Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Enjoy today off in celebration of Casimir Pulaski Day, the father of American cavalry. Our office will open back up tomorrow for the remainder of this week”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Can we have a day, one frickin’ day, without Lightfoot shooting herself in the foot. We can call it ‘A Day Without a Controversy’”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) shared a Sun-Times article and tweeted “Our current zoning practices have created a segregated Chicago with high rates of poverty. Something must change. Let's look at what other cities do to create a more equitable process for zoning.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The Moran Center for Youth Advocacy has launched the Rogers Park Project. The project is a pilot program that will provide free educational advocacy to students living in and/or attending school in the Rogers Park neighborhood. To learn more, call 847-492-1410.”

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 is asking the State Board of Investments to divest from pension funds with assets tied to Russia. “AFSCME strongly condemns Putin’s shameful assault on the nation of Ukraine. Each of us must do our part to support the valiant resistance of the Ukrainian people in their struggle to protect their democracy,” Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said in a statement.   

Philippe Largent will become the new state director for AARP Illinois, according to an announcement posted in CapitolFax. Largent has previously run his own lobbying firm.  

The Illinois Senate will open the gallery to 50 percent capacity and masks will be recommended rather than required, according to the President’s Office. A negative PCR test will still be required within the last 72 hours to gain entry into the Senate and Senate offices.

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “This bill can actually cut local property taxes without harming school districts. Thanks to all who worked on this concept over the past two years. Now in the Senate with Senator Gillespie.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “In an effort to combat the #OpioidCrisis in IL I sponsored HB 4556, which will increase access to lifesaving fentanyl testing strips. Last week HB 4556 passed the House UNANIMOUSLY.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “It’s an exciting day! A little rain and snow didn’t delay what we set out to do today. Thank you to all of the voters who opened their doors to sign petitions to get Democrats on the ballot.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “House Democrats' refusal to enact real ethics reform in IL only further erodes public trust in our state government. #EthicsAwarenessMonth"  

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This bill has the potential to lower your property taxes. 👇👇👇 Congrats @walktalker1 and a special shout out to Rep Kelly Burke who wisely stays away from twitter.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “In the news: Solving the problem starts with framing it accurately, said state Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, D-Chicago, who prefers the term “teacher vacancy.” “Just because you can't buy a Ferrari for 99 cents doesn't mean there's a Ferrari shortage."  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Glad to pass HB4595 to protect access to low cost "340B" prescription drugs for uninsured and low income folks at community health centers, HIV clinics, hemophilia centers and safety net hospitals. Thanks @IllinoisPCA @IHAhospitals and @ILPharmacists for fighting this fight!” 

The group Better Streets Chicago will host its first general meeting of the year at 7 p.m. Wednesday to “provide updates on current initiatives like #PlowTheSidewalks, share the latest on how you can help, and more.” Online registration is required. 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted, “Community process over zoning decisions cannot be undermined. Zoning process yielded to bureaucrats is a no go for me.”  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) in her latest newsletter shared a Tribune op-ed she wrote alongside Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) and Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41), and added, “Somebody's gotta say it. Click here to read our op-ed about our city's desperate need to get REAL about public safety. Something needs to change, either priorities, or the politicians.” 

 Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “It feels good to be out knocking doors for 3 great candidates today @AnthonyJQuezada @Lilian4StateRep @Delia4Congress Our progressive movement is growing on Chicago's northwest side.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Sheriff Dart announced that he opened a satellite office in River North and his Deputies are taking an active role in policing the Downtown neighborhoods. Sheriff Deputies have radio interoperability with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and will assist with responding to 9-1-1 calls.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Yesterday, several members of the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus and I met with CPD Superintendent Brown and his senior leadership team to discuss his push to increase the number of detectives by 200 (which should be complete by the end of this month), and the ongoing work of citywide and regional carjacking teams within the Bureau of Detectives.  

Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) wrote in a statement, “Yesterday I received a disturbing package of carefully compiled and plastic-bagged letters in my driveway blaming the “Jewish agenda” for the war in Ukraine, the Covid-19 pandemic, and genocides in general. Indeed, the package also included a “Let’s Go Brandon” flyer listing names and images of members of the Biden Administration. I am nauseated that someone took the time, during a deadly global pandemic, to create many multiples of these packages and deliver them to residents of the 14th District.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday he was appointing Mavet Sweis to the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, Joseph Ghibaudy as public administrator and public guardian of White, Wabash and Hamilton Counties, and Bruce Montgomery to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Happy Birthday, Chicago! Despite what reactionaries say our city isn’t some slur. Our city doesn’t need to compare itself to NYC or LA. We are an amazing city with amazing people doing amazing work.”  

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last night, HB 5581, my legislation to designate the "Milwaukee Avenue Polish Heritage Corridor" was passed out of House floor. I want to thank the Polish American Chamber of Commerce and the Polish Museum of America for their collaboration and support of this initiative.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Michael Madigan is finally indicted but the fight to root out corruption continues. This is only the beginning. The voters will hold Illinois Dems and JB Pritzker accountable in November. #MadiganIndicted #twill"  

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Skokie) tweeted, “I am proud to say HB1780 passed the House. The drug take-back program is aimed at addressing addiction and water pollution at the same time.”  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted, “#working at the Capitol for the people on 3rd Reading Deadline week. This week we are sending House Bills over to Senate. #runwiththerep"  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Not all heroes wear capes, version 42: @repgregharris in the chair as someone asked a member if this was their first bill “None of that today Representative. It’s a getaway day.” #twill"  

Rep. Chris Bos (D-Chicago) tweeted, “A little sleep A lot of coffee And ready to hear “We’ll fix it in the Senate” It’s deadline day in the IL House, the last day to get bills sent over to the Senate. #twill" 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the appointment of Khari Humphries as Chicago’s new Senior Director of Youth Policy in the Mayor’s Office of Education and Human Services. Humphries was previously Executive Director of School Age Strategies for Thrive Chicago, creating collaborative networks of people and data-accelerating innovation for Chicago’s youth.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Chicago doesn’t need a size queen for mayor. We need an adult focused on solving problems than creating them. Thankfully we will have the opportunity to end this ongoing embarrassment in less than a year.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) shared a Tribune article and tweeted “This should go without saying, but no local government employee should be berated by a local government official about the size of their genitals. It's not funny, it's abuse. Mayor Lightfoot's abuse of local government employees is unacceptable.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his latest newsletter wrote “This week I joined 32 of my City Council colleagues in calling for the City of Chicago to break Sister City ties with Moscow because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chicago is historically home to a large Ukrainian-American population and it is essential that we stand with Ukraine in the country's fight for freedom.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) in his latest newsletter wrote “I'm also excited to share an update about the Buena Underpass that leads to the Peace Garden. CDOT’s recent assessment of the Buena Street Underpass under DuSable Lake Shore Drive found that it is structurally sound and safe to reopen before the end of next week. In the meantime, a sealant has been ordered and repairs of the tunnel should be completed by early April.”  

Ald Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “On Monday, I along with other city council members, co-sponsored the proposed resolution calling to revoke Chicago's "Sister City" relationship with Moscow. A day later, @chicagosmayor announced we would temporarily sever our “Sister City” relationship.” 

Gov. JB Priztker announced Thursday he was appointing Tobara Richardson as chair of the Racial Profiling Prevention and Data Oversight Board, Bryan Samuels, David Esposito, Melissa Frydman, Raul Garza and Shareese Pryor to the Board. He also appointed Glen Gard to the State Board of Pharmacy and Rohda Pierce as Chair of the Illinois Art Council.   

The Illinois Department of Transportation is making $10 million of grants available for long-term transportation projects. Awards will be chosen based on the ability to implement long-term goals for the department. More information and applications can be found at https://idot.click/lrtp.

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “What did those 19 courageous Democrats think of Republican claims that I am Mike Madigan’s handpicked successor? 🤔 Thanks to them and 51 other Democrats, it’s a new day in Springfield. #The19”  

Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) tweeted, “Proud to be a part of "The 19" Democrats who voted against Speaker Madigan in 2021, thus denying him another term as speaker.”  

Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) tweeted, “I served as the Republican lead on the Special Investigative Committee, which was charged with conducting a thorough investigation in to then-Speaker Madigan’s conduct. Unfortunately, House Democrats shut down the committee after hearing from only one witness”  

Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) tweeted, “This was not easy for any of us. But at the end of the day, I know that I can look my daughters in the face and tell them doing what’s right isn’t always easy – but doing what’s right is the right thing to do.” #twill #madigan"  

Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) tweeted, “The first vote I cast this session and the best vote I cast this session was to elect @ChrisWelch_JD as Speaker of the Illinois House!”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Happy to share that my bill HB4850 just passed the House! HB4850 holds employers accountable when they allow workplace gender violence to occur & it clarifies court precedents to ensure survivors are protected under the IL Gender Violence Act🤝Thank you to @TheCAASE @NELA_HQ!”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “In February 2021, former Speaker Mike Madigan resigned amid a swirling cloud of serious allegations of wrongdoing. Even so, Gov. Pritzker issued a glowing statement thanking Madigan for his years of “dedicated public service”. #twill" 

Chicago Public Schools has extended the deadline for people applying to run in 2022 Local School Council elections, district officials announced Wednesday. The new filing deadline is Wednesday, March 9 at 3 p.m. More information on Local School Council elections is available online.

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) released a statement saying, “Today’s federal indictment of Michael Madigan is especially significant for the 25th ward as new evidence has been revealed about the corruption and pay-to-play politics that my predecessor, Danny Solis, subjected our communities to for years. Solis’ name is mentioned 58 times in Madigan’s indictment, and time will surely tell the extent of their corruption. Corruption, which has a very real cost for Chicagoans. Here in the 25th ward, we are still cleaning up the mess Solis left behind.”  

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) and Ald. Michele Smith (43) issued a joint statement on the Madigan indictment, saying they are “grateful for the U.S. attorneys who have been building this case. We will continue to strengthen ethics laws and government transparency at City Hall, building on the laws we passed that prohibit government officials from lobbying City Hall for private interests.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted, “Please register and submit your questions for our Affordable Housing Seminar on March 9. Featured speakers will be Rafael Leon, Chicago Metropolitan Housing Development Corp and Daniel Hertz, Policy Director for Chicago Dept. of Housing.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted, “This week, I joined 32 of my City Council colleagues in calling for @ChiSisterCities to suspend its relationship with Moscow, and I thank @WorldBizChicago for swiftly acting on this suspension.”  

Cook County Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) tweeted, “Scores have been indicted in Illinois! To the Federal Prosecutors; Thank you and more of this please! Attention maintenance department, we Need a Clean up in isle Illinois please.” 

The Environmental Law and Policy Center will hold their 2022 gala at Navy Pier on June 7. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online.    

The Illinois Manufactures’ Association launched their “Makers Madness” contest on Wednesday. It’s a bracket-style contest that asks voters to choose the coolest thing made in Illinois. Nominations are being accepted online through March 20. The contest will be completed on April 27. 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Extremely excited that HB3988 for Missing & Murdered Chicago Women & Girls passed on the House floor this afternoon. On to the Senate. These women deserve for us to be their voice!”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “More than a year ago I made the decision to oppose former Speaker Mike Madigan because of the pervasive culture of mistrust and corruption that rested at his feet. The news of his indictment today reaffirms why I made that decision.”  

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Skokie) tweeted, “Proud to be one of the 19.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Today's indictment of the former Speaker and leader of the @IllinoisDems is no surprise. As Governor, I'll root out corruption and ensure those who engage in illegal activity are prosecuted and pay a steep price for violating public trust. It’s time to reform Springfield. #twill"  

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Corruption in politics must be called out and prosecuted wherever it exists and I applaud the efforts of the U.S. attorney's office, FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and the grand jury to bring the light of justice to bear on this situation."  

Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted, “Today’s indictment of Mike Madigan has been a long time coming, Never should someone so obviously engaged in public corruption have been able to stay in office for so long and abuse the taxpayers of our state for personal gain.”  

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, “I want to thank the Feds for their tremendous work. This is another step in the long process of cleaning up Illinois corruption. This indictment underscores why it is so important to empower a statewide grand jury on corruption - so we can finally begin to clean up our own house” 

Chicagoans who are interested in applying to be an election judge or an election coordinator for the June 28 Primary Election can now apply online, officials announced Tuesday. Judges who are new or returning and complete the online training and show up on Election Day will be paid at least $230, according to a news release from the Chicago Board of Elections. Election coordinators who finish training, pass the required tests, pick up election materials and serve on Election Day will be paid $450, according to the news release.

Jennifer Johnson Washington has joined the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events as First Deputy Commissioner, she announced on LinkedIn.  

Five states and territories were removed from the Chicago Department of Public Health COVID-19 Travel Advisory on Tuesday, the department announced. Another 13 states could be removed from the advisory list next week as their average daily new cases have dipped below 15 per 100,000 people. The states and territories removed from the travel advisory list were District of Columbia, Nebraska, Ohio, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The average U.S. rate on Tuesday was 18.8 per 100,000 residents, the Illinois average was 14.7 and Chicago’s daily case rate is 7.6.   

The Reader and Injustice Watch will host a virtual panel discussion at 6 p.m. Tuesday titled “Navigating Cook County’s Domestic Violence Court.” Hosted by Injustice Watch senior reporter Maya Dukmasova, the panel will includer Reader reporter Kelly Garcia, Mallory Littlejohn of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE), Amanda Pyron of The Network and survivor Alisa Holman. Online registration is required. 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “We are wishing you a prosperous start to March and acknowledge Women's History Month, a time dedicated to commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “What a pleasure joining my colleague @AldermanTabares in honoring Shelly Perez, former head of the Gold Star Families, for her seven years of dedicated service to @cpdmemorial @Chicago_Police and the surviving families of officers whom lost their lives on duty.”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “I stand with Ukraine, as well as those around the world who protest this war. I pray for a rapid de-escalation and end to this invasion.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) in a thread tweeted “Today @ChicagoOIG released a report on racial and ethnic disparities on CPD’s use of force incidents. It’s absolutely worth reading and there should be a hearing to have a chance to discuss it and ask questions to both OIG and CPD.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) shared a Sun-Times article and tweeted “Thank you Dr. Ezike for your service to our State, good luck with your next endeavor.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “From Kitihawa to Michelle Obama and everyone in between, Chicago has benefitted from the leadership of so many great women! Take the time to celebrate this month” 

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike announced Tuesday she will be leaving her post as director on March 14. “Being the state’s top doc during a global pandemic has been challenging to say the least, but it’s been an amazing journey to work with so many great public health professionals and leaders from all sectors,” Ezike said in a statement. Amaal Tokars, Ezike’s assistant director, will become interim director as a search gets underway to find a replacement.   

The Illinois Commerce Commission’s 2021 Diversity Report shows Illinois’ six largest utilities have steadily grown diversity spending over the last six years. Diverse spending has grown from an average of 15 percent to 33 percent and some utilities 50 percent of their spending was on diverse suppliers.   

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is launching their annual “Makers Madness” bracket. The bracket allows people to vote on what they believe is the “coolest thing” made in Illinois.

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “This is a huge conflict of interest that is benefiting our billionaire governor. All the governor had to do was NOT invest in companies doing business with the State of Illinois.”  

Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) tweeted, “Ukraine flag flying along with our own in Springfield today!”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I had a great time last night talking about the importance of the upcoming Supreme Court elections in Illinois with @demsforillinois. Don’t sleep on these races y’all.”  

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Skokie) tweeted, “This month, the House is in session. Last week, two of my bills passed out of the House: the Drug Take-Back Act and a bill that allows for digitally displaying a Healthcare Power of Attorney.”  

Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) tweeted, “As one of the very few veteran senators, I’ve personally wrote laws to benefit veterans across Illinois. Every year Illinois has strengthened our benefits provided to veterans. This year we have the chance to take care of families of veterans who are permanently disabled, deceased because of their disability or were a POW/MIA. Looking forward to its passage in the house.”  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted, “Thank you Dr. Ezike, for being the trusted face and multi-lingual voice of public health during the pandemic. Illinois thanks you for protecting our health and well being. Hopefully there is rest in your future, you deserve it!”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I don’t use this word lightly, but Dr. Ezike has truly been a hero through the last two years. How lucky we’ve been to have her leadership. Wishing her some richly deserved R&R!” 

Monday marked the last day for Treshonna Nolan in her position as Chief Communications Officer for Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia’s office, Nolan told The Daily Line in an email on Monday. Deputy Chief Communications Officer Alyssa Goodstein will fill Nolan’s role on an interim basis.  

Researchers Amy Khare of Case Western University and April Jackson of the University of Illinois at Chicago will host a webinar at 1:30 p.m. Thursday to present their study, “Household and Community Change Within Chicago’s Woodlawn Neighborhood.” The event will also feature a panel discussion including Chicago Department of Housing Comm. Marisa Novara and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development administrator Diane Shelley.  

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas sent a reminder announcement that First Installment property taxes for the 2021 tax year are due on Tuesday. As of Monday, 70 percent of the county’s 1.8 million property owners had already paid their first-round tax bills, including 207,000 people who paid on the cookcountytreasurer.com.