Mayor Lori Lightfoot called for an independent investigation of Loretto Hospital’s handling of its COVID-19 vaccine supply as the city halts vaccine deliveries there. The hospital’schief operating officer resignedover the revelations that“VIPs” got vaccinesmeant for residents of the Austin community. But the embattled CEO remains and any reprimand from the hospital board is still a mystery.

The city has also pulled vaccines from a company that won a $5 million contract to provide the shots to Chicago Public Schools workers. Innovative Express Care officials defended their handling of the vaccines, but Lightfoot isn’t buying it. Meanwhile, the city stands by its March goals to vaccinate CPS workers despite the turmoil.

George N. Miller, president and CEO, Loretto Hospital. (WTTW News)

The state announced Friday thatpeople age 16 and overare now eligible for their COVID-19 vaccines. The city and the state are loosening pandemic restrictions, but both the governor and Mayor Lightfoot are worried about the recentuptick in infection rates. Despite the rise, Lightfoot relaxed outdoor restrictions even more. And the mayor is proposing workers gettime offto get vaccinated.

In other news, shootings are up nationally and locally. Four Chicago police officers have been shot in the last two weeks. Now U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and other lawmakers are calling for stricter gun laws.

Evanston passeda first-of-its-kind reparations fund, and Chicago City Councildebated reparations. Lightfoot hopes to boost the number ofaffordable homesin the city, while taking aim at housing segregation. And U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth called for Asian representation in President Biden’s cabinet, later backing off a previous threat to withhold other cabinet nominees.

Guests

Christian Farr, NBC 5 Chicago |@ChrisFarrNBC5

Mary Mitchell, Chicago Sun-Times |@MaryMitchellCST

Gregory Pratt, Chicago Tribune |@RoyalPratt

Robert Chiarito, Block Club Chicago |@rjchiarito

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