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woodstock willie didn’t see his shadow, so it’s spring now. willie made his big call on feb 2: no shadow, which means early spring according to groundhog folklore. no follow-ups, please. proof we’re listening to mammals again

the auto show is back if you’re into that. the chicago auto show runs through feb 16. you can sit in cars you’ll never buy, smell leather that smells like debt, and pretend to understand trim packages. go stare at expensive metal

dixmoor’s water main is fixed, but you still have to boil it. a water main break knocked out service. the repairs are done, but a boil order is still in effect with no clear end date. drink accordingly. still not tap water time

park ridge swim school chemical leak sends five to the hospital. a chemical leak at goldfish swim school led to a hazmat response and five hospitalizations during swim lessons. officials say there’s no ongoing threat. this one is not funny

today: mostly cold and grumpy. highs stick around the low 20s, with lows near single digits. any leftover snow refuses to melt, because it’s January’s petty cousin.

mid‑week (wednesday-ish): temperatures flirt with the teens. the low dips to about 13° — what we call “standard punishment.” if you must venture outside, bundle up and brace yourself for that face‑numbing wind.

friday: a brief “warm‑ish” reprieve arrives with highs nearing 33°, which now qualifies as “mild.” don’t get too comfortable — the cold will be back before you’ve finished pretending to enjoy it.

weekend: highs hover in the low‑to‑mid 20s and it may snow a bit, just to make a point. the lake might also contribute with some cranky lake‑effect flurries. lows stay in the teens. visibility may remain optional.

key concerns:

two groundhogs, two predictions, one complete lack of accountability:

chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water. elgin tests 0.25%. elgin does more. elgin. buy a testing kit or check your building’s status. better now than kidney damage later.

eat: gilda basque tavern is opening in west town, and prequel café is expanding. bring your strongest opinions about toast. read the food drop

do: artisan markets and master gardener events are blooming in dekalb county. you might leave with a gourd. buy honey next to someone named deb

avoid: avoid getting cute with online “deals” or job offers right now because chicago‑area scam reports have nearly doubled and the BBB says fake shops, phishing texts, and phony jobs are everywhere slow down before you click

lambs farm in libertyville is doing a valentine’s greenhouse event. there will be warmth. there will be crafts. there will be feelings. go touch plants with your kids

a chicory coffee cake that uses chicory coffee in both the batter and glaze. pairs well with pretending winter’s almost over. bake this and feel something

chicago’s restaurant speakeasy trend is still happening. more hidden doors. more expensive cocktails.

this was your chicago signal. i’m going to lie under a pile of coats. back thursday unless a squirrel declares martial law.

-sam