As walkouts and other disruptions continue, more schools are dropping the mask mandate, making it optional. The move comes after Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that the state’s mask mandate will be lifted Feb. 28 in the wake of a downstate judge’s ruling. Eleven alderpeople call for mandates to be dropped immediately so bars and restaurants can open fully in time for the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. Meanwhile, pointed letters flew across the aisle as politicians warned that the language being used around mandates and masking is putting lawmakers, like state Rep. Deb Conroy, in danger.

See: Gov. J.B. Pritzker to Lift Indoor Mask Mandate Feb. 28, But Masks to Remain in Schools For Now

An election-year makeup is happening between Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot whilst announcing charges in an Austin shootout. The Chicago Police Department presents a draft revision of the foot pursuit policy banning the practice for all but when there’s a threat to the public. Meanwhile, FOP President John Catanzara wants to hike dues for a $2.5 million political fund.

See: Charges Filed in West Side Shootout That Sparked Feud Between Lori Lightfoot, Kim Foxx

Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson does not take the witness stand in his own defense. Ald. Ed Burke’s lawyers say secret government recordings shouldn’t be allowed as the judge is overwhelmed by the volume of evidence and motions in his corruption case. And, lawyers for former alderman, Ed Vrdolyak, again tried to get him released from custody, citing poor health and COVID-19.

See: Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson Was ‘Sloppy’ While Filing Taxes, Not Criminal, Attorney Says

The list of candidates lining up to replace U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush grows longer. Will Mayor Lightfoot’s museum campus changes be enough to keep the Bears from moving to the suburbs? And, the latest battle over Chicago’s tradition of dibs ended Friday — at least, until the next snowstorm.

 See: Chicago Streets and Sanitation Declares the End of Dibs ... For Now

Guests

Lourdes Duarte, WGN-TV News | @WGNNews, @LourdesWGN

Sarah Schulte, ABC 7 Chicago | @ABC7Chicago, @SchulteABC7

Craig Dellimore, WBBM Newsradio | @WBBMNewsradio, @CraigDellimore

Jon Seidel, Chicago Sun-Times  | @SeidelContent, @Suntimes

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