according to unofficial results from the Chicago Board of Elections released Tuesday evening.
The Great American Eclipse: Your Guide to the Upcoming Solar Show in Chicago, Downstate Illinois and Everywhere Else
The Great American Eclipse is almost here. Here’s how to make the most of the experience in Illinois and the Chicago area.
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Beloved Gorilla Matriarch, Bana, Has Died
The 29-year-old gorilla was diagnosed with congestive cardiac failure in early March and after an “abrupt decline” in her condition, “the difficult decision was made to euthanize her,” zoo officials said.
Shedd’s Rescued Otter Pup Has a Newly Announced Name and It’s a Nod to His Small-Town Roots
The rescued otter pup, now nearly 6 months old, was named in honor of his Alaskan roots.
Advocates Cry Foul Over Forthcoming Policy to Make Chicago’s Buildings Safe for Birds, Call Lack of Mandatory Requirements ‘Enraging’
In mid-April, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development is set to release an update to the city’s sustainable development policy. No section of the policy will make bird-friendly design mandatory.
Morton Arboretum Names New Director of Chicago Region Trees Initiative
CRTI connects organizations — public and private — across the seven-county Chicago area to promote the importance of trees and improve the quality of the region's tree canopy.
11 Shot, None Killed in Weekend Violence in Chicago: Police
For the first time in at least six months, Chicago recorded zero weekend homicides due to gun violence, according to police.
MWRD Commissioner Race Too Close to Call Between Sharon Waller, Daniel Pogorzelski
Challenger Sharon Waller holds a slight lead over incumbent Daniel “Pogo” Pogorzelski in the race to claim a seat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s board of commissioners, with more than 100,000 outstanding vote-by-mail ballots still uncounted.
‘Dream Realized’ as Illinois Conservation Groups Add 1,000 Acres to Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge
The Conservation Fund, Illinois Audubon Society and Openlands announced the purchase of the 985-acre Tamarack Farms, which will now become the single largest property within McHenry County’s Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.
As Polls Close in Illinois Primary, Chicago Ekes Out 20% Voter Turnout
The initial turnout tally was at just 20.2% of the nearly 1.7 million registered voters — including early voting and vote-by-mail ballots.
Obama Foundation Donating $4M to Build Divisive Playground at Midway Plaisance
Though lauded as “groundbreaking” by the Park District, the playground has met with significant opposition from neighbors, who have faulted the choice of the Plaisance's east end as too dangerous for a play space.
Adler Planetarium Admission Fee Increase OK’d by Park District Board
On Wednesday, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners approved an admission fee increase that will take effect April 1.
The Cicadas Are Coming, Do Your Trees Need Protecting? Experts Weigh In
Young trees could be vulnerable to damage from the emergence of millions of periodical cicadas in Illinois this spring. Here are tips on how to protect your trees.
Friends of the Parks to the Chicago Bears: Play Ball With Stakeholders on New Stadium Plans
The parks advocacy group said it isn’t chasing the Bears out of Chicago, but wants an “open, clear and free discourse driven by the public instead of private interests.”
The Solar Eclipse Is a Month Away, But the Time to Get Your Viewing Glasses — and Smartphone Filters — Is NOW
If you've been sleeping on the North American total solar eclipse of 2024, it's time to start paying attention. The big event — on April 8 — is fast approaching and folks who haven't prepared could find themselves left out in the dark.
It’s Time to Spring Forward, and Schedule a Nap for Sunday
Daylight saving time officially arrives at 2 a.m. Sunday.
Remember Chicago’s Native and Pollinator Garden Registry? It’s Finally Getting off the Ground
More than two years after Chicago's City Council passed an ordinance creating a Native and Pollinator Garden Registry, an advisory board has finally been appointed to oversee the operation.
A Chicago Resident Requested a Parkway Tree. The City Planted an Invasive Species
Just because a species is known to be invasive doesn’t mean it’s officially regulated as such. One Chicagoan learned that lesson the hard way.
Buddy Guy to Headline Chicago Blues Festival During Farewell Tour
The blues legend will close out the festival, set for June 6-9.
Former Home of Butternut Bread, ‘Pride of the South Side’ and Whitewashed Mural All on Preservation Chicago’s 2024 ‘Most Endangered’ List
Preservation Chicago announced its annual "7 Most Endangered" list Wednesday.
Number of Active Eagle Nests Now Up to 4 in Will County
It's the first time four active nests have all been located on Will County forest preserve property.
Demolition Begins on Illegal Building in Humboldt Park
The illegal building, intended as an archive for the neighboring landmarked National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, has been at the center of controversy since 2022.
Invasive Dupes, Part 5: The Common Reed’s Identity Crisis is a Doozy
For the last in our series on invasive species that can be mistaken for natives, here’s one of the trickiest: phragmites, also known as common reed.
