Sharkey Quits / CPS In-Person / Wirtz Says Sorry / Konkol Column

Gov. J.B. Pritzker did not see his shadow while delivering the state of the state address on Groundhog Day.

I'm not sure what a shadow-less budget address on Groundhog Day might mean for the Illinois governor's looming re-election bid.

Would anybody trust a politician's shadow to foretell the future?

What I can tell you is Pritzker's speech reminded me of the classic film, "Groundhog Day" — the story of a self-centered weatherman inexplicably living the worst day of his life over and over again.

KONKOL COLUMN: Pritzker Delivers 'Groundhog Day' Re-Election Budget Address

Keep Shoveling. High: 27 Low: 16.

• Chicago Public Schools are open for in-person classes today. After heavy snow that topped 9 inches in some parts of town, more snow is on the way. (NBC5)
• Chicago Teachers Union president Jesse Sharkey won't run for re-election. In June, he'll return to teaching. "It is my time to move on," he said. (Patch)
• Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz chewed out a couple of reporters who asked about the road ahead after settling legal trouble over player Kyle Beach's 2010 sexual assault allegations against a former coach. He quickly apologized. "My response to two questions crossed the line. I want to apologize to the fans and those reporters," he said. (WGN)
• Could Jason Van Dyke face federal charges after being released from prison today? Reporter Patrick Smith talked to legal experts who said ... (WBEZ)
• Chicago police confiscated about 800 guns a month in 2021. WGN Investigates broke down the data by police district. (WGN)

From our sponsor:

Hey Chicago, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs!

For A Good Time, Click:

• The Wombats at Park West (7:30 p.m.)
• Cody Johnson and Ian Munsick at The Vic (9:30 p.m.)
• Husbands at Schubas (7:30 p.m.)
• The Minimalists at Thalia Hall (7:30 p.m.)
• Monsta X at Chicago Theater (7:30 p.m.)

Just The Links:

• Take a look inside a 5th generation violin maker's shop.
• Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow. C'mon, spring!
• Check out the Mayor Michael Bilandic memorial "dibs" garden.
• The Bears hired a new defensive coordinator.

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Improovy Painters Chicago — (Visit website)
• Governors State University — (Visit Website)
• Grants Tax & Accounting — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Divorce Boot Camp – Vesta Chicago, IL Hub (February 3)
• Art Exhibit Opening: Visible / Invisible (February 4)
• Shabbat Services - Rabbi Schechter to Speak on "War in Ukraine?" (February 4)
• Protect yourself & Family-Illinois Concealed Carry Classes / 3 Hour CCL renewals & a Free law class (February 5)
• First Saturday Evanston Art Events (February 5)
• Divorce & the Home: Spring Housing Market – Vesta Chicago, IL Hub (February 8)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 8)
• Winter Greek Food Fest (February 11)
• February 4-4 Hour Nighttime Illinois Concealed Carry Class & 3-Hour CCL Renewals (February 11)
• Spanish for Beginners 2022 March Classes Sign up Now! (February 11)
• Chicago Artisan Market (Love & Local) in Ravenswood - Sat-Sun, Feb 12-13 (February 12)
• Piano Quartets & Love Triangles (February 12)
• Add your event

Job listings:

• Customer Service Administrator (Details)
• Landscape Construction Crew Leader (Details)
• Snow Labor (Details)
• Add your job listing

Loving the Chicago Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at mark.konkol@patch.com

— Mark