Happy Wednesday. Stay informed on what’s happening in Chicago today from WTTW News.

Shedd Aquarium's New 'Wonder of Water' Exhibit Is Dazzling and Deep

Shedd Aquarium’s new “Wonder of Water” exhibit will greet visitors in the building’s grand rotunda. It highlights the equal importance of saltwater, left, and freshwater ecosystems. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

For only the third time in its nearly 100-year history, Shedd Aquarium is unveiling a new exhibit in its grand rotunda, a cathedral-like space that's been the first stop for most aquarium visitors since 1930. Gone is the Caribbean Reef, a much-loved exhibit that debuted in the 1970s and defined a Shedd experience for multiple generations. In its place is “Wonder of Water,” which opened to the public yesterday.  

Nicknamed "WOW," by Shedd staffers, it's a pair of shimmering tanks — identically sized, each holding 28,110 gallons of water; one glowing blue, the other green — dominate the center of the rotunda. Positioned opposite each other, the tanks are united under a luminous fish scale "crown" that draws on symbolism found throughout the aquarium. One tank replicates a saltwater ecosystem, home to corals, anemones and 1,500 fish, among other animals. The second tank mimics a freshwater environment, full of 5,000 fish and some 50 species of aquatic plants. 

Thanks to our sponsors:

Learn more about advertising & sponsorship with WTTW.

Johnson’s New Budget With a $68.5M Property Tax Hike Passes First Tests

Chicago City Hall. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

Mayor Brandon Johnson's revised 2025 budget plan narrowly eked out of the City Council's finance committee Tuesday. After a 14-12 vote, the $234 million package, which includes a $68.5 million property tax hike and $165.5 million in additional increases of other taxes and fees, will make it through to the next round as Johnson attempts to get a final budget deal by the end of the week. 

Hours later, the City Council’s Budget Committee voted 17-16 to advance the rest of the budget proposal, ensuring that the City Council will be able to vote on the package Friday to avoid an unprecedented shutdown of Chicago city government. The mayor would need 26 votes for his budget to pass. 

Also From WTTW News: 

• Mayor Johnson says the probe into whether his senior adviser violated city residency rule by voting in Texas is still ongoing.  
  

• Advocates recommend that Illinois police receive specialized training in responding to hate crimes.

  
  

  
  

Thanks to our sponsors:

Learn more about advertising & sponsorship with WTTW.

Local Live Music Recommendations for Dec. 11-Dec. 17

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more. 

Wednesday, Dec. 11:
ML Buch, Dorothy Carlos at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
The Danish songwriter’s lush tunes go into experimental and adventurous places. 

Thursday, Dec. 12:
Hemlock, Tenci at Constellation. Tickets.
“444,” the new album from folk and indie rock artist Carolina Chauffe, is one of 2024’s best.  

Friday, Dec. 13:
Sima Cunningham, Max Subar at Constellation. Tickets.
The Finom member performs her new solo LP “High Roller.” 

Saturday, Dec. 14:
REZN, Bosses, Dead Sun at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The local metal outfit plays their 2024 album “Burden” in full.

Back in the Day: December 11, 1984 - U2 Plays Aragon Ballroom 

When you think of U2, you probably imagine the Irish band playing massive stadiums like Soldier Field or performing in state-of-the-art arenas like Las Vegas’ Sphere. Or, you remember how Chicagoans spotted a pretty uncanny Bono impersonator dining at Twin Anchors last year. On this day 40 years ago, before they were the biggest rock band in the world, they played the Aragon Ballroom on Dec/. 11, 1984. It was their fifth-ever show in Chicago, having played gigs at Park West and the University of Chicago’s International House, and they were touring in support of their just-released studio album “The Unforgettable Fire.” According to those in attendance, the show was packed and had to be interrupted a few times to control the crowd. It’d be the last time U2 toured clubs in America, moving onto arenas and stadiums on future jaunts. Check out the setlist from that night here. 

Thanks to our sponsors:

Learn more about advertising & sponsorship with WTTW.

What's a locally made product (book, food item, piece of clothing, etc.) that would make a great holiday gift? 

Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published. 

• An extensive one-on-one with former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. as he makes a public pardon plea. 
  
• What the planned Red Line extension could mean for residents of the Far South Side.
  

5:30 PM|10:00 PM

Want more WTTW News content? Follow WTTW on Instagram to check in with us daily, go behind-the-scenes, and more.

Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry