Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Today, I joined @GovPritzker, the @ILEPA and Metro East officials to announce a $9.9 million investment to improve the sewer collection system in Cahokia Heights.”  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “It's been great to work alongside legislators from across the country at the @NCSLorg Conference this week. I especially enjoyed speaking with representatives from Harley-Davidson, and getting to check out their first-ever electric motorcycle: the LiveWire.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We’ve spent too much time chasing a standard of SURVIVABILITY in Chicago. We survive. We’re tough. We’re strong. But we need to start pursuing a standard of LIVABILITY. Making our city livable for every person here. That’s the mark. It’s what great cities do. Better is possible.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Maybe @LoriLightfoot was still high on those NASCAR exhaust fumes when she said violent crimes and homicides were down in Chicago. Because since she and JB took office, they’ve done nothing but accelerate faster than Ricky Bobby with a live cougar in the car. #twill"  

Rep. Cyril Nichols (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Day 2 of the @ncslorg conference included the Denver Marketplace and the State’s Night Dinner. This city and its view is beautiful. #wedothework"  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Huge shoutout to @CityHPIL Police Department for hosting #NationalNightOut ! My office had a great time talking to constituents, handing out candy, and meeting community members and organizations that help residents!”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “In the House, we believe in uplifting Illinois families. As part of our inflation relief package, we created a back-to-school sales tax holiday, from Aug. 5-Aug. 14. Taxes will be cut to help ease the burden on families. So mark your calendars as we prepare for back-to-school" 

Illinois will join other Great Lakes states and establish a Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit Tour that will give drivers a route to take a road trip around the lake with the necessary amount of electric vehicle charging stations. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Sylvia Garcia and Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman both signed onto the agreement with officials from Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.   

Gov. JB Pritzker approved a disaster proclamation for St. Claire and Washington Counties after two rounds of record rainfall last week the led to flooding. The flooding has displaced over 100 residents.  

Ald. Monique Scott (24) tweeted, “The school year is just around the corner and we’re providing resources to our youth for the new year! Join me in partnership with Rep. Collins and Commissioner Deer at our Back to School Bookbag Giveaway.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “I’m grateful to the cyclists and folks who got this opportunity on our radar so that our office could push for this here, with the larger goal of connecting the river to the lake along Berwyn!”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) shared a Sun-Times article headlined “Not so fast? Alderpersons seek to wave the caution flag on mayor’s NASCAR plan”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted, “The movie industry started in Uptown, so it's fitting that we continue to have movie sets in the neighborhood. Tonight, Pancake House will have its windows shot out (it's all fake glass with no bullets).” 

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership won an $18.5 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, city officials announced Wednesday. It won with a proposal for what it called “Good Jobs Chicago,” an “employer-led, community driven initiative to promote economic resiliency and growth for Chicago and Cook County,” according to the announcement.

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “#NationalNightOut is an annual campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.”  

Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) tweeted, “Thank you @ElginIL for hosting the 22nd annual New Citizens Recognition Ceremony! It was an honor to help welcome 45 new U.S. citizens to the Elgin community. This is an event I look forward to being a part of every year and it was so nice to be back after the 2 year hiatus.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Illinoisans are struggling due to inflation. JB’s failed policies and doubling of the gas tax is making it worse. Your family budget is shrinking because Springfield’s budget is out of control. We must demand a zero-based budget, prioritize spending, & provide REAL relief. #twill"  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Illinois is committed to being the most welcoming state in the nation, and I am eager to work with our partners to address these needs and build a strong support system for Muslim residents of Illinois.” 

Attorney General Kwame Raoul will join a national Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force with the other attorney generals around the country to investigate and pursue legal action against companies responsible for foreign robocalls in the United States.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted, “Can't believe it's Back-to-School fest time! Come out this Saturday to get ready for the first day of CPS classes on August 22. I'm also hosting a flu/COVID-19 vaccine clinic, Mobile City Hall w/the Clerk & many more events featured in my Aug. newsletter conta.cc/3BAnWDz”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted, “The 22nd District (Chicago Police Department) will host “National Night Out” today at Ridge Park, 4:00-7:00pm. Bring the family up for a great time and thank a police officer.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “Please join me for my re-election fundraiser on Wednesday, August 17 from 6pm to 8pm at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance” 

Cook County Comm. Stanely Moore (D-4) has been named First Vice President of the National Association of Black County Officials, he announced on Monday. Founded in 1975, the association is a “networking forum that provides research sharing and information advocating on behalf of African American both appointed and elected County officials nationwide.” 

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thanks @GovPritzker for this declaration that mobilizes all of government and makes additional resources available to help providers across Illinois to address MPV. Hopefully the Feds will follow suit so we can increase vaccine supplies and make TPOXX more easily available!”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “GOOD NEWS: $1.5 billion in economic development and 700+ jobs are on the way to Pawnee thanks to the Illinois EPA giving the green light to build a new natural gas-fueled power plant in the area. Welcome @EmberClear to Central Illinois.”  

Rep. Cyril Nichols (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My team won the first place trophy at the Illinois Black Caucus Foundation 2022 Annual Scholarship and Golf Outing. It was fun supporting a worthy cause. Congratulations to all of the scholarship winners.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “When people blame a bill that hasn’t gone into effect then that tells me everything about their obsession with the failing “tough on crime” status quo. Public safety for all isn’t doubling down on failure but actually providing people with a good life.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “Great to be in Denver for @NCSLorg Summit on this Colorado Statehood Day. Illinois is well represented at the Centennial State's Capitol Building! Abe, of course. And Logan. HBD 146 Colorado!” 

Gov. JB Pritzker issued a public health emergency declaration Monday over concerns about the increasing spread of the monkeypox virus. The public health emergency allows the state to prioritize resources and coordination to fight the virus and is in effect for 30 days. Illinois is still under a public health emergency for COVID-19. As of Monday, Illinois had 520 cases of monkeypox, according to the governor’s office.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted, “Join the Chicago Police Department, Alderman King (4), Alderman Dowell (3), and State Senator Mattie Hunter (3rd Senate District) for National Night Out tomorrow, August 2 from 4-7 PM at 35th and Prairie.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) put out a news release on Monday that “decried the failed training methods of the Chicago Police Department which could have avoided officers going on trial that starts today against two of the police officers that entered Anjanette Young’s home in 2019.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted, “Tomorrow, @HeartNeighbors is celebrating 65 new affordable homes in Lincoln Square — at 4715 N Western Ave. If you’re in Lincoln Square, stop by to connect with neighbors and to support expanding affordability!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “Tonight is our in-person, outdoor meeting about the proposal for a men's shelter at Clark and Birchwood. Join us at Pottawattomie Park, 7340 N. Rogers, 6pm for updates and survey results. You can also register for the virtual meeting 6pm on Wed, Aug. 3.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted, “The annual 50th Ward Back to School Fair was a tremendous success yesterday! We were able to give away nearly 300 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to children from throughout the neighborhood!” 

Cook County Comm. Stanely Moore (D-4) has been named First Vice President of the National Association of Black County Officials, he announced on Monday. Founded in 1975, the association is a “networking forum that provides research sharing and information advocating on behalf of African American both appointed and elected County officials nationwide.”

Rep. Bob Morgan (R-Deerfield) tweeted, “Come out to #TeddyObrians in Highwood this afternoon for some great music, and all proceeds go towards [the Highland park Community Foundation] and their July 4th Fund!  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Enjoying a great #summertimeChi Saturday with my friends in the Calumet Heights community in the 8th Ward of Chicago part of my district. #runwiththerep Start or reenergize your block club or local community organization to stay connected, share information and have fun.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I’m old enough to remember the ancient yr of 2019 when Candidate Lightfoot promised dedicated funds to deal w/ housing insecurity. The Chicago classic “Cha Cha Slide” sums up all the broken promises. To the LEFT. To the RIGHT. Take it back now y'all. Cross Cross. Reverse…”  

Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-) shared a statement from the U.S. House Freedom Caucus on assault weapons bans and tweeted, “It’s easy for Democrats to just say, no guns….if that solved the problem we’d have no handgun violence in Chicago.” 

The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police named former Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow as its new executive director, the group announced last week. Winslow’s term will begin on Sept. 1.  

The Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP) is now accepting applications for a new cohort of students for the 2022-2023 academic year. IDOC partners with NPEP, a degree-granting initiative of Northwestern University, and Oakton Community College to provide a “high-quality liberal arts education to individuals in custody at Stateville Correctional Center,” state officials wrote in a release Friday. Northwestern is the only top-ten university in the country to confer its own bachelor's degrees to students in a prison education program. NPEP will expand to include the third cohort of students at Stateville Correctional Center with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, officials said. 

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) in her latest newsletter included an advertisement for the Chicago Urban League Back to School Festival next on Saturday.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Congratulations to my friend Bob and bringing the first rooftop bar to Garfield Ridge despite the lack of support by the City of Chicago. Every community should be able to recover & grow in the post-pandemic era.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “In 2016, we initiated a push to ensure Logan Square's Fullerton/Milwaukee TIF dollars went to public schools – not connected developers. In 2022, I was proud to support $10.1 million from the Fullerton/Milwaukee TIF to maintain and improve Darwin School.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted, “It took well over 4 years to get through all the many obstacles to get streetlights installed on the parkway located on CDOT property, but the wait was worth it. It's so much better for pedestrians walking to and from Target at night.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted, “An energizing (and warm) Saturday in Ravenswood talking about how communities can work together across wards to get big things done on sustainability and pedestrian infrastructure!” 

Chicago and Cook County remain in the “high transmission” category for COVID-19 under Centers for Disease Control guidelines, as cases have increased, the Chicago Department of Public Health wrote in a notice on Friday. The average number of new laboratory-confirmed cases jumped to 247 on Friday from 217 the week prior, but the average number of daily new COVID-19 hospital admissions remained steady at 12.6 per 100,000 people.  

Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez on Friday announced the launch of a remote language service on her office’s website that offers 50 languages on a drop-down menu and an additional 150 languages upon request. The website offers a “Need Language Service” tab operated by the translation service InLingo that offers an instant-message chat service in the 50 languages. 

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Today I had the pleasure of working alongside staff at El Molcajete in Belvidere. Maria taught me how to make delicious tamales”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Just left Stateville Prison. It’s my first time back since 2019. It was great seeing everyone again. The members of the Stateville Think Tank are some of the smartest and most caring leaders. All I’ll say is more electeds need to not only visit our prisons but meet with people.”  

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted, “Wishing you a full recovery @SenatorDurbin”  

Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) tweeted, “The SAFE-T act or HB3653 must be repealed. Working class families in the very districts of its sponsors are suffering because of it. Chicago, are your streets SAFE-T better???” 

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) announced Thursday on Twitter he tested positive for COVID-19. Durbin said he is fully vaccinated and boosted and is experiencing mild symptoms. He will work from home while he isolates.   

The Illinois Department of Public Health is asking health care providers to prioritize monkeypox vaccines for high-risk individuals while supply of the vaccine remains low. They recommend health care providers only give out first doses of the vaccine and not the regular second dose 28 days after the first dose to help conserve supply of the vaccine for as many people as possible. Illinois had received over 7,000 doses of the vaccine as of Thursday, while Chicago had received over 18,000. There were 401 cases of monkeypox in Illinois as of Thursday, according to the department.

Ald. Sophia King (4) wrote in her latest newsletter, “As July comes to an end, we'd like to acknowledge disability pride month, which occurs every July to commemorate the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. We recognize the heritage, disability culture, the unique experiences of the disabled community, and the positive impact and contributions they have on society.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “I have hosted Ward Night twice a week my entire aldermanic tenure. I never know how I’ll be asked to help someone. Potholes or rat issues? Sure thing. Out street lights or tree trim? No problem. An errant rooster walking around the block? Thanks to @ChicagoACC we got you covered!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “I look forward to working with my colleagues – @RossanaFor33, @AldMattMartin, and @ChiAlderwoman, the administration, and community organizations to codify and build upon these protections when we pass the Chicago Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary Ordinance later on this year.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted, “Grateful to be at the @leagueofcities Board of Directors meeting in @CityofAtlanta to discuss important issues plaguing our cities. Listening to our CEO @ceanthony50 and our NLC President @ucmayorvince speak on strategies for municipalities to move them forward.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) shared a Block Club article about his public election funding ordinance and tweeted, “Elections shouldn't be up for sale to the highest bidder.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “This month’s On the Map features one of our favorite places in the Ward @TheNew400. You probably already know that the New 400 is a super cool date night spot, oh and that they have fabulous popcorn and cocktails, of course.” 

The Cook County Republican Party Central Committee reelected county Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) to a third consecutive term as party chair during the organization’s convention in Edison Park, the group announced Thursday. The position is elected to two-year terms.