There is a crucial update to a crucial story: The human responsible for the groundhog is taking the fall for Phil's incorrect (and apparently litigious) prediction that spring was on its way. And it may have worked.
Butler County is angry that the groundhog got his prediction wrong. At some future time, visitors from another planet — or, perhaps, our own ancestors, who somehow come across the drifting remains of our modern life for the first time — will find this news article and be completely perplexed. Herein, a spirited defense.
Did you know it's Groundhog Day? Were you aware that when you awoke Saturday morning a decision would be made that would effect things as dramatically as the seasons? That Winter's fate would be left to a small creature?
With the non-winter we've had here on the East Coast, this year, Punxsutawney Phil could not have done his job right no matter what the little guy predicted.
Have a story we missed? A link we have to click? A sharp opinion about the news? Instead of waiting for us to post it, tell us on the Open Wire.
Submit your news and ideas | See all reader postsThe Atlantic Wire is your authoritative guide to the news and ideas that matter most right now. Our team tracks newsmakers and opinions across the entire media spectrum: newspapers, web sites, television, radio and magazines.
But we do more than just collect information. By synthesizing, analyzing and summarizing what’s out there, and adding new information when we can, we are a news engine that gives you a quick and valuable account of the issues of the day.
Have a hot tip? A story we missed? Tell us on the Open Wire
How to send us editorial or technical feedback
Get Five Best Columns in your inbox each morning (preview)
