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" 

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “To address underreported and unsolved missing persons cases, particularly those involving ppl of color, I advanced SB 3932 to require a coroner or medical examiner with custody of human remains that are not identified within 72 hours to notify the FBI”  

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) tweeted, “With approx 7,000 units of local taxpayer funded governments, it is time for these government bodies to be evaluated for efficiency, accountability and consolidation. That's why I'm advancing a bill to make them more accountable, efficient and transparent.”  

Rep. Charlie Mier (R-Highland) tweeted, “Only after the Democrat Governor of California makes a similar announcement, Governor Pritzker follows in lockstep to lift the mask mandate beginning on Feb. 28. #twill"  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Parents and their children have had enough over the last two years. Science shows that kids are at the lowest risk, and Governor Pritzker’s decision to keep them masked will further hinder their development as they continue to grow.”  

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “After the death of Deidre Silas, a caseworker for the Department of Child and Family Services, I introduced legislation to increase protections for child protection workers” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Illinois plans to end the state’s indoor mask mandate on Feb. 28 for most indoor settings if COVID-19 hospitalizations and other metrics continue trending down. Masks will continue to be required where it is required by the federal government, including on public transportation. Masking in schools will also continue for the time being. Pritzker said private businesses and other local governments may continue to require people wear masks.   

The Illinois Housing Development Authority had a breach of the Illinois Rental Payment Program on Feb. 1, according to a news release. The breach happened when some people logging into the site were able to view documents submitted by other applicants to the program. The breach was a result of a coding error and not a hack. 

Khama Sharp has been named acting assistant director at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. In this role, she will focus on implementing the department’s economic development agenda in downstate Illinois. Sharp previously as deputy general counsel at the department’s Springfield office.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “So damn proud of my colleague @AldMattMartin 

leading this subcommittee on the Chicago Recovery Plan. Bringing much needed oversight and accountability to these investments!”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “What sorts of community amenities would you like to see at Lake Calumet? Take this short survey to leave your input! Survey link: https://cmap.is/3ABD15p”  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted, “Repeal ! Another man won't face murder charge after change to state law; Republicans say SAFE-T Act should be repealed”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I am proud to stand with my colleagues @Alderman_Beale @AldermanTabares @mattoshea19 @aldcurtis18 @aldnapolitano41, Ald Sposato, Ald Burke, Ald Quinn, Ald Gardiner in demanding @ChiPublicHealth & @chicagosmayor end the mask/vax mandates by Feb 11th!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “I'm at the #LoganSquare Blue Line greeting voters and collecting petition signatures with @PresPreckwinkle, @DanPogoFC, and Judge Diana Lopez this morning. Election Day is Tuesday, June 28.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “It is the lifting and raising of mandates that creates long term instability as variants continue, positivity rates rise, and we find ourselves regularly disrupting consumer/business owner experience. Better to maintain mask wearing and vaccination expectations in the long run.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “This morning, I am chairing the committee overseeing Chicago's $2B pandemic relief funds. We must ensure these investments quickly reach the people who need them the most. Simply put, implementation matters.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The building at 6948 N. Western has been condemned and is set for demolition in the immediate future. Expect to see crews out there as early as today to knock down the building.” 

The Cook County Department of Public Health announced late Wednesday that it will lift the mask and vaccination mandate in effect in suburban Cook County consistent with the state of Illinois on Feb. 28, but only on the conditions of “sustained improvement in hospital and ICU bed availability with decreased admissions for COVID, decreased case rates to a moderate level” and “decreased case positivity rate to a moderate level.” 

The group Social Responsibility Chicago will host a virtual event at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 16 titled “Unpacking the Impact of a More Sustainable Future.” It will be moderated by “Check Please” executive producer David Manilow, and panelists will include Maurice Cousin, director of food access capacity for the Greater Chicago Food Depository; World Business Chicago CEO Michael Fassnacht; and Illinois Restaurant Association president Sam Toia.  

The group Good Government Illinois will host a virtual “City Hall Update” event at 7 p.m. on Feb. 22. Moderated by David Orr, the panel will include Chicago Ald. Scott Waguespack (32), Ald. Maria Hadden (49) and Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22). Online registration is required. 

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) touted the endorsement of Ald. Maria Hadden (49) in her Congressional race, writing that the two women “share a vision where city contracts are given equitably, and minority-owned small businesses are supported and fostered. I'm proud to work with this progressive leader on the City Council and grateful for her support in this race!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “New Jersey. California. New York. What the hell are we waiting for? No more mask mandates or vax requirements. Leave it to the people & businesses to decide for themselves.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “The City of Chicago should absolutely buy the shuttered West Garfield Park Aldi. I am in full support of @AldermanErvin's plan. Our city should go one step further and operate it as a municipal grocery store - other cities have done this successfully.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, ‘HB4556, sponsored by Rep @WillGuzzardi , would make it legal to get test strips for detecting the presence of fentanyl in street drugs. Please take a moment to register your support for HB4556 by filling a witness slip TONIGHT!”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted, “If it’s not a tourism campaign, whatever it is, it’s missing the mark. All successful campaigns stay nimble & able to pivot when a tactic or message doesn’t quite resonate. This can’t be the only concept pitched. Chicago influenced other cities, great! So what? Show ‘em Chicago!!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Our community lost a legend this past week. Stephen Cunneen, owner of Cunneen's Bar, passed away at the age of 86. Neighborhoods can feel like home because of the places that define them. Cunneen’s is one of those special places that has defined Rogers Park for so many people.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) wrote in her latest newsletter, “After months of investigating community concerns and criminal activity, the Chicago Police Department’s 24th District just served a Search Warrant on the 6900 block of N. Western. This was a coordinated effort with multiple law enforcement partners, both Federal and Local.” 

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services will be holding virtual townhall meetings with residents on Wednesday nights beginning Feb. 9 and running until June. The meetings will target specific geographic regions of the state. People can register to attend online. 

Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) tweeted, “ISP data shows expressway shootings in Illinois have more than doubled each year for the last three years, demonstrated by this map: https://bit.ly/35S7LUh Thankfully, we’ve already seen the positive impact of my legislation introducing ALPR systems in our communities.”  

Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) tweeted, “The courts have given school districts every bit of legal cover that they need to act in the best interest of kids on the masking, testing, and quarantine issues. Any district that is still staying with the “status quo” in spite of a court finding the Governor’s orders “null and void” are making a political and CYA decision without regard to critical thought, common sense or welfare for students and teachers. This mask theater is stupid, it sets all kinds of terrible precedents, it’s ineffective at best, and has to end. What will it take for these remaining districts to grow a spine and stand up? @Awake_IL @WSOS_illinois @EWoodhouse7"  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We are on a despicable road if we allow a serial polluter to move from one neighborhood & place it in another one. We have an obligation not to just protect citizens from preexisting hazards but to not create new ones. Bad for Lincoln Park = Bad for South Chicago. The last community meeting on General Iron is a week from today on 2/15. Let your voice be heard. @stopgeneraliron We can stop our history of environmental injustice & degradation now.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “I want to thank @ALSOChicago for their support of HB4116: Justice in the Workplace Act. This bill would protect employees from "unfair hiring and employment policies that block or terminate individuals based solely on cannabis drug tests"  

Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) tweeted, “Illinois is surrounded by states that have been mask optional for months or longer. Parents & school officials, it's past time to stand up to Gov Pritzker's clear overreach.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “JB Pritzker has governed by executive order for the last two years, ignoring the input of parents and local communities that are affected by his policies the most.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “There’s always one thing that’s consistent about Illinois…you should never underestimate the inaccuracy of motivated partisan reporters and bloggers. Facts matter — especially these days. The statement I made in the press recently was direct and to the point. A proposed bill with provisions regarding sharing personal medical information would violate individuals’ constitutional protections. I stand by my position on the bill. However, I will not defend or comment on statements, positions and wild conclusions drawn from an article which are the creation of others, and now are falsely being attributed to me. As someone who, for many years, has had a public record of civility and has seen contentious public debate, both at the local and state levels, I expect respectful discourse on issues before the House, on and off the floor, and I will continue that practice. Finally, as a father of 5 daughters, I rebuke all who harass or threaten anyone in public service — it is never appropriate or acceptable.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “More Liberal Governors are seeing the light and removing the masks off of kids, but Pritzker is doubling down again on his tyrannical policies & fighting in court to force kids in Illinois to wear masks. This isn’t about safety, it’s about control. Remove the mandates, JB! #twill" 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “SB4040 and SB2132 started as an idea from my district's people’s legislative council, specifically the Single Parents Council, in 2021. I feel it is critical that my legislative work this spring should address their concerns about how to balance parental responsibilities with their work. I am excited to continue amplifying single-parent voices through the Single Parent’s Bill of Rights, which includes SB4040 and SB2132.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “In Illinois we believe in quality #jobs for all young workers. I’m proud to be working with #YIMidwest to pass the the Young Workers Bill of Rights Resolution #twill"  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “It was great meeting this morning to discuss the 2022 Northwest Municipal Conference Legislative Program with my colleagues and friends. I'm proud to co-sponsor HB 4169; to increase funding to the Local Government Distributive Fund.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Now that many schools are going mask optional since the Governor's executive order has been struck down by the courts, somethings have not changed. Stop all mandates. #UNMASKOURCHILDREN.”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) tweeted, “I've said all along that these decisions should be made locally, where local elected officials, health departments, and parents are making decisions that are best for children and the community.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “For those of you asking my take on HB4640 ... it's a NO from me.”  

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Chicago) tweeted, “*not a criticism of the reporting here* There’s no lack of clarity. The order gives the ability for districts, via their governance, to change course, but it’s optional. To have kids missing school over *this* is truly -through-the-looking-glass stuff.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced he made four appointments on Monday. Sixteen people were appointed to the Integracy Task Force on Homelessness: Christine Haley, Kristin Faust, Grace Hou, Theresa Eagleson, Carmen Ayala, Giner Ostro, Brian Durham, Rob Jeffries, Terry Prince, Marc Smith, Ngozi Ezike, Paula Basta, Heidi Mueller, Sylvia Garcia, Kristin Richards, and Brendan Kelly. Eighteen people were appointed to the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness: Chrstine Haley, Richard Rowe, Tamela Milan-Alexander, Otha Gaston, Cathleen O’Brien, Nicole Wilson, Debbie Reznick, Marvin Lindsey, Niya Kelly, Carolyn Ross, Ron Lund, Sandy Deters, Jennifer Hill, Brandie Knazze, Richard Monocchio, Brenda O’Connell, Veronica Reyes, Susan Reyna-Guerrero. Allison Anderson and Todd Roach were appointed to the Access and Functional Needs Advisory Committee  

Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Dana O’Leary as the Acting Director of the Department of Labor with a term to expire on April 8. O’Leary has worked as chief of staff at the department since September 2021, according to her LinkedIn. Former Director Michael Kleinik, who was appointed director in 2019, retired.   

Illinois is receiving $75 million from the U.S. Department of the Interior to help clean up abandoned coal mines, according to the governor’s office. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Abandoned Mine Lands Program oversees abandoned mines and the funds will be used to deal with environmental issues created by the mines.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Following up on the tickets we issued this weekend, #Team15 is out clearing & salting sidewalks along 63rd Street to help 15th Ward residents. We will continue other major streets following issuance of citations. To report problem sidewalks, please call my office at 773-823-1539.”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Get vaccinated and save lives. Let’s continue to push @ThePeoplesResp3 ordinance to bring vaccination to our schools, park districts and most vulnerable communities”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted a photo of himself and Ald. Matt Martin (47) and wrote “I celebrated the Lunar New Year today at the South-East Asia Center at Golden Diner with San O, a neighborhood treasure.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Our community lost a legend this past week. Stephen Cunneen, owner of Cunneen's Bar, passed away at the age of 86. Neighborhoods can feel like home because of the places that define them. Cunneen’s is one of those special places that has defined Rogers Park for so many people.” 

Applications opened on Monday for 2022 CityArts Program grants for Chicago nonprofit arts organizations. Approximately $6 million in total grant funds will be available, with grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 awarded to each recipient. Applicants can apply online until March 22. 

Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin will host a virtual workshop at 5 p.m. on Feb. 16 on “Credit & Money Management.” Online registration is required.

Andre B. Ashmore, Jr. has begun working as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, he announced on LinkedIn. He was previously Civil Service Coordinator for the Village of Tinley Park. 

The Chicagoland Apartment Association on Friday named Valerie Fertitta as its new board president. Feritta is Managing Director of Real Estate for Greystar Property Management Services.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted, “I am very excited to have launched my own YouTube channel! While it's a little sparse right now, more great content is coming. Like & subscribe info linked below, along with info on a vaccine clinic at Kennicott Park, Cannabis-related business and more...” 

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted a link to “Memorial fund for Amanda Calo and her children. Such an amazing Young woman taken by such a senseless cowardly act. Two babies left without their mom. If you can please consider helping.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “RES/COM property owners have had plenty of time to clear sidewalks associated w/ their properties - as required by law. My Ward Supt & staff have begun ticketing private properties that have failed to clear the public way.” 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter that she and business owners “gathered with 8th District Commander Spreyne to talk about how the new POD camera and License Plate Reader at Archer and Austin will give police the tools they need to keep our neighborhood safe.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) wrote in her latest newsletter that developer Reinventive is seeking to construct a 40 unit building that is more family oriented, with 4,100 sq ft of commercial space at 2820 N. Elston Ave. 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “I am in a constant state of grateful that we have the leadership of our Governor during this moment.” 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted that he agrees that the city’s new “Chicago not in Chicago” tourism slogan is a “dud.” 

A report from the U.S. Census Bureau found Illinois is one of the top 10 states in the nation for the number of business start-ups. Close to 200,000 business start-ups were created in 2021, according to the report, which is an increase of almost 30,000 since last year. It was the most start-ups reported since 2004. Illinois also had more start-ups than any state in the Midwest and ranked sixth nationally.

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “I am a #ChampionforJustice! Thank you to the Coalition to End Money Bond and the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice for honoring me with this special recognition. Illinois took a huge step forward in creating a more just and fair pretrial process by ending cash bail in 2023.” 

Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) tweeted, “Important article. @StateRepDeb46 I’ve received many calls and emails about HB 4640. The bill’s intent is being misunderstood. Please don’t take the policy discussion to these dark places. https://t.co/FOKo2d4NC2" 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Another shooting outside of my house. Meanwhile, the status quo tough on crime people blame laws that haven’t even gone into effect. They’re spewing useless drivel. Some of us actually want to make every space in this city and state safer because it legitimately impacts us.” 

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “Students with disabilities face seemingly insurmountable challenges every day. For many of these students and their families, the COVID-19 pandemic has only added to their worries; and helping families access much-needed assistance should be a priority.” 

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted, “Today on what would be the 109th birthday of the great leader & activist #RosaParks, we honor the legacy of the woman who helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Movement. Let's continue her mission by never tolerating injustice & always fighting for equality. #BlackHistoryMonth" 

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today I'm filing 77 appropriation bills that contain @GovPritzker FY23 budget proposal. (Executive branch agencies). They start with House Bill 5602.” 

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “No words 4 the vicious attacks on a legislator who don't like a bill re vaccination & public health records. Heard enuf? There's more. The haters double down by comparing the bill to the actions of Nazi's. How low can you go?”