* Notice, however, that the mailer does not identify the CTU
as Guzman’s employer…

* Mayor Johnson has said he will not extended the contract again, but ShotSpotter is still fighting…

* Here’s the rest…

* Lake County News-Sun | Lake County to pay $1.68M to McHenry County for first 3 months of housing inmates; ‘Money for the correctional officers would go a long way’: At this time, no further transfers are expected as the Lake County Sheriff’s Office does not intend to raise the number of transfers allowed in the agreement, said Chris Covelli, spokesperson for the county’s sheriff’s office. said it’s inconclusive whether the temporary inmate housing costs to McHenry County will be more or less expensive than the costs associated with housing inmates at the Waukegan facility. There are “fixed and floating” costs associated with operating a jail, and those costs are largely impacted by a fluctuating inmate population, he said.

* Shaw Local | YWCA services for families and immigrants now available in McHenry County: The Welcoming Center can help new residents get adjusted to the country by getting connected with local churches, agencies and food pantries. Case managers can help break language barriers by translating and explaining school systems, health care and court cases, Valdivia said. The program can help with Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian languages, case manager Anyi Pardo said. […] The current Crystal Lake location only has those two programs available, but other services like racial justice and literacy help could be offered in the future, YWCA Northwestern Illinois CEO Kris Machajewski said. “Our goal is to expand out this office,” Machajewski said.

* STLPR | Illinois awarded more than $75 million to clean up and develop its abandoned mine lands: Illinois used to the initial installment last year — north of $75 million — to address mining-related issues across the state, including 6 mine-related projects in St. Clair County. One project sought to close off a mine opening in Mascoutah and another corrected vertical openings along a mine path in Trenton.

* Illinois Public Media | Illinois now requires public schools to teach diverse histories. Are teachers ready?: “Teachers generally feel prepared to meet the calls of the inclusive American history mandates – all of them, no matter how old or new. However, there are a number of teachers that feel unprepared,” said Asif Wilson, an education professor at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.[…] Wilson noted that the program attracts teachers from all over the state with a small stipend and the opportunity to meet their professional development requirements. He added that teachers, regardless of their location, have received strong support from both administrators and parents for teaching the updated curriculum.

* Crain’s | Ascension names president for Joliet hospital mired in labor strife: Ascension names president for Joliet hospital mired in labor strife. Barbara Martin, a veteran of Chicago’s health care scene, will be stepping into a dispute with union nurses when she takes the reins next month.

* Daily Herald | Rolling Meadows mayor announces pregnancy: Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica — the city’s first female mayor and its youngest — announced another milestone: she’s pregnant, which would make her the city’s first sitting mayor to give birth while in office. Sanoica, elected to the top post last April at age 32, said she has no intention to take a leave of absence from public office, but she is taking an extended maternity leave from her private employer, CME Group, this summer.

* SJ-R | Mötley Crüe will headline the 2024 Illinois State Fair. Here’s what to know: Stalwarts Vince Neil on vocals, Nikki Sixx on bass and Tommy Lee on drums are joined by John 5 on guitar. John 5 (John William Lowery) formerly played with Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie. Former guitarist Mick Mars, who suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, an aggressive and progressive form of arthritis. is out of the band but said recently he would be open to writing new music with the band.

* Daily Express | Four state laws prevent divorce if a woman is pregnant with no domestic violence exception: While the laws in Missouri, Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas allow for couples to file for divorce, the court must wait until after a woman gives birth in order to finalize child custody and child support. Two of these states – Missouri and Texas – are subject to trigger laws where, since the overturning of Roe v Wade in June 2022, abortions are automatically banned in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.

* Daily Herald | At least 11 tornadoes may have touched down in region Tuesday night, weather service says: Preliminary reports show a tornado likely touched down near Sugar Grove and ran between Batavia and Geneva. Another possibly touched down just south of St. Charles. More potential tornadoes were spotted near Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Lake Zurich and Buffalo Grove.

* Tribune | Cleanup from storm damage begins as temperatures move into low 40s: On Wednesday morning, neighborhoods that suffered storm damage began the arduous chore of cleaning up. In north suburban Mundelein Tuesday night, high winds tore through a two-story apartment building, collapsing part of the roof and damaging 21 units. Officials from the Mundelein Fire Department said a piece of drywall struck one resident who was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center. The Red Cross is helping find temporary housing for 59 displaced residents.

* Block Club Chicago | Catcade Cat Rescue Has A New Home And A Surprising Fall Out Boy Connection: Born in Lakeview, Gutierrez has local music bona fides. He was in hardcore group Arma Angelus with none other than Pete Wentz, the bassist and lyricist for pop punk/emo band Fall Out Boy. When Arma Angelus dissolved, Gutierrez went to beauty school, while Wentz and others made the move to Fall Out Boy. Gutierrez still toured with the band, and he’s the subject of the 2003 song “Grenade Jumper,” written with lyrics like “Hey, Chris, you were our only friend/And I know this is belated, we love you back.” Although the two eventually had a falling out, they’ve since mended fences, and Wentz has donated memorabilia to fundraising efforts for the Catcade.

* Sun-Times | Black History Month offers lessons, excitement for young Chicago students: The East Garfield Park public school that has around 300 students from pre-K to eighth grade is among many schools that devote extra time in February to study and share lessons about Black history. The students present what they’re learning through art, speeches and skits, and their teachers ensure what they learn has practical value.

* WBEZ | An insider’s guide to Bronzeville: Where to eat, shop and celebrate Black history: Looking for live music every night of the week? A neighborhood that offers a quick bike ride to the lake? Or a quick walk to grab Southern comfort food from a handful of local spots? Bronzeville has you covered.