Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday announced her nomination of Myetie Hamilton as the next president of the Chicago Park District Board. Hamilton is vice president of the community service group City Year Chicago and was previously a deputy network chief in Chicago Public Schools. Hamilton would take over for former board president Avis LaVelle, who resigned late last year amid the park district’s ongoing lifeguard sexual assault scandal.  

Cook County Board of Review Comm. Michael Cabonargi (D-2) will join Chicago Urban League CEO Karen Feeman Wilson, Diane Shelly of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Courtney Jones of the Black Coalition for Housing and Sarah Ware of the Chicago Association of Realtors for a virtual event at 6 p.m. Thursday “to discuss how racial bias in home appraisals contributes to the racial wealth gap.” Online registration is required. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “So excited for this collaboration! @chicagoswards and @CoalitionMapChi have been exploring cooperation for months as we seek an equitable and fair ward map! The partnership is official!!”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “As you may be aware, CDOT will be performing repairs to the 126th St. Pedestrian Bridge over Indian Creek near the intersection of 126th Place and Avenue O. Work is scheduled to start February 21, 2022, and to be completed by March 4, 2022. The bridge will be fully closed to pedestrian crossing during repairs.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted photos of himself and Ald. Nicholas Sposato (38) with hand sanitizer outside the 38th Ward office and wrote “Need some hand sanitizer, my guy got ya covered! Thanks Ald Sposato & our friends at @StreetsandSan for thinking of the residents of the 15th Ward!”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) appeared to tweet at every Chicago alderman with a Twitter handle, writing “Thousands of @SpecialOChi athletes need your support! Will you take the Chicago Polar Plunge with me? We are back on the beach March 6th.  Register for team Alderbear online at http://sochicago.org #freezinforareason”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Big news in the fight to give Chicago residents the best opportunity to choose their neighborhood's alderperson: The People's Map, CHANGE Illinois Action Fund & @CoalitionMapChi are joining forces to advance a map that puts transparency, fairness, and community-input first.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Looking forward to working together with @chicagoswards to ensure that Chicagoans have a fair map that acknowledges the data, VRA and the voices of the residents of Chicago. #Referendum2022 #letthepeopledecide”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Apply for appointment to the Interim Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability by February 24th. For more information on how to be involved in this critical safety measure, visit the website below.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted a copy of a statement detailing her opposition to Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposal to sue gang leaders and seize their assets and wrote “Tomorrow, the Committee on Public Safety will vote on an ordinance introduced by Mayor Lightfoot that she claims, “will strengthen and support crime prevention tools by allowing the City to file civil claims against streetgangs and their members.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker has appointed former Illinois Innocence Project Director John Hanlon to serve on the state’s Forensic Science Commission. The commission will review the state’s forensic science practices and recommend changes. Hanlon was previously appointed by Pritzker to the Forensic Science Task Force.   

The city of Joliet has hired William Evans as its next chief of police and Sean Connelly as the city’s new inspector general, according to an announcement Wednesday. Evans was previously a Cook County Sheriff’s police officer for 25 years, and Connelly is a private practice attorney who previously served as deputy general counsel for Illinois Central Management Services.

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted, “The process should and does matter. Today the Senate Democrats said that they do not care about that process and do not care about properly vetting the person meant to be the ethical watchdog of the General Assembly.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “Teachers deserve to have the peace of mind that their class will be left in good hands when they take time off. Passing Senate Bill 3915 is a declaration to our teachers that we hear them and we are working toward overcoming these shortages.”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Incentivizing students of social work to start their careers in Illinois will help our local governments recruit the qualified professionals they need, while mitigating the student debt crisis.”  

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) tweeted, “HB 4434 just passed committee! Meaning the @chicagosky and @chicagoredstars may soon be able to represent their team with new license plates that will raise money for Illinois public schools.”  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Down in Springfield to pass bills out of committees to send to the floor. #twill”  

Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) tweeted, “It’s time for parents to retake their local governments.” 

Every U.S. state and territory remained on the Chicago Department of Public Health COVID-19 Travel Advisory on Tuesday, the department announced. But one state — Maryland — is set to come off the list next week because its average daily new cases have dipped below 15 per 100,000 people. Puerto Rico could also come off the list, as its daily case rate is 17.6 per 100,000 people. The average U.S. rate on Tuesday was 48.6 cases per 100,000 people, the Illinois average was 33.8 and Chicago’s daily case rate is 15.9. 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “What does it say that Nick Sposato has more compassion for Patrick Daley Thompson (a man born into privilege) than he does for Adam Toledo (a child born into poverty)?”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “MISSING GIRL: Sullivan High School student and Rogers Park resident, Tariyah Spearman, was last seen leaving her home on Feb. 9. Her family and Chicago Police need our help to locate her. None of her family have heard from her since last Wednesday.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “REMINDER: Free KN-95 masks and COVID-19 self-test kits for seniors and disabled individuals TOMORROW (Feb 16). Come to the 50th Ward Office from 10 AM to 3 PM. Bring an ID that shows 50th Ward residency. Call (773) 262-1050 for accommodations.”  

Cook County Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) released a statement saying he “sent a letter to President Toni Preckwinkle calling for an end to the Cook County COVID Mandate & Restrictions - following the letter from Chicago’s five Catholic High Schools urging Mayor Lightfoot to modify the Chicago’s COVID restrictions on schools and children.” 

Director of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics David Axelrod will be leaving the director position to transition to a role as senior fellow and chairman of the institute's advisory board, the university announced Tuesday. Axelrod will make the transition next January after serving in the director position since 2013. Axelrod previously served as senior advisor to former President Barack Obama during his first term in office.   

The Department of Revenue is offering free income tax filing assistance for low to moderate income families and senior citizens. The department offers several types of assistance for different groups of people. People can visit a Department of Revenue office for help by visiting tax.illinois.gov.   

The Illinois Municipal League is launching a free pension fund trustee training program. The training is available for those serving on police and fire pension boards and is required by state law. The training can be found at iml.org/pensiontrustees. 

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted, “In 1861, President Lincoln signed into law the creation of the Medal of Honor. This weekend I visited and spoke at the Chicago land Veterans Command Post; only the 3rd museum to display the Medal of Honor in Illinois. 

It was a privilege to be at this ceremony with our IL Vets!”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “The House is back in session today starting at noon. We are scheduled to be in Springfield for the rest of the week as we approach the committee deadline for House Bills. Follow along with committee activity and floor debate live at https://ilga.gov/houseaudvid.asp”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “Why did we shut down US oil & gas production? Why are Dems set on hi cost energy? Hurts working families by taking $ away from food, education, medicine & housing. And  impacts manufacturing/job creation. Open the pipelines! Producing our own gas is best way to fight inflation.”  

Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) tweeted, “The work to improve safety in the face of extreme weather events continues. Thank you to everyone who came and testified in the hearing yesterday.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Governor Pritzker’s rule by executive order while failing to seek local input has left local school districts in the dark. Our kids deserve better than this. It’s time to end these mandates once and for all.” 

The Chicago Department of Aviation will host an event at 3 p.m. Wednesday titled “How to Open a Concession at O'Hare and Midway International Airports.” Participants can “learn about the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and how to operate a business at the airport.” Online registration is required.  

The Chicago Housing Justice League will host an event at 6 p.m. Wednesday titled “Chicago Housing Justice League called “Busting the Myth of the 'Mom and Pop' Landlord.” It will be hosted by journalist Adam Johnson and include Karen Pamela Alvarez, organizer with Autonomous Tenants’ Union; Sam Rabiyah, a data researcher with Just Fix NYC; Taft West, a retired property manager; and Bill Lamme, a single-building landlord and member of UNETE.

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) shared the Tribune article on the guilty verdict in the federal trial of Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson (11) and tweeted, “Public service is built on integrity, not self-enrichment. The system should exist for the people and while today’s news is a shameful reminder that’s not always the case, @chicagosmayor can restore public trust by allowing the community to determine who should fill this vacancy.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Rooting for these workers trying to form a union at Howard Brown. We need way more unions and worker power in non-profits providing care. All my love and solidarity in this fight.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “So proud and honored to announce $100,000 in 40th Ward Arts & Access Grants! More details to come!”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Excited to welcome Don Pablo's Kitchen & Bakeshop to 1007 W. Argyle! Stop by from 10-8 to say hello and enjoy their selection of empanadas.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Rogers Park Township is now open for appeals through the Board of Review. Stay tuned for webinar information to help you file your appeal. In the meantime, outreach info can be found at http://cookcountyboardofreview.com/Cabonargi.” 

Tribune reporter Ray Long is publishing a book in March about the legacy and career of former Speaker of the House Mike Madigan. The book is titled “The House that Madigan Built: The Record Run of Illinois’ Velvet Hammer.” The book is available through University of Illinois Press and will be published on March 22.

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “It’s time to eliminate FOID cards and support the Second Amendment and every Illinoisans right to defend themselves and their families. #twill #voidthefoid #ValentinesDay2022”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “In the district I represent, public safety has always been a top issue. That’s why we need public safety for all. People need a roof over their head, food on their table, a good job, and well funded schools.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Legislative Update: My bill, HB 4556, passed out of committee! This bill aims to expand access to fentanyl test strips and reduce opioid deaths across Illinois. Stay tuned for more information on House Bill 4556 next week!”  

President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) tweeted, “Illinois is a leader in the green technology on display at the @chicagoautoshow. I was honored to join @JBPritzker and @ChrisWelch_JD in opening the expo this weekend.”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “My legislation entails that if a DCFS caseworker or investigator is killed in the line of duty, his or her spouse and children under the age of 18 are eligible to receive health insurance benefits.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The relentless drumbeat of death and destruction in this city has to stop. We are losing an entire generation. Yet, we’ve become numb to it. This is not ok. What can we do? We have to be willing to do whatever it takes.” 

Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) wrote in her latest newsletter that “has never been in favor of statewide mandates, and [Gov. JB Pritzker’s] latest order adds to the confusion and frustration Illinoisans have. Illinois is about to enter a third year of Gov. Pritzker ruling unilaterally through Executive Orders and statewide mandates.”  

Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) held a news conference with Pastor Anthony Williams Sunday “to push more for businesses and professionals to have opportunities.” In a news release, Ford wrote, “I think there is some low-hanging fruit, and that's the Black Press. If the Chicago Bears and the NFL did business with the Black Media, that would be a great start and an easy path forward.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today, February 13th, Commissioner @mike_cabonargi  joined me in the 50th Ward as we knocked on doors petitioning for each other, plus chatting with folks about important issues facing them and their families.”  

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Yesterday, I met with Rockford Illinois Police Department Chief of Police Carla Redd to discuss how I can help our officers legislatively in Springfield. We shared some great ideas and I'm excited to put these ideas into action!”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted a thread starting, “There’s been a lot of talk in Chicago recently about addressing criminal culpability through civil liability. While we are having that conversation let’s talk about the “deep pockets” in the middle of too much of this despair.” 

The Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission announced the launch of the Illinois Postsecondary Profiles project, which compiles data from hundreds of colleges and universities in Illinois and to help connect high school students with postsecondary options. The tool is available online.

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted, “I just signed a @TheActionNet petition in support of @ILCannabisWrkrs: NO TO CANNABIS SWEATSHOPS. Sign here to stand in solidarity with #cannabis workers keeping the cannabis industry accountable to their promises of social equity and good jobs:”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, ‘It’s urgent to address the needs of the people most at risk and pave the way to move in the direction of healing. Folding to conservative talking points that are against all evidence and best practices takes us in the opposite direction and we always end up in the same place.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that the City Council Budget Subcommittee on Chicago Rescue Plan of which he serves as vice-chair “will help provide critical oversight and transparency, working to ensure that these federal funds are spent as quickly and effectively as possible.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted, “This week, we lost Mimi Harris, a wonderful neighbor and advocate for our City. She worked tirelessly to support the lives of those in her community. Her memory and good work will carry on.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “Collecting signatures this morning with [Cook County Board of Review candidate Samantha Steele]. Petitioning is part of our long-term organizational legacy as a democracy & a key step to mobilize change, whether it be change in policy, protecting our rights, or introducing new reps!  

Cook County Comm. Luis Arroyo (D-8) tweeted a reelection campaign video and wrote, “This is our community. I was born here, raised here and I stayed here. I LOVE this place and you the people who call the 8th District home.” 

The Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance will hold a fundraising event at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 23 with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District president and Cook County Assessor candidate Kari Steele as a featured guest. Online registration is required. 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) will co-host a public safety webinar at 4 p.m. on March 1 with Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. Dart’s team will “discuss their crime reduction initiatives, Carjacking Task Force, and answer pre-submitted questions.” Online registration is required. 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “DuSable Museum invites you to a reception celebrating the global premiere of Equiano Stories next Wednesday, February, 16 from 6-9 PM at 750 East 56th Place. RSVP by emailing [email protected].”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “10th Ward Residents, all dibs will be removed from parking spaces and parkways by Streets and Sanitation starting tomorrow.”  

Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) in his latest newsletter wrote “Yesterday, I joined ten of my colleagues demanding an end to the public health order mandating masks and proof of vaccination in public spaces. Chicago’s positivity numbers are down significantly. People are now safe to decide for themselves what is best for their personal protection.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “This is infuriating. It should come as no surprise to learn the juvenile accused of murdering this Chicago Military Academy freshman was on Electronic Monitoring. Guess what folks? These failed policies are killing innocent people - they certainly failed this young man.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) wrote in his latest newsletter that “In honor of a highly decorated Lakeview resident, U.S. Army Major Timothy Andrew Malberg, who recently passed, there will be a three gun salute this Saturday, from 7:00-7:10pm, outside the Lakeview Funeral Home at 1458 W Belmont. CPD officers will be flyering a several block radius around the funeral home with details. Additionally, 911 dispatchers have been alerted in case there are 911 calls.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted a link to a video of her ward’s Town Hall event and wrote “Did you miss our February Town Hall last night? No worries! Catch the recording here” 

The Department of Natural Resources will place a historical marker outside the Old State Capitol in Springfield to commemorate former President Barack Obama’s 2007 announcement outside the building that he would run for president and the 2008 announcement that then-Delaware Sen. Joe Biden would be his running mate. Obama represented Illinois as a state and U.S. senator. The marker is a joint effort between the department, Old State Capitol, State Historical Society and Obama Presidential Library.   

Users of Illinois’ LINK card will be able to use SNAP benefits to shop for groceries online at Sams’ Club and Meijer, according to a news release from the Department of Human Services. This brings the total number of stores where groceries can be purchased online using a LINK card to 11 in Illinois. The news follows approval of the stores by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This morning by bill SB3865, which removes the use of “alien” in any Illinois statue in reference to people who have mixed statuses and referring to commerce outside of Illinois and the country, passed the Senate Human rights committee!”  
Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “My colleagues in the Senate & I are committed to working with the Illinois Sheriffs' Association & the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police to provide a safety package that addresses the pressing public safety issues facing our communities today.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “Yesterday the Governor announced his plan to drop mask mandates In indoor public places but refused to do so for our kids. I have joined >15 of my House colleagues calling for the Guv to free our children & drop his appeal of Judge Grischow’s ruling. #seethesmiles #MomsForMarty"  

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted, “When Illinoisans passed the constitutional lockbox amendment, they made it loud and clear that they were sick and tired of Illinois officials raiding our state’s Road Fund. It's clear that Gov. Pritzker does not respect the voices of those citizens.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I’ve introduced HB4757 to regulate ghost guns.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We need to do all we can to ensure that our youth in care have access to a financial head start before they have to live on their own."  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Proud that my bill HB4703, No Surprises Act unanimously passed today in committee. Now it's onto the House Floor! @HealthNewsIll @AmericanCancer"  

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted, “Senate Bill 2984 would pave the way for youth entrepreneurs to find assistance at Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers in a program with @IllinoisDCEO #ILGA"