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It’s 12 days until Christmas, Chicago. Take a few minutes from your holiday preparations to read the latest news about your city from WTTW News.
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Snowy owl. (Credit: Matt Poole / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
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Last week, a snowy owl was spotted in Chicago along the lakefront. Maybe you saw a picture of this majestic arctic visitor posted to social media or read about it online. I opted not to cover the owl’s rare appearance, in part because I was on deadline with other articles, but also out of sensitivity to guidelines recommended by Chicago Ornithological Society.
The society doesn’t allow images of owls on its social media pages, nor does it share locations of the birds. “COS is really the only group (that I know of) that has and enforces this policy,” Edward Warden, president of Chicago Ornithological Society told me via email. “It does put us in an awkward situation, but we’re sticking to our guns for now.”
I covered the debate over snowy owls back in 2022 and the arguments haven’t really changed since then. Some think these beautiful birds are a great way to get people interested in nature and conservation — so the more eyes on them, the better. Others think the publicity attracts curiosity seekers who care less about the bird’s welfare and more about racking up clicks for their TikTok or Instagram posts. Worst case, people with ill intentions could use location information to trap or poach an owl.
Did I err on the side of caution? I don’t know. It’s a dilemma. I’d be interested to hear readers’ thoughts on the issue. Send comments to dailychicagoan@wttw.com. Chicago Ornithological has been hosting “owl prowl” hikes and other programs to educate people about owls and the best ways to interact with them.
Among the tips:
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Things like ruffled feathers, wide eyes, raised horns (where applicable), and staring at you for prolonged periods all point to a bird that is potentially stressed.
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Don't try to get a better photo by doing things like luring an owl with live bait or shaking a tree or chasing them to get an image of the bird in flight. These things all cause them to expend valuable energy.
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Don't use flash at night. This can stun birds or even cause eye damage.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson delivers his budget address on Oct. 30, 2024. (WTTW News)
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Mayor Brandon Johnson will call off the vote planned for Friday on his $17.3 billion 2025 spending plan, raising the odds of an unprecedented shut down of city government in just 18 days, according to sources in his office familiar with the mayor’s plans. The postponement was first reported by WTTW News.
Johnson’s decision to delay the budget vote is an acknowledgment that his spending plan, which would hike property taxes by $68.5 million and increase a host of other taxes and fees by an additional $165.5 million, does not have enough votes to pass the Chicago City Council, even if Johnson cast a tie-breaking vote.
The mayor and the City Council now have two and half weeks to come up with a new spending plan for 2025. Chicago officials have known since the end of August that the city’s 2025 budget would have to bridge a $982.4 million shortfall. Officials have yet to figure out how to fill the remaining $337.4 million budget gap.
On Tuesday, the City Council’s Budget and Finance committees narrowly endorsed Johnson's third budget proposal. To this point, Johnson has ruled out approving a budget that makes significant cuts in city services or lays off city workers.
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Outdoor Activities from Patty Wetli
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Every Friday, WTTW News highlights the best ways to enjoy nature, indoors and out.
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The North Park Village Nature Center — a Chicago Park District jewel — is jumping the gun and holding its winter solstice festival this Saturday, 5-8 p.m. There will be music, crafts, stargazing and luminary-lit walking paths. Click here for details.
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Sign up for a guided winter hike at Starved Rock State Park. The 3-mile round trip trek ends at the park’s lodge, where a cup of hot chocolate awaits. Multiple dates available. Click here for registration info.
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Explore the Lakewood forest preserve in Wauconda at night, on a solar-lit trail hike, Sunday, 4:30-6 p.m. Space is limited; click here to reserve a spot.
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Back in the Day: December 13, 1979 - Yo-Yo Ma Debuts With Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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Yo-Yo Ma is probably the most recognizable classical musician and performing cellist alive. The French-American 69-year-old was born to a musical family of Chinese immigrants in Paris. He learned how to play the cello at four years old. After his family moved to Boston when he was 7, he later attended Juilliard and Harvard. Now, he's one of the most accomplished artists with 19 Grammy wins and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. On this day 45 years ago, Yo-Yo Ma made his debut with the Orchestra on Dec. 13, 1979, at Orchestra Hall in Kabelevsky’s "Cello Concerto" with Leonard Slatkin conducting. He was 24 years old.
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What's a locally made product (book, food item, piece of clothing, etc.) that would make a great holiday gift?
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Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published. Here's what you had to say:
I routinely send pan/deep dish pizzas to friends in pizza-challenged coastal areas — Victoria L.
Just sent Garrett’s “Chicago Mix” to friends in Australia for Christmas. Couldn’t send Frango Mints because they’d turn into sad little puddles by the time they arrived! — Anne U.
Edgewater Candles! Great quality and make a super good local holiday gift. — @clovislives.bsky.social |
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- Amanda Vinicky hosts "Week in Review"
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5:30 PM|7:00 PM|10:00 PM |
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Want more WTTW News content? Follow WTTW on Instagram to check in with us daily, go behind-the-scenes, and more. |
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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry |
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