The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced that the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Chicago Air and Water Show, Chicago SummerDance, Maxwell Street Market and Millennium Park concerts and movies will all return in person this year “at nearly their pre-pandemic size and scope.” The  
“Taste of Chicago Pop-Ups" will “return to Chicago’s neighborhoods, while also popping up in Grant Park for a bite-sized version of the classic lakefront extravaganza,” officials said. The full schedule of events is available online.  

The Chicago Park District, Chicago Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health will host COVID-19 vaccination sites at three neighborhood parks during the next month, they announced. People can register online to get vaccinated at Warren Park at 6601 N. Western Ave. from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 24, at Fosco Park at 1312 W. Racine Ave. from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 23, or at Gage Park at 3411 W. 55th St. from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 1.  

Pace and the RTA are asking for public feedback on their recommendations to add express bus service along the I-294/I-90 corridor from Harvey to Schaumburg as part of the Central Tri-State Project. Passengers are invited to look at the project details and fill out a survey on their thoughts. 

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “As our communities, working families and small businesses continue to face grave financial struggles brought forth by the ongoing pandemic, it is vital we provide them with tax relief.”  

Sen. Laura Elleman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “The proposed budget takes yet another step in moving Illinois down the right path, and I look forward to continuing our progress together.”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Funny how political opponents cannot decide whether to credit Governor Pritzker or President Biden for Illinois' economic growth and budget turnaround.”  

Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Highland) tweeted, “Governor Pritzker tried painting a rosy picture of Illinois’ fiscal condition, but the fact is, Illinois is in bad financial shape and still has the worst credit score in the country. While state revenue is declining, Pritzker’s spending is drastically increasing. #twill"  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “.@GovPritzker's budget puts $20mil towards safety & security for religious institutions. In light of attacks on synagogues in Rogers Park & TX investing in security is needed. The caucuses stand united against hate crimes attacking our communities. @JUFChicago @senvillivalam"  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Budget presented by @GovPritzker prioritizes families, healthcare, schools and higher ed, behavioral health, childcare, public safety. Also pays our debts, builds Rainy Day Fund, makes full pension payments. Plus tax relief for working families. Well done!”  

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Governor JB Pritzker should be applauded for his 2022, Illinois State of State/Governor’s Budget Address. The best I have heard in my 15 years as a Member of the House of Representatives.”  

Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) tweeted, “Why does IL need #expandedEIC? It would allow 900,000 more Illinoisans to become newly eligible for this life saving tax credit. Parents can invest in childcare, workers can care for their health, and people slipping into poverty can meet the rising costs of basic needs.” 

The Illinois Department of Public Health is preparing to offer COVID-19 vaccines to children under age 5 after Pfizer announced it was seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration to expand their vaccine to children between the age of 6 months and 4-years-old. IDPH said they will continue to work with their community partners to distribute the vaccine to the new age group once it is approved by the FDA.   

Many Secretary of State offices around central and southern Illinois will be closed Thursday as a winter storm continues to move across the state, the department said Wednesday. Chicago-area offices will remain open, however, some driver tests may be canceled if road conditions are bad. The office reminds residents many tasks can be conducted with the Secretary of State online.  

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted “not all heros wear capes. some wear reflective vests and mittens.”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Due to severe weather conditions, our office will be closed Wednesday through Friday of this week. Office staff will work remotely. If you need assistance from the 10th Ward Office, call 773-768-8138, 773-768-8174, or 773-768-8175. Or, email us at [email protected]”  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Why not work together and look at security options for Fulton Market. Cant run from the problem.  Get Involved politically with your dollars and look to springfield to make changes this spring on a new crime bill.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “While everyone is talking about snow, dibs & everything in between, let’s take a page from the suburbs & learn how to provide curb-to-curb snow removal with 48-hours of a storm. If they can do it, what’s can’t Chicago?”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “The best pitch I got to go on Tucker Carlson was the one that ended with ‘[your] message will be heard by millions.’ I still didn't go on, because Fox News isn't news, it's rightwing propaganda.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Bureaucracy is often the killer of good ideas being implemented. @POTUS Congress passed ARPA in record time so that we could assist those that needed help the most. It’s time to push the bureaucrats out the way and act in earnest to get [money] into the hands of people.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted a video of himself clearing snow and wrote, “Shout out to @chi_streets and the folks petitioning to get a city sidewalk clearance program!”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “I am glad to announce that Steep Theatre has shared their plan to purchase the Christian Science Reading Room on Berwyn to reopen their theater. I have worked closely with their leadership and look forward to their reopening!” 

Amanda Bolton has joined Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s press staff as Deputy Press Secretary for Infrastructure and Community Engagement. Bolton was previously government and external affairs liaison on Lightfoot’s intergovernmental affairs team, and she previously worked on Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s (D-Ill.) community egagement staff. 

Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) tweeted, “When Gov Pritzker touts his admin's “balanced budget,” reduced bill backlog, credit rating, & proposed temporary (& minuscule) tax relief… please keep this in mind. Almost $30,000,000,000,000 in debt to be paid by our kids & grandkids. No free lunch.”  

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted, “It’s no surprise we’re seeing officers, sheriffs, police chiefs retiring in record numbers. They’re facing historic levels of violent crime, and their state government is making their jobs harder and less safe.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Today, our state finds itself at a crossroads. Will we continue down this path and allow violent criminals to commit crimes unabated or will we take a stand to address this statewide crisis?”  

Sen. Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) tweeted, “The teacher shortage is a burden that our educational system is currently having and allowing retired teachers to return to schools for a longer period of time will reduce that burden.”  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Mental health services are essential for many people in today’s society. Creating an easier way for Medicaid patients to get these services will streamline the process and help patients get the services they need in a timely manner.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Insulin costs too much. We can do something about it. I've introduced HB 5300, the #Insulin4All Act, to make sure everyone gets the insulin they need at a price they can afford. Tell your legislator, and help me spread the word #InsulinJusticeIL" 

Gov. JB Pritzker declared a statewide disaster proclamation on Tuesday ahead of the " heavy snow, ice, and blizzard conditions expected over the coming days,” according to a release from the governor’s office. The governor activated 130 members of the Illinois National Guard and is directing the Illinois Emergency Management Authority to “coordinate a robust, statewide response” including more than 1,800 Illinois Department of Transportation trucks and Illinois State Police troopers to “help stranded motorists.”  

The House has created a new Clean Energy Subcommittee in the Energy & Environment Subcommittee, committee chair Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) said Tuesday. The subcommittee will be chaired by Rep. Dan Didech (D-Buffalo Grove), with Reps. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora), Nick Smith (D-Chicago), Tim Butler (R-Springfield) and Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena) joining as members. Williams said the committee will focus on matters related to initiatives included in last year’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.   

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for grants to make energy efficiency upgrades at public wastewater treatment plants. Grants are available in amounts between $20,000 and $500,000. Applications will be accepted through March 29. The grants are made possible by the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program as a way to provide savings to taxpayers. Applications will be scored based on how much energy the proposed project saves among other factors.  

The Illinois Department of Insurance announced Tuesday 32,000 more people signed up health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act during the 2022 open enrollment period between Dec. 15, 2021 and Jan. 15, 2022. The Department's Acting Director Dana Popish Severinghaus said they believe their aggressive ad campaign contributed to this year’s increase.  

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton launched the Agricultural Equity and Food Insecurity Initiative Tuesday. The program is aimed at reducing barriers to food and agricultural opportunities. In the month of February, the program will focus on creating opportunities to get Black residents involved in agriculture. In March, the focus will be on food insecurities and creating for residents to access fresh and healthy food. 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Happy Black History Month! We see this month as an opportunity to celebrate black excellence and pay tribute to the generations of African-Americans who struggled through adversity to receive full citizenship in the United States. We honor you and continue the fight for justice”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) shared a Tribune article and tweeted “After serving time for what is no longer a crime, Amy Blobaum continues to be punished. Punishment does not equal public safety. Punishment does not prevent crime or violence. We need a justice system based on restoration, not punishment.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “In the early months of the coronavirus pandemic,an estimated 40% of Black business owners were forced to close their doors. With the economic impact of COVID-19 still rippling through our community,we encourage you to support Black-owned businesses in our area. #BlackHistoryMonth”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “The CPS LSC Elections are coming and this is a great way to be a community leader in support of our amazing 40th Ward schools! The deadline to apply is March 4th!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “30% of Chicagoans are Black, but that number drops to 3% in the 47th Ward—the legacy of redlining, block busting, and restrictive covenants. During #BlackHistoryMonth, and beyond, we must fight to expand affordable housing and push banks to change inequitable lending practices.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today, we opened our Argyle satellite office located at 4956 N Sheridan. This office will be open Tuesdays and Thursday. Stop by and say hello, and share your ideas for a revitalized Argyle Street.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Xin nian kuai le (新年快乐)! This Lunar New Year we welcome the year of the Water Tiger! May the tiger bring you bravery, confidence, and strength this #LunarNewYear” 

All U.S. states and territories remain on the Chicago Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory for the fifth consecutive week, the department announced on Tuesday, meaning that all unvaccinated travelers are asked to quarantine or get tested upon arrival to the city. States will be taken off the advisory as their average daily new COVID-19 caseloads fall below 15 per 100,000 residents. As of Tuesday, the average U.S. new daily caseload was 149.8 per 100,000, and Chicago’s average was 38.3, officials said.  

Kevin Bargnes joined the Chicago Department of Aviation this week as its new director of communications. Bargnes was previously an information coordinator for the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, a role he held since 2016. 

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted, “A series of attacks were carried out over the weekend in the West Ridge neighborhood of the 16th Dist. These attacks on the Jewish community are appalling and unacceptable. It is clear that we need to redouble our efforts to combat hate & antisemitism.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “There’s one thing that we should expect similarly from our elected officials, our family, friends & our significant others: Fight for me harder than you fight with me.”  

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) tweeted, “In an effort to restore downtown Kankakee and boost economic growth, I introduced new legislation that would support investment in the City of Kankakee.” 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It’s almost that time…Now entering #Bhm and the obligatory corporate opportunism that sneaks its way in with it. If they have black items on the shelves but no black people in their board room, C suite and senior & middle management beware.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “Almost 10K people #FoxRiverGrove #NorgeSkiJump 3 of our local club members will compete in the Winter Olympics! Congrats to FRG Police & all the volunteers who make this annual event possible. Such a great time. Thanks to Island Lake Mayor Rich McLaughlin for joining me today!!” 

Legislative leaders have canceled the House and Senate sessions scheduled for this week due to dangerous wintry conditions forecast for Central Illinois. The Senate would be in session at noon on Tuesday but the rest of the week is canceled, Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced. The House and Senate committees will continue to meet remotely for the rest of the week.  

Illinois Department of Labor Director Michael Kleinik is retiring, he announced Monday. He has served in the position since Gov. JB Pritzker took office in January 2019.  

Pritzker announced the appointments or reappointments of David Sidney to the Illinois Capital Development Board; Peter Birnbaum as chief justice of the Illinois Court of Claims; Jeffrey Buford, Claire Dragovich and Caryn Tucker to the Illinois Forensic Science Commission; Gregory Barry as public administrator and public guardian of McHenry County; Mary Gaziano as public administrator and public guardian of Boone and Winnebago counties; and Sara Rice and Randall Harris as members of the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority.  

The Legislative Black Caucus Foundation will be hosting their annual soiree virtually this year. The Zoom event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Gov. JB Pritzker and Speaker of the House Chris Welch (D-Hillside) have been invited to speak at the event. Secretary of State Jesse White will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Registration for the event can be found at the QR code in the flyer.   

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “We are clearing those blocks with the highest dibs complaints today & will push forward with the entire ward throughout the week. Now is your chance to take back your lawn furniture, baby strollers & buckets before I consign them to their final resting place!”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “I spent this Sunday at City Council working with my colleagues on new maps for Chicago's City wards. Looking forward to enacting a fair map for Chicago and continuing to work on issues impacting our community.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Just one day after Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Jewish community in West Rogers Park was the target of anti-Semitic attacks. These hate crimes are reprehensible and cannot be tolerated... The 49th Ward stands in solidarity with Alderman Debra Silverstein, and her community in condemning these attacks and all acts of hate and bigotry.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I am very upset to report that there were multiple distressing incidents in our neighborhood this weekend. Public safety is of the utmost importance, and the police are closely investigating each case.” 

Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans has appointed Judge Sophia Hall as acting presiding judge of the court’s Chancery Division following the retirement of Judge Moshe Jacobius. Hall will serve “until a permanent candidate is found,” according to Evans’ office.  

The deadline to apply for the seven-member Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is Friday. Aldermen voted 36-13 in July to approve the creation of the commission (SO2019-4132) that will be tasked with providing oversight of the Chicago Police Department. City officials earlier this month publicly posted the application for the commission positions. Applications are due Feb. 4, and those interested can read the qualifications here. 

Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today the first phase of the Automated License Plate Reader project was completed. As chief sponsor of the Tamara Clayton Expressway Camera Act, it is my hope that the installation of these cameras will deter further crime and reduce gun violence in our communities.”  

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted, “Yesterday I presented HA4 to HB2769, the Microstamping bill, for a subject matter hearing in committee. Many thanks to the witnesses who testified in support, including @EFSGV, @CSGV, @bradybuzz, @MomsDemand, and everyone who filed witness slips in support.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Chicago reported more than 1,800 carjackings last year. That's three times more carjackings than New York City, despite having a population roughly 1/3 the size. Let's repeal the SAFE-T Act and restore public safety in Illinois. https://ilhousegop.org/repeal" 

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Too many students are trapped in failing schools, and the pandemic has left many falling behind in their studies. EVERY family should have the opportunity to send their child to a good school, not just the fortunate few. I will continue prioritize school choice in Springfield.”  

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “This month, new state ethics reforms will increase transparency and crackdown on conflicts of interest by banning political fundraisers on weeks legislators are in Springfield and stopping the revolving door of politicians quitting to accept lucrative lobbying positions.” 

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will hold a public hearing on a proposed corn checkoff referendum on Feb. 10. “The Illinois Corn Marketing Board has proposed to enhance marketing and promotion of Illinois corn by increasing the checkoff amount by 1/4 cent per bushel. This would increase the current 5/8 cent voluntary checkoff rate to 7/8 cent per bushel. Growers would continue to have a right to refund,” according to a press release from the department. The hearing will be held in the John R. Block Building at the state fairgrounds in Springfield.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, ““Chicago not in Chicago” sounds like an excuse NOT to visit, NOT to stay in our hotels, NOT to dine in our restaurants. Hopefully her campaign mirrors this marketing strategy in encouraging voters NOT to vote for her.  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter, “Proud to stand with my colleagues in blocking Lori Lightfoot’s COPA chief’s appointment, even after she pushed a suspension for fallen hero Ella French. CALL your alderman and ask them to join us in sending a message that our fallen heroes should be HONORED, not ‘suspended.’”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, ‘Remember that time city council failed to pass this resolution [condemning religious persecution in India]? I’m still ashamed.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “Me: [Honors request from community leaders and local organizations to rename plaza after Poland's worker-led, anti-soviet movement] Local rightwing crackpots: This is part of a communist plot led by CTU teachers!  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted, “It’s no wonder a 10-time felon continues to commit crimes here in Cook County.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Bickerdike is working with my office and the City of Chicago on a negotiated sale process that will lead to 90+ units – which will all be affordable – in our community at 5853 N Broadway. The building on Broadway will be similar to the Bickerdike development in Logan Square. I’m excited at this opportunity and look forward to your active participation as we look to bring more affordable housing to our neighborhood.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “Thursday, the first step towards a long-term solution was announced. With federal funds under the new infrastructure bill, a study will be conducted to come up with solutions for several beaches from Juneway to the South Water Purification Plant. 

The Chicago Department of Housing, The Preservation Compact and CIC Lending will host a webinar at 12 p.m. on Feb. 16 to discuss how to legally add Accessory Dwelling units to properties. Online registration is required.  

The group United Northwest Side will host Chicago Board of Ethics Executive Director Steve Berlin during its meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16. Registration details are forthcoming. 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “77 years ago, Nazi concentration camps were liberated. Millions had been murdered, including my great-grandparents. As Nazi imagery is adopted by political extremists and history books are banned, let’s redouble our efforts against hate and antisemitism. #HolocaustMemorialDay”  

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted, “Today we partnered with Aurora Officials, VNA, and the Neighbor Project to host another Vaccine Clinic in two Aurora Locations. The positivity in the room was amazing, all thanks to our healthcare and community workers. #GetVaccinated #ildistrict84 #illinois”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “Join me on February 7th @Customcupcoffee for a cup of coffee while you share your thoughts on issues that matter the most to you. I’m buying!”  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Had a great East Lakeview Neighborhood Association meeting last night discussing our response to crime and keeping our community safe. #lakeviewchicago”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “General Assembly members are charged with representing Illinoisans, NOT serving their own personal interests. State lawmakers must be held to higher standards of ethical behavior.”  

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “The Illinois Gaming Board voted 4-0 to approve 815 Entertainment and Hard Rock for a permanent casino in Rockford. This is a day many in the Rockford area have been waiting for since the legislature approved an expansion of casino licenses two years ago.”  

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) tweeted, “This morning I delivered breakfast from Martinez Tacos in Kankakee to the morning shift at the ER at @RiversideMC. Thanks to all healthcare workers who continue to provide excellent care across our state during the pandemic.”  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted, “Kicked off my morning with my friends and advocates from @MomsDemand. We talked safe storage legislation and crafted a game plan for moving the ball forward here in IL. Together we can #EndGunViolence #ExpectUs”  

Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) tweeted, “In 2018, I led efforts in Illinois to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Today should have been its effective date—granting women the same legal protections as men. But because of a lack of action from Congress, that didn’t happen.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “On this day 77 years ago, the Soviet army opened the gates of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland liberating thousands of prisoners. Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to all the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. #WeRemember” 

Speaker of the House Chris Welch (D-Hillside) announced Thursday the House will return for in-person session Feb. 1 through Feb. 3 after COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions have decreased in Illinois. Gov. JB Pritzker will also give his State of the State and Budget Address in-person on Feb. 2 in front of the full General Assembly. COVID-19 precautions including masking and testing will remain in place, Welch said. The House gallery will also be closed to the public during Pritzker’s speech.   

The Illinois Community College Board will host a discussion the Future of Work at their board meeting on Friday, Jan. 28. Members from Heartland Community College, Kankakee Community College and the Illinois Green Economy Network will discuss work being done with electric vehicles and renewable energy. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and is hosted on Zoom.