Illinois’ Congressional delegation overwhelmingly denounced Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, except for downstate pro-Trump Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Miller. Chicago is home to America’s second-largest Ukrainian population and worried relatives and friends protested the unprovoked strike.

COVID-19 Mandates Lifting

The CDC will follow the state, Chicago and Cook County’s in ending the mask and vaccine card mandate next week. But hold on to that mask!  You’ll need to keep masking on public transportation and in health care settings among other places. CPS will keep the masks on as other districts go to mask optional. Catholic schools will drop the mandate Monday. Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s vaccine mandate for Chicago Police officers was upheld as FOP President John Catanzara tells members to “hold the line.” Gov. Pritzker also announced Friday he’d drop the school mask mandate after the CDC changed masking guidelines and the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that he still has the authority in the future if another mandate is needed.

City Council Quarrels

Mayor Lightfoot’s gang asset forfeiture ordinance was tabled after political resistance. Andrea Kersten’s confirmation to lead COPA passed relatively easily after pushback over her Anjanette Young raid report which included punishing officer Ella French, who had died in the line of duty. The mayor also announced her process to fill the 11th Ward seat now vacant because of the federal conviction of former Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson.

State House Melee Over Masking

In Springfield, Woodstock Republican State Rep. Steven Reick tells Rep. Lakesia Collins to ‘Keep my f___ng name out of your mouth’ on the floor of the Illinois House, the Chicago Sun-Times reported, after nine GOP members were ousted over a masking mandate. Sen. Tom Cullerton, from the Cullerton political dynasty, resigns his seat, the Chicago Tribune reported, and is pleading guilty to embezzlement.

Gov. Pritzker endorsed Anna Valencia in her bid to replace retiring Secretary of State Jesse White, the Chicago Sun-Times reported, bucking the party’s candidate, Alexi Giannoulias, who has more money in his campaign coffer.

And President Joe Biden nominates the first Black woman, Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the U.S. Supreme Court. Illinois’ senior Senator, Dick Durbin, will lead her nomination through the Senate Judiciary Committee as the chair.

Guests

Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune | @ChicagoTribune @CPtime

Mike Lowe, WGN-TV News | @WGNNews @MikeLoweReports

Greg Pratt, Chicago Tribune | @ChicagoTribune @RoyalPratt

Taylor Avery, Chicago Sun-Times | @Suntimes @travery98

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