Jake Towers has lived in and served the Austin community for two decades, saying on his website that he and his family give back to the community through charitable works around Thanksgiving and Christmas each year. Towers’ father is a local pastor. Towers has been a Sunday school superintendent, summer camp leader and a youth pastor. He is currently working as an after-school kindergarten teacher and a pre-school teacher, his website says, as well as president of the Block Club on the 1000 block of North Leclaire Avenue, a position he’s had for five years.

Corey Braddock was formerly an Indiana state trooper for two years and a Chicago Police officer for a decade, according to his website, as well as an investigator at a law firm, substitute teacher for Chicago Public Schools and independent business consultant. Born on the West Side of Chicago, Braddock attended St. Xavier University and Wabash College and currently serves on his local school council.

Raised in Chicago, Sean Flynn’s journey to public service hasn’t necessarily been a straight line. He worked odd jobs for a while before getting his barber’s license and then worked as a barber for eight years. Flynn then returned to school, first at Olive Harvey City College and then at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where he received his master’s degree.

He later went on to work in city government, first for Ald. David Moore and later for Ald. Leslie Hairston. Flynn’s campaign has been focused on crime reduction, specifically through addressing “concerns around mental health and invest[ing] in more mentoring and community programs to better combat the issues at hand,” according to his campaign website.

He said the ward needs a pair of fresh eyes and that he will offer a new perspective on the problems and potentials for development and beautification. “Ald. Harris did the best she could with what she had,” Flynn said in an interview with Block Club Chicago. “However, this is a different age we’re living in. You need new solutions to solve these complex problems. Doing it the same old way that’s been done is not going to get it done.”

Steven McClellan is a community organizer who says on his website he has served multiple neighborhood associations, created the Ogden Park Safety Committee and assisted with improvement projects for local parks and playgrounds. McClellan says on his website he is serving his fourth term on the local school council at LaSalle Language Academy.

Sam Royko, an attorney and son of famed Chicago columnist Mike Royko, is vying against three other candidates to become the next 1st Ward alderman. Royko lives in West Town, which is on the eastern end of the 1st Ward, and decided to run for alderman while advocating for increased public safety after his girlfriend was carjacked in Wicker Park, according to his campaign website.

Royko’s girlfriend, Erin Groble, was driving his car near Division St and Ashland Ave in January 2021 when to men stormed her and stole the car, her purse and some packages in the car. Two months after the carjacking, Royko received a $100 speeding ticket, thanks to the thieves who stole his car.

He went on to found the Greater West Town Community Coalition to address the carjacking problem, where his work focused on improving public safety. Royko’s group joined a slew of other organizations in demanding more transparency and collaboration from lawmakers to hinder carjacking and violent crime in an open letter sent to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and all 50 aldermen.

Outside of his advocacy work, Royko works as a partner at L&G Law Group. Prior to joining the L&G Group, Royko was a founder and managing partner at The Royko Group. In his legal practices, Royko has represented clients in complex litigation, class action suits, employment and entertainment.

Andy Schneider isn’t new to the Chicago political scene considering he’s served as the president of Logan Square Preservation, a neighborhood organization dedicated to the preservation and beautification of Logan Square, for just over decade.

However, Schneider has spent a majority of his professional career in journalism. He spent some time with the Sun-Times Media Group as a reporter and later went on to work as an editor at Screen Magazine. a niche Chicago film publication.

As LSP’s president, Schneider worked on numerous significant Logan Square development projects over the course of his tenure, including the redesign of the notoriously confusing traffic circle and, more recently, the opening of a food truck plaza on Sacramento Ave. 

The city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will host a webinar at 2 p.m. Tuesday on the city’s Home and Business Protection Program. The program offers rebates for outdoor security cameras, cloud storage for video footage, outdoor motion sensor lighting, car GPS trackers and subscription costs. The webinar will include information on the program’s eligibility, requirements and how it is expected to affect public safety. Additional information and registration is available online. 

Comm. Brandon Johnson (D-1) tweeted “Some morning reflection on the 53rd anniversary of the assassination of Fred Hampton, and Chicago's legacy. Our city has ingenuity, and strength. It's also racist, and violent. That stratification, which is a part of our legacy, has also maintained Chicago's deep segregation.”

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “If @ChicagoOIG wants an efficiency report topic, city towing protocols would be a great one!”

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “The 2023 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program will be open for applications on Monday, 1/9/23 from 6AM-10PM: https://bit.ly/3VCbrhw The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so please apply early!”

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “The Chicago Public Schools are now hiring Crossing Guards! This flexible, part-time job includes medical, dental, vision. @ChiPubSchools @BevRevNews @MtGreenwoodCBA @mpbhba @bapa_org @barbaravickece @barnardbulldogs @clissold_school @MTGElemSchool @EsmondEagles @ChicagoCAPS22”

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) tweeted “📸 Week In Review: We saw our Ward Superintendent in action working tirelessly to execute extended street sweeps. I also had the privilege of welcoming Santa to the 43rd Ward at the Lincoln Common Tree Lighting. We bonded over how much black coffee we both drink these days! ☕️🎅”

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thank you, @speakerpelosi for your visionary leadership, second to none strength, remarkable bravery and courage and unmatched work ethic. We are better because of it.”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak-Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “Earlier this week, I joined Native American advocates at the Illinois Capitol to introduce Senate Bill 4242 which would allow students to wear items of cultural significance at commencement ceremonies.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Interested in a career with the Illinois House of Representatives? Then join us for our Open House Job Fair tomorrow!”  

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted, “I stopped by the reception for the Coalition for Life. I was able to see many good friends including my longtime friends Barb Cooksey and Cassie from Pregnancy Matters. We are all committed to protecting the lives of the unborn!!” 

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday the state’s unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percent to 4.6 percent in October. Illinois’ unemployment rate remains the highest in the nation and is 0.9 points above the national average. However, the state added 3,600 non-farm jobs in October, marking the 17th straight month of job growth in Illinois.  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Join @edgechamber for the Winter Bryn Mawrkets, taking place at 1052 W. Bryn Mawr Ave and 1040 W. Bryn Mawr on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting this weekend! Stop by to do your holiday shopping and support local artisans!”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “A big thanks to The Cook County Sheriff’s Office for hosting the Catalytic Converter Marking Event this afternoon at CrossWinds Church. @CCSOPIO @SenCunningham @repfranhurley35”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Thank you @patrickelwood & @WGNTV for visiting our Canaryville Veteran Riders Association during their annual coat drive! We are accepting donations until 5p today at The Village Inn and at my office during the rest of the week!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “🗳 We’re close to our highest ever turnout for participatory budgeting! If you live in the 47th Ward, cast your vote to select two special infrastructure projects at aldermanmartin.com/participatory-budgeting”  

Comm. Brandon Johnson (D-1) tweeted “Proud to stand with Starbucks fam at Armitage and Hoyne this morning, and in solidarity with striking Starbucks workers everywhere demanding increased staffing and good faith bargaining. Like many, I enjoy a good cup of coffee. But not today. #RedCupRebellion #NoContractNoCoffee” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33) tweeted “Starbucks worker at 2101 W Armitage are on strike. Please support their strike fund and show them some love! #UnionTown” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday announced the city launched a new land sale portal where 2,000 vacant city-owned lots now are available for sale and redevelopment by private buyers. The properties can be found at Chicago.gov/BlockBuilder. 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Illinois has decided and dutifully reaffirmed that we will not stand for habit, we will not stand for the appearance of justice. We will stand for justice and justice made manifest across each of our communities in this state.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Back in Springfield, under the Dome, doing the People’s work.”  

Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) tweeted, “Senate Bill 4242 was introduced in response to an Indigenous student in my district, Nimkii Curley, who was not allowed to walk in his graduation because of cultural feathers on his graduation cap. I am proud of the bravery of my young constituents to speak out”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “I was honored to join First Lady Jill Biden and other national leaders at Rolling Meadows High School to celebrate High School District 214's Career Pathways program.” 

The Illinois Senate passed HB1293 on a unanimous vote Wednesday. The bill requires the Investment Policy Board to develop a list of companies based in the two countries that would be added to the state’s Prohibited Investment List. The bill also creates a one-year Money Laundering in Real Estate Task Force, gives the Department of Human Services emergency rulemaking power and establishes an Elections Infrastructure and Integrity Task Force. The bill now goes back to the House for consideration.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Some jobs in a campaign are glamorous, others require diligence & patience to the Nth degree. My folks reviewing the thousands of signatures I have collected from across the city have both in spades. Thank you for your hard work!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Earlier today: @Andrefor40th experienced his first "media scrum." He did well!”  

Comm. Bridget Degnen (D-12) tweeted “Please join me tonight at RNRA's 25th Annual Reception and Gala! Hear Ald. Reilly and Commander Hein speak about public safety and development while enjoying great food and drinks from Tao! Tickets available through http://RNRA2022TAO.eventbrite.com #taochicago #RNRA”  

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted “Thank you to ⁦@ChicagoCAPS18⁩ Commander Hein for meeting with neighbors at Lake Shore Park. The Commander shared information regarding local crime patterns, and answered questions. Thanks also to Wildberry Cafe for coffee and snacks.”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “City Council appropriates millions every year that is used by CPS. City Council, parents, and taxpayers are entitled to hear from the CEO. While I'm glad the Mayor finally agreed, I envision a Chicago where transparency and accountability are the norm, not a fight to be won” in response to news the heads of CPS and CTA, among other agencies, would begin testifying before City Council committees quarterly next year. 

Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Happy to honor and support the El Milagro workers at the @AriseChicago Chicago Faith-Labor-Action annual breakfast. Si se puede!!!” 

Applications to replace Ald. George Cardenas (12) as the 12th Ward alderman closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Cardenas’ last day as a member of the City Council is Nov. 30 and Mayor Lori Lightfoot is tasked with appointing his replacement within 60 days of his departure. Cardenas’ colleagues thanked him for his service and gave him well wishes during the City Council meeting Wednesday. 

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted a picture with Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason): “The Senate Turner Caucus is back….!!!!!” 

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “My staff was on hand to congratulate @dupageforest on being a finalist for the Governors Hometown Awards with their innovative Pop-Up Volunteer program.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Back to work. Buckle up - big things ahead.”  

Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) tweeted, “Hello friends and neighbors. I’ve started the process of packing up and cleaning out my Springfield office while I’m down here for the start of veto session. Serving the people of the 75th District these past 6+ years has been an honor and a privilege.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The big takeaway here is that Rs are becoming an endangered species in the suburbs. Suburban Cook is basically just Durkin. DuPage delegation down to 2. Only McLaughlin and half of Weber in Lake. Only Ozinga and part of Haas in Will. Burbs went from 34D-16R to 39-11.” 

The Illinois Attorney General and other state’s attorneys general reached a $3.1 billion settlement with Walmart as part of lawsuits over the company’s contribution to the opioid crisis. The settlement also includes court oversight of Walmart’s handling of prescription drugs. 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “As temperatures this week dip below freezing, remember that the City’s community service centers with @ChiFamSupport will be open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. This includes 845 W. Wilson Ave.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Proud to stand with @afscme31 , @BobReiterJr, @chicagolabor, and @RossanaFor33 in support of Field Museum Workers United,  who have been organizing to form a union in spite of union busting tactics by CEO Julian Siggers. Chicago is a UNION town! Don’t get it twisted!”  

Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) tweeted “FTX, crashed because of the free fall of bitcoin and a run from crypto investors calling on to sell off their positions! The apparent scammer, Sam Bankman-Fried just got George Bailey’d.”  

Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) tweeted “Just saw Lori's ad. She was "cool" on Covid. What was NOT cool? Raising bridges. Berating staff. Freezing out reporters for doing their jobs. Standing in the way of police reform. Breaking campaign promises. And a classic Chicago pizza has sausage! #SawyerForChicago #ResetChicago ”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Welcome @HopButcher to the 47th Ward!” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “A lesson for 2023 Chicago mayoral and aldermanic candidates: IL Republicans thought misinformation and fear-mongering about crime was their ticket to victory. Republicans lost big, particularly in the city. Chicago voters want and deserve honest conversations on public safety.”

The Chicago Transit Board on Tuesday approved the CTA’s $1.8 billion operating budget for 2023. The approved spending plan keeps the transit authority’s fares at its current levels and “maintains the agency’s commitment to improving service and continues important investments to upgrade and modernize the system,” according to a news release from the CTA.