Good afternoon! It looks like the weather could take a turn tomorrow as a winter storm moves across the Midwest, so you’ll want to grab an umbrella before heading out. Here’s what else you need to know.

1. Lightfoot’s campaign sent thousands of emails to staff at Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s campaign has sent more than 9,900 emails to CPS and City Colleges staff since last spring, according to records obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ.

The campaign is currently under investigation for potential ethics rules violations after it reached out to public school teachers and college staff for student volunteers.

Lightfoot last month characterized these recruitment efforts as a “bad mistake” by one young staffer.

“But the campaign had for months been sending CPS and City Colleges staff thousands of other emails unrelated to the student volunteer solicitation — some from multiple campaign staffers. The emails ranged from generic fundraising appeals to invitations to private town halls and requests for help gathering petitions,” report WBEZ and the Sun-Times. [WBEZ]

2. We’re just seven days away from the Feb. 28 election

And the big ticket race for mayor will likely head to an April runoff election unless one of the nine candidates miraculously gets more than 50% of the total votes.

If you don’t know who you’re voting for yet, the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ have a great voter guide to help you make informed decisions in the races for mayor, the City Council and the newly created police district councils.

And there are big dynamics in play this year that could give us a sense of how far to the left Chicago voters are leaning.

Self-proclaimed progressives in Chicago saw some momentum in last year’s midterm elections. But a counter movement from the business community and more moderate voters has bubbled up.

And with crime and public safety as the top issues for voters, the results of these contests could have big implications for how City Hall tackles a rise in violence during the pandemic. [WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times]

3. Anjanette Young endorsed Brandon Johnson on the anniversary of the botched police raid on her home

Social worker Anjanette Young, who was forced to stand naked in front of an all-male police team that wrongfully raided her home, today endorsed Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson for mayor.

As my colleague Fran Spielman reports, Young’s decision to pass over Mayor Lightfoot is unsurprising. That’s because the mayor and her allies blocked a plan named after Young that would have gone farther than police raid reforms approved by the City Council.

“But Young’s endorsement of Johnson is nevertheless significant because it could remind progressive voters about Lightfoot’s opposition to those reforms and about the controversy surrounding Lightfoot’s changing story about what she knew and when she knew it about the Feb. 21, 2019 raid on Young’s home,” Spielman writes. [Chicago Sun-Times]

4. The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could dramatically change the internet

Today’s case before the nation’s highest court looks at whether Google, Facebook and other tech companies should be legally liable for harmful content posted by users.

These companies are currently shielded from such lawsuits under a federal law enacted more than a quarter century ago in the early days of the internet.

The case comes from the family of Nohemi Gonzalez, an American college student killed during the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris that left 130 people dead and more than 400 others injured.

The Gonzalez family argues Google’s YouTube aided and abetted Islamic State terrorists by recommending ISIS-related videos to viewers most likely to be interested in them.

This is not the only case currently before the Supreme Court that could have seismic ramifications on the internet. Tomorrow, the justices will hear arguments in a lawsuit accusing Twitter of contributing to terrorism. [Associated Press]

5. Today’s Paczki Day, the Super Bowl for Chicago bakeries

Happy Paczki Day, aka Fat Tuesday, aka Shrove Tuesday!

My colleague Courtney Kueppers visited the beloved Bridgeport Bakery yesterday as workers prepped thousands of paczki, a doughnut-like sweet treat that is in high demand this time of the year.

“People smile when they get a paczki. That makes me keep going,” said bakery owner Can Lao, who was running on two hours of sleep and had a light dusting of flour covering his clothes.

Lao anticipates he’ll sell 10,000 paczki this week. While that sounds like a lot, it’s down from the 25,000 pastries sold during the bakery’s heyday, partly because Lao limited the number of orders this year. [WBEZ]

Here’s what else is happening

• Mayor Lori Lightfoot is accused of working against police officers seeking “duty disability” after suffering complications from COVID-19. [Chicago Sun-Times]
• Protesters greeted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as he spoke to Chicago police officers this week. [Chicago Sun-Times]
• Many Chicago residents with disabilities will likely face obstacles when voting on Election Day. [WBEZ]
• The Chicago Transit Authority adopted its color-coded system 30 years ago today. [Block Club Chicago]

Oh, and one more thing …

Local author Rebecca Makkai earned widespread recognition for her critically acclaimed The Great Believers, which landed on the short lists for the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award.

That may sound like a tough act to follow, but Makkai found a way forward with I Have Some Questions for You, a murder mystery for the #MeToo era that’s out today, writes my colleague Bianca Cseke.

“I grew up on Unsolved Mysteries, America’s Most Wanted and Dateline,” Makkai said.

If you’re a big fan of Makkai’s work, the author will discuss her new novel this Saturday during a WBEZ event at the Apollo Theater. Tickets cost $12 to $40. [WBEZ]

Tell me something good …

What’s something new that you want to try out?

Beth writes about the new Alamo Drafthouse movie theater that opened in Chicago:

“I’ve been to Alamo Drafthouse twice so far, and it’s a treat. Word to the wise: Get there a little early to order drinks and food so you can figure out the system before the lights go down. Everything I’ve had so far is slightly spicy — in a good way!

“Their commitment to a nostalgic vibe encompasses not only the door of the parking garage and the video-store bar (which doubles as the box office) but also the pre-screening trailers! My screening of M3gan was preceded by a selection of ’80s and ’90s doll commercials and low-budget doll-horror-movie trailers.

“Plus, Tuesday screenings are just $7! Don your favorite cheesy aerobics gear, and I’ll see you there!”

Feel free to email me, and your response might be shared in the newsletter this week.