CHICAGO >> The Barack Obama Foundation will hold a news conference in Chicago to announce where the president’s library will be built — the strongest confirmation yet that the city won the sweepstakes to erect the library.

A news release says Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will join foundation officials at the Tuesday event.

The announcement comes nearly two weeks after people with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the Obamas chose a library bid made by the University of Chicago. Other finalists were the University of Hawaii, Columbia University and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The president launched his political career in Chicago, and first lady Michelle Obama also has university ties. The site of the library will include one of two parks near the university.