It is January 1. It is 16 degrees. The holiday adrenaline has worn off, leaving only the crystallized salt on your boots and a Bears team that somehow clinched a division title while losing a football game. Welcome to 2026.
Weather, Unfortunately
Today: 16°F. Feels like 12°F. The sky is gray.
This week: The radar is showing snow ("virga") that evaporates before it hits the ground. Even the precipitation is hesitant to be here.
Transit Report
The L: No major fires reported. Suspiciously quiet.
Metra: Service is likely running on Sunday schedules. Plan accordingly.
CTA: Buses are running. Whether they are running on time is a philosophical question we cannot answer today.
City Problems (Not the Big Ones)
Failing Upwards The Bears lost to the 49ers (42-38) last night. They also clinched the NFC North title because the Packers lost to the Ravens. This is the most efficient way to succeed: let someone else do the math for you. Read More
The Sickness If your office slack is a graveyard of "out sick" emojis, it’s not just a hangover. Flu hospitalizations are spiking earlier than usual. Wash your hands. Read More
Tax Cut The statewide 1% grocery tax is officially dead as of today. You will save pennies on your eggs. You will likely spend those pennies on the bag tax. The circle of life continues. Read More
Guard Withdrawal
The National Guard is leaving. Trump says it’s because he fixed the crime; Governor Pritzker tweeted that the President is simply "lying again" after losing in court. The troops are packing up regardless.
Actually Useful
Eat: Huck Finn (Oak Lawn/South Side) — Open all the time. Get the donuts. Do not count the calories.
Do: Volunteer with Cardz For Kidz — They have an event this Sunday. A low-stakes way to be a decent person to start the year.
Avoid: The ER — Unless you are dying. The flu spike means wait times are biblical.
Reader Intel
Reply with:
Your neighborhood.
The most aggressive driver you saw on the Dan Ryan this week.
See you next Thursday. Try to stay warm.
The Chicago Signal.