CPS Classes Cancelled / 200 Detectives / Legal Weed Sales Double

Classes and instruction at city public schools on Wednesday were cancelled after Chicago Teachers Union members voted late Tuesday to stop teaching in-person.

"We are invoking our right to safe working conditions! This is not a refusal to work or a strike," according to a message sent from the union to members obtained by Patch that instructed teachers "NOT to report" to buildings Wednesday.

Instead, according to the message, teachers were instructed to attempt to log on to their Google classrooms and "take a picture of yourself ready to work."

Chicago Public Schools leaders said they consider the union's action "illegal." Mayor Lori Lightfoot said teachers who don't show up to work Wednesday will be placed on "no pay status."

CTU Votes To Teach Remote, CPS Classes Cancelled Wednesday

• U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush made it official Tuesday: He will answer a "higher calling" rather than seek a 16th term in Congress. "I will remain on the frontlines of the battlefield," Rush said. (Patch)
• Illinois legal marijuana sales skyrocketed 2021. State records show about $1.4 billion worth of legalized weed products were sold at state dispensaries — more than double the $669 million sold in 2020. (Center Square)
• Chicago Public Schools shelled out millions in federal pandemic relief dollars for good-faith payments to busing vendors during school closures who laid off employees and received paycheck protection loans from the federal government, according to the school district inspector general's annual report. (Chalkbeat)
• Chicago's top cop plans to add 200 detectives to the ranks this year in hopes of solving more crimes. Supt. David Brown had a message for shooters, carjackers and robbers responsible for spiking crime: "We’re coming after you. We’re going to hold you accountable, and we want to keep you in jail." (CBS2)

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For A Good Time, Click:

• Prognosis - performing Gabriel, Genesis, Yes, ELP, Crimson & Tull at City Winery (8 p.m.)
• Ethan Jewell, Mae Krell at Subterranean (7 p.m.)
• Together at Last at The Second City (7 p.m.)
• Kayla Drescher: Magic in Heels at Chicago Magic Lounge (7 p.m.)
• Rachel Feinstein at Zanies Comedy Club (8 p.m.)

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Just The Links:

• Was Jimmy Fallon at a White Sox game wearing a beer helmet?
• The Chicago Public Library has a great way to celebrate Muhammad Ali's birthday.
• Gene Siskel Film Center will celebrate it's 50th anniversary with 50 films this year.
• CM Punk challenges Kazuchika Okada to a match at the United Center in Chicago.
• Chicago's Black Fire Brigade is training first responders and working to reverse racism.
• South Side gourmet sausage spot, Hot Dog Box, is coming to Portage Park.

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