The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced on Monday that unemployment insurance benefit payments will no longer be made by debit card starting Dec, 27. “Claimants who defaulted to a debit card option as their preferred method of payment will begin receiving paper checks instead of the benefits being placed on a debit card,” according to the announcement. “The Department will continue to make benefit payments as normal to those claimants who chose to receive them via direct deposit.” The change comes after the Department’s vendor, KeyBank, made the decision to stop providing debit cards for unemployment insurance benefit purposes. 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) in his latest newsletter shared a photo of himself walking in the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We remember you Tamir. Love and solidarity to his family.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “If I were the mayor's spokesperson I would simply advise her against spewing petty vitriol.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “This year, a majority of neighbors who filled out our budget survey reported increased mental health challenges due to the pandemic. In December, join us for a town hall to discuss the pandemic's impact on mental health and what policymakers can do” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The 49th Ward office is looking for volunteers with their own shovels to help lend a hand to our elderly and disabled neighbors by shoveling the sidewalks in front of their building.” 

The Chicago Department of Housing on Monday announced it will open the next round of its Emergency Rental Assistance Program on Dec. 6, with applications due by Dec. 18. The $102 million round of funding — the program’s largest yet — will be furnished by the American Rescue Plan Act and will offer up to 18 months of rental assistance and utility payment assistance for income-qualifying Chicago residents who can show that the COVID-19 pandemic took a hit on their income. 

The Urban Land Institute will host a virtual community meeting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 to present its recommendations on how to “update The Magnificent Mile’s distinct identity and enhance its draw as a premier retail, entertainment, and tourism destination,” according to an announcement. The institute joined the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and The Magnificent Mile Association to convene a “multi-disciplinary panel of real estate development experts” to help develop the recommendations.” Online registration is required. 

Sen. Don DeWitte (St. Charles) wrote in his latest newsletter, “I want to thank everyone who came out to Elgin Community College this week for my listening tour town hall meeting. I was joined at this regional event by my colleagues Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie and Deputy Leader Sue Rezin. Together, we held a panel discussion about important legislative issues that affect Illinoisans, and then we spent over an hour taking questions from a very engaged audience. 

Sen. Napoleon Harris (D-Flossmoor) wrote in his latest newsletter that he “will be hosting a meal pick-up for older adults in the 15th Senate District for Thanksgiving. Older adults will be able to pick up their meals on Tuesday, Nov. 23, from 12 – 3 p.m. at Beggars Pizza, located at 369 East 147th Street in Harvey.”  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) wrote in a statement that he “calls on Downers Grove District 99 to protect LGBTQ+ youth in their community from hate and censorship by immediately rejecting calls to censor a queer positive book, GENDER QUEER, in the high school library.”  

Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) wrote in his latest newsletter: “The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) issued its October revenue report and found continued revenue growth for the state, but warned about the effect that continued inflation will have. In October 2021, state revenue improved by more than $1 billion over October 2020. Almost half of that growth was in sales tax revenue, with increased corporate income tax revenue also a big part of the gain. Funds flowing in from the federal government increased substantially last month compared to a year ago. 

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) shared a news release that quotes her as saying, “While our state has made huge strides to cut the cost of insulin, it is clear we must do more to make health care more affordable for individuals with diabetes”

The Illinois Department of Public Health on Friday announced the launch of a new “holiday vaccine campaign” to encourage people to get vaccinated ahead of the holidays. “The campaign will reach Illinoisans statewide in both English and Spanish through a variety of traditional and online media channels, including cable, broadcast and connected TV; streaming audio and radio; billboards and bus shelters; digital display and video; print and social media. Like other coronavirus-related expenses, costs are reimbursable by the federal government,” according to to the announcement.

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted, “The bears worth 4B? give me a break” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “If your commentary about Kenosha isn’t as profound & robust as your commentary about Cook County, please keep your opinions to yourself.” 

Ald. Derrick Curtis (18) wrote in his latest newsletter that the STANTEC Engineering Firm “will be taking soil samples for 2-3 weeks” at the Southwest Pumping Station to “determine the consistency of the soil for future construction.” 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter, “The mayor's hope to keep the current leadership at COPA shows that she would rather protect anti-police bureaucrats than the legacy of fallen officers. We need accountability at COPA and I will be working to oppose confirmation and urging my colleagues to do the same.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted a video message for Transgender Day of Remembrance. 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that “the City Council approved an ordinance empowering the city's Police Board to hear appeals from individuals who believe they have been erroneously listed as gang members in the Police Department's new gang database. I voted against this item, as I believe we need additional information about when the new database will be operational and whether the various components of the database have been designed to address the shortcomings involving the old database that the city's Inspector General highlighted in reports from April 2019 and March 2021.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “Today, on #TransDayOfRemembrance and #TransDayofResilience, we honor trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people by remembering the contributions they've made in the advancement of civil and human rights for ALL people...” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health both announced that they support the Center for Disease Control’s decision to recommend COVID-19 booster shots for all adults 18 and older who were previously vaccinated. The city health department is “ordering more vaccine from the federal government in anticipation of increased demand and remind Chicagoans that they can get a dose at sites across the city — in hospitals, physicians’ offices, local pharmacies, pop-up clinics hosted by the City, and more,” according to a release sent Friday. A full list of city-backed vaccination sites is available online. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) posted on Facebook, “Yesterday was one of those days that changes your life. I had the transformative opportunity to meet and sit down with the first Black Speaker of the California General Assembly, the Honorable Willie Brown.”  

Rep. Stefanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) wrote a recap of the veto session in her latest newsletter, including that she was “particularly proud of HB 0359. I was the primary sponsor and It passed in both chambers. The bill requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to create a Veterans' Accountability Unit. This unit will be responsible to ensure the highest and best care is given to our Veterans in our Veteran's Homes and also being served by our state of Illinois Veteran Service Officers.” 

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) posted on Facebook, “Sparks fly at ASI! The Metro East is fortunate to have Alton Steel Inc working to retain employees, support labor jobs and supply steel products across the country. I appreciated the tour to see the robust operations firsthand, and I look forward to promoting economic development through local trades in our region.” 

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The five openly LGBTQ members of the Illinois General Assembly including myself call on Downers Grove District 99 to protect LGBTQ youth in their community from hate and censorship by immediately rejecting calls to censor a queer positive book in the high school library.” 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Today, the Illinois Supreme Court affirmed the Second District Illinois Appellate Court decision upholding @Deerfield_IL ordinance banning assault weapons. This is a great step toward protecting our children and community, and having sensible gun control measures. 

The Illinois unemployment rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 6 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by 40,900 in October, according to a report released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security on Thursday. The preliminary report for September monthly payrolls was revised from +9,200 to +11,000 jobs. The September unemployment rate was also revised from the preliminary report, decreasing from 6.8 percent to 6.2 percent, “as a result of a large downward revision” that the Bureau of Labor Statistics introduce to September numbers, according to the announcement. 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “The Department of Water Management has installed a new water main and will be resurfacing the street on the alley east of Drexel Blvd from 42nd Place to 43rd Street, and on Ellis Ave from 41st Place to 43rd Street. Contact our office if you have any questions.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “We demand that the City use funding from the American Rescue Act to address systemic inequities in Chicago’s water bills.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Our Chicago Coalition Map is the only map drafted by alderpersons that follows the U.S. Census data and has been publicly released to help spur a transparent and open conversation on Chicago's next ward map.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) shared a Crain’s article and tweeted “With compromise and real discussions about redistricting, we can pass a map that will reflect the diversity of this great city.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) in a thread tweeted “Today, with the help of @ChicagoDFSS, @AllChicago_MHH and neighbors with Rogers Park Solidarity Network we helped match 19 houseless neighbors with homes.”  

Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) tweeted “Today, my colleagues and I unanimously voted to pass Cook County Government's 2022 Budget. This is not just a budget for today or for next year, it is a budget that sets the stage for tangible change for years to come. I am proud to be an aye vote.” 

Cook County Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) tweeted “We just passed a balanced 2022 Cook County budget. We do not cut services or raise taxes or fees – and we make historic investments in mental health care, small businesses, and infrastructure.”

The Chicago Department of Transportation added new wayfinding signage to the underground Pedway system, officials announced Thursday. The “interim signage” is the “first step in a longer-term comprehensive wayfinding project to make it easier for people to navigate the Pedway,” according to a news release from the department.

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) will take over a DJ set for the “Spinning for a Cause” event at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Delilah’s bar in Lincoln Park to support the Wrightwood Neighbors Association, the they announced. 

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) shared photos of herself speaking at the new Cook County Health Center in Belmont Cragin and wrote, “This is a transformative project that will bring accessible health care to the Belmont-Cragin community and surrounding areas. @CookCtyHealth will serve any & all people who walk in the door, and provide one-stop health care services.” 

Rep. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted of a trail project at Sahara Woods State Recreation Area, “IDNR has assured me this project is still moving forward, and while there has been sort of a delay with funding sources, I look forward to seeing the construction move forward. Read my full update here: https://buff.ly/3oGPD5F”  

Rep. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As pandemic and economic woes continue, many Illinoisans live on the edge, choosing between necessities like food, rent or health care. This week is a time to examine the systems that allow too many to go without and focus on ending #HungerAndHomelessness” 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) shared Rep. Delia Ramirez’s (D-Chicago) profile in the Crain’s 40 under 40 and tweeted, “Can't think of a more deserving recipient (no offense to the other 39!). Proud to know @Delia4StateRep — she's taught me everything I know about housing, and has been a true progressive force for change in the House. #RootedAndReady”

Gov. JB Pritzker he will reappoint electrician Mark Chatham to continue to serve on the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board. And he will appoint Ryan Miller, who is Senior Vice President of PNC Bank in Peoria, and Paul Flynn, Business Manager and Financial Secretary for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union #34, to the Tri-County River Valley Development Authority.  

Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) tweeted “During November, we should all remember the great works and untimely death of our 1st Black Mayor, Harold Washington. This tie just jumped out at me this morning and I thought I would honor him and wear it at Council today.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Today I am introducing changes to the @ChicagoCOPA enabling ordinance requiring: 1) the dept to use @ILStatePolice investigatory standards; and 2) prevent the Chief Administrator from issuing decisions posthumously, as they did against Officer Ella French.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Delia Ramirez is a strong voice for our working families in Springfield. She's successfully fought to improve housing, healthcare, education. She's a proven progressive legislator, and I can't wait for her next move.” 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “It’s official: City Council just made dogs in taverns the law of the land.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The gang database has been so harmful and we need to see a clear and fair process laid out for the public before I vote to move this forward.”

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has opened a satellite office at St. Sabina Church in Auburn Gresham as part of her “Black Houses Matter” homeownership preservation campaign, her office announced Wednesday. Pappas’ “goal is to get properties off the Tax Sale list by helping homeowners search for $72 million in available property tax refunds going back 20 years and $43 million in missing exemptions going back four years,” according to the announcement. 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “I was honored to join Oxford Houses for a tour of their homes in Rockford. I am excited about their expanded efforts in growing supportive housing for those in recovery.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Pawnee) shared a tweet from U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) about meeting with leaders of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police and added, “Proud to have a member of Congress who supports and listens to law enforcement.”  

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Honored to have been included in tonight's #MpowerTheNight event and grateful for the support [Metropolitan Family Services] offered my family in its time of need, and for the great support it offers to families in need every day. Thank you for doing the work you do!  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) shared a clip of himself speaking at Gov. JB Pritzker’s bill signing on Tuesday and tweeted, “The Gov. signed the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in IL Act into law, sending a message that IL is ready to be the leader of EV manufacturing.” 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I am proud to support [Nabeela Syed] for IL-51. She is a skilled organizer and strategist who knows what it takes to win difficult elections. With her community roots and driven energy, Nabeela is exactly the candidate that Democrats need to win the 51st District.”

The Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership will host its Dawn Clark Netsch Policy Forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday to “learn how we can combat public health disparities in Illinois.” Panelists will include Kathy Chan of Cook County Health, Illinois Department of Public Health director Ngozi Ezike and Dr. Vidya Sundareshan of Southern Illinois University Medicine to “discuss COVID-19, maternal health, the opioid crisis, and beyond.” Online registration is required. 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Bingo and pumpkin pie with my seniors. They are awesome and I love spending time with them during the holidays. #dontforgetourseniors”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “In his CPD resignation form, Catanzara once again shows he's a far-right extremist man-child unfit for leadership or public service. Chicago needs leaders that bring all neighborhoods together to act on our city's shared progressive values.”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “These past two weekends, schools in our ward, LaSalle Language Academy, Lincoln Elementary and Francis Parker School, hosted vaccine clinics. We are proud to report around 1,400 kids received their first dose of the COVID vaccine. A big thanks to our provider Instavaxx!” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Having 7 siblings with very different religious and political beliefs helped me accept others who are different from me. Vive la difference!” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a story from Chicago Magazine and tweeted “This Thursday we will start the Accelerated Housing Event, or Rapid Rehousing; where those that apply should have permanent homes within two to four weeks thanks to funds from the federal CARES Act.

The Metropolitan Planning Council’s Board of Governors announced their selection of Darlene Hightower as the organization’s new president and CEO. Hightower is currently vice president of community health equity at Rush University Medical Center. She will take over in January following the retirement of previous CEO Mary Sue Barrett. 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday nominated Kenneth Meyer to serve as the next permanent commissioner of the city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Meyer has worked for the city for more than 25 years and began serving as the department’s interim commissioner since former Comm. Rosa Escareño retired in July. Prior to being named interim commissioner, Meyer served as first deputy commissioner of the department since 2016. Meyer also served as chief of staff for the city’s Department of Buildings. His nomination is subject to City Council approval. 

Separately on Tuesday, Lightfoot officially nominated Erin Harkey as the next commissioner of the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. If confirmed by City Council, Harkey would replace former Comm. Mark Kelly, who retired this fall. Prior to her nomination, Harkey has worked for the city for five years beginning as projects administrator, then deputy commissioner for programming and finally, Kelly has served as first deputy commissioner of the department since 2021. 

Finally on Tuesday, Lighfoot nominated Andrea Kersten to serve as the next Chief Administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). Kersten has served as COPA’s interim chief administrator since former Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts resigned in the spring. Kersten has also served as deputy chief and chief of Investigative Operations. Lightfoot’s nomination is proving controversial though, as 19 aldermen sent a letter to Lightfoot on Tuesday saying they are “dismayed, disheartened and outraged” over a report recently released by COPA recommending a three-day suspension for the late police officer Ella French who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year. The report was released under Kersten and aldermen wrote in the letter that they are “vehemently opposed” to her nomination as COPA chief administrator. 

Sen. Dale Fowler (R- Harrisburg) posted on Facebook: "Over the weekend I had the pleasure of helping to host several members of the Illinois Black Caucus on a tour of Cairo, Illinois. We had a full schedule and were able to discuss several topics that are important to revitalizing Cairo."

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, "Illinois will receive $17 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. With this critical funding paired with the work already done in the state legislature, Illinois remains a leader for the nation in a clean energy economy."

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, "Had the opportunity to represent [the National Conference of State Legislatures] at the White House for the official signing of the federal infrastructure bill. Our state is expected to get at least $17 billion for projects."

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, "Marijuana has been a huge revenue generator for Illinois, already surpassing liquor tax revenue this year. Proud to cut the ribbon at Sunnyside Dispensary in #Wrigleyville this morning which will be a huge tourism attraction just blocks from Wrigley Field. #cannabis"

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, "Forcing Illinoisans to choose between the vaccine or lose their job is a fundamental attack on our families and our liberties. If you agree Illinois should join other states and sue the Feds, sign our petition! #governmentoverreach"