Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Please join @BridgetDegnen and I this Saturday for a cup of coffee and a chance to talk about ongoing policy work and any community questions or concerns. No RSVP is needed, just stop by and jump into the conversation!”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Join us tomorrow, Wednesday 5/18 at 5 PM for a community meeting to discuss summer festivals happening at Oakwood Beach.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted a four-page statement on his “no” vote on the city’s new ward map.   

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) shared a Block Club story and tweeted “CPD has announced an arrest for the Lincoln Park shooting that left a 23-year old student in critical condition. The suspect is also charged in connection with one armed robbery in the 44th ward on the 1100 block of Barry”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Every member of the Chicago City Council needs to support common-sense reforms to how police conduct warrants. Email your alder today”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Police are warning of multiple incidents where a male offender exposed himself inappropriately to young female victims. He is described as a “tall and lanky male with light or light brown complexion, unknown race, wearing blue pants and a dark hooded sweatshirt and a face mask.” 

The start of early voting for the June 28 Primary Election at the Chicago Board of Election Supersite in the Loop is being delayed from Thursday until May 26 to account for time needed to remove the ward map referendum question from ballots and to conduct ballot-proofing and to test voting machines before the election, according to a news release from the Chicago Board of Elections. Vote By Mail ballots that were set to be sent to voters beginning Thursday will now be sent to voters early next week, according to the news release. Voters can find more information on hours for the supersite and locations and hours of other early voting sites online.  

Cook County could soon move into the “high risk” category for COVID-19 spread “because the CDC’s measurement of Cook County's hospitalization data for Community Levels reflects the burden on the whole federally defined Health Service Area, which includes Cook, Lake, DuPage, and McHenry Counties,” according to a Tuesday update from the Chicago Department of Public Health. But even if the county crosses the higher threshold, “the City of Chicago would not immediately reinstate an indoor mask mandate, because severe outcomes in Chicago remain relatively rare and the burden of COVID-19 in our local hospitals remains low,” officials said. 

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Starbucks raises pay and other benefits for employees. Now why could that be? Competition for labor could raise all employees' boats in this industry. More wages to spend, spread widely among families, helps our whole economy. Union organizing benefits our society as a whole.”  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “The mental health of teachers is vital for them to continue inspiring our youth. They are a crucial part of children’s lives. Giving teachers time to focus on their mental health is essential to success.”  

Rep. Lakeshia Collins (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Over the weekend, a terrible act of gun violence killed and injured 13 innocent lives. This premeditated attack was culminated in white supremacy and racism against black people. We need to take action against gun violence and systemic racism. Enough is enough! #EndGunViolence"  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “By offering a rebate on the purchase of vehicles manufactured in-state, we put money back in the pockets of our consumers and spur our local economies.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “On Friday, Gov. Pritzker signed my initiative into law to make a strong, statewide effort to explore solutions for equity in Illinois classrooms to offer support to historically disadvantaged male students”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Always great to catch up with two of my mayors, Highland Park’s @NancyRotering & @Deerfield_IL’s Dan Shapiro, as we discuss ways to work together for the benefit of our communities!”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “It is National Police Week! Thank you to the brave men and women in blue for putting themselves in danger to help keep our communities safe. If you see a police officer this week, please be sure to thank them for their service. #BacktheBlue"  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My mom was a rather abusive alcoholic and she struggled with a lot of mental health issues. As a kid, my sanctuary was a public park hanging with my friends. It saved my life even as I got myself in trouble.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB3490 Monday, which the Commission on LGBTQ Aging to study how to improve services for aging LGBTQ adults. Issues the commission will study include housing, healthcare and AIDS/HIV care.   

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will give Illinois $5.4 million for the Family Planning Program, boosting funding for the program to $11.2 million, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Monday. The department was previously prohibited from funding Title X services under the Trump Administration in an effort to prevent federal funds from being used to support health clinics that provide abortion services. The Illinois Family Planning Program provides financial resources for low-income residents or people without health insurance to access reproductive health care.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted about the ward map ordinance that was approved on Monday, writing “Transparency was intentionally sidestepped by refusing to introduce this map in regular City Council meeting or committee meeting, where public participation & openness could have transpired. This map was only seen last week with most Chicagoans not having seen it.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “This coming Thursday we will have a meeting of the Committee on Education and Child Development to discuss the recent budget cuts to schools across the city. Here’s the information on how to participate. We want to hear your voice, we want your questions and your feedback!”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted a picture of the final vote count for the new ward map and wrote “the vote to allow the vote on the map to go forward. A victory for compromise.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) issued a statement on the passage of the new ward map, writing “The City Council met today to officially vote on new ward maps for Chicago. This is a process that happens every 10 years after the census. The new map is not perfect, but it represents hundreds of hours of collaboration between Council members and it avoids the financial burden of a referendum. I believe it is the best way forward for our city.” 

Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin will host a “Credit & Money Management Workshop” at 5 p.m. Wednesday and “Money Mondays with Melissa: Asian American and Pacific Islander Month Roundtable” with Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) and Ald. Nicole Lee (11) at 12 p.m. on May 23.

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today, the Too Young to Test Act was signed into law! I was honored to help carry this legislation across the finish line with the undeniably important advocacy of @il_fps and House sponsor Rep. Lindsey LaPointe.”  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “By offering the same incentives for electric motorcycles that we do for other types of electric vehicles, we’re improving Illinois’ relationship with greener energy and supporting multiple modes of transportation.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today HB 4580 was signed into law. This will ensure that CPS will draws the fairest possible district boundaries for High Schools.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “With Governor Pritzker earlier today as he signed the Inform Act into law. This legislation addresses the rise in organized retail theft that has plagued neighborhoods across Chicago and communities throughout the state.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “Governor Pritzker admitted today he is funneling millions in dark money to buy DEM ads to influence the @ILGOP primary, which only underscores he's afraid to face @IrvinBourne4IL this fall.  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “It's abundantly clear that Marc Smith is incapable of leading DCFS and he needs to be replaced.”  

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) tweeted, “The Performance Audit of the DCFS Child Safety and Well-Being findings released yesterday are, once again, disheartening. I continue to stand ready to assist the governor in his commitment to protect the most vulnerable children in Illinois.”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “To support retailers, update prosecuting resources and promote statewide economic growth, I led a new law to curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable”  

Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) tweeted, “PPS receives $1.5M in state funding for a media production space at Peoria High School” 

Gov. JB Pritzker signed 127 bills on Friday. The bills include a requirement schools provide a plant-based lunch option, establish a Foster Care Investigative Reports Commission at the Department of Children and Family Services, allow correctional officers to carry a gun off duty or in retirement, expand the Foster Care Bill of Rights, establish a rebate for the first-time purchaser of a vehicle manufactured in Illinois, allow teachers to use sick days for mental health care, waive application fees for short-term substitute teachers in public health emergencies, establish the Jelani Day Act, prohibit the State Board of Education from funding standardize testing in kindergarten through second grade, allow people with a print disability to vote electronically, and add electric motorcycles to the list of qualifying electric vehicles.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Do we need to have the National Guard discussion again? They have the bodies we need to create presence, not only downtown but also for our neighborhoods that under siege thanks to the policies of intentional criminal enablement & blissfully ignorant collusion. #EnoughIsEnough”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “3 Chicagoans were killed yesterday by a record breaking heat wave in May and their landlord's negligence. My heart goes out to their families. I'm heartbroken. I'm angry. Our Chicago City Council must act to protect Chicago tenants from heat waves.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted, “Supporting small businesses in the Ward. Thank you #miskibakery for some awesome pastries and empanadas. Stop by if you’re in the area. #westportagepark #6115wAddison”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter that he “was pleased to join Governor J.B. Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, state lawmakers, and others this morning for the signing of House Bill (HB) 1091.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “the Environmental Protection Committee discussed and voted down 1st Ward Ald. Daniel La Spata's Water for All ordinance, which, among other things, proposed to permanently ban water shutoffs and expand billing relief for low-income families. I voted in favor of the proposal, and look forward to working with my aldermanic colleagues, the Mayor's Office, and environmental activists on a revised ordinance that seeks to accomplish many of these same goals.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “Reminder: Choice Town Hall is tomorrow (Monday, May 16) at 6PM with panelists [Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview)], Khadine Bennett of @ACLUofIL, and Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago). To attend, please register at the link below to receive the Zoom log-in credentials. bit.ly/ntdumay16 

The Metropolitan Planning Council will host a virtual event at 11:30 a.m. on May 24 titled “Calculating Impact: A Roundtable on the Policy, Participation, and Tools Reshaping Equitable Transit-Oriented Development.” Speakers will include Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning executive director Erin Aleman, Metropolitan Planning Council associate Jordan Bailly, CRG vice president Ciere Boatright, Metropolitan Planning Council CEO Darlene Hightower, Garfield Park Community Council executive director Mike Thomas and Metropolitan Planning Council director of equitable & sustainable communities Drew Williams-Clark.  

Chicago remains in the “medium risk” category for COVID-19 and would have to see a doubling in its hospitalization rate from 4.9 new admissions per 100,000 residents per week to 10 admissions to move to a “high risk” category — a circumstance under which “Chicago could reinstate indoor mask requirements or other mitigations to protect the health care system,” according to a Friday announcement from the Chicago Department of Public Health. “Thankfully, many fewer Chicagoans are being hospitalized right now with COVID-19 than in prior waves, mostly thanks to vaccines and boosters,” public health department Comm. Allison Arwady was quoted as saying in the announcement. “We want to keep it that way and see our case numbers trend back down, so we ask everyone to do their part.” 

Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today I was awarded the Legislator of the Year award by the Illinois Public Pension Advisory Committee for the work I have done securing retirement benefits for first responders. Thank you, @RealIPPAC, for this honor!”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Thanks to people like JB Pritzker and Mike Madigan, Illinois is the third-most corrupt state in the U.S. We have to work to restore Illinois to the Land of Lincoln and root out corruption on every level.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Just finished speaking with @cole_Henke about the recent LaSalle Veterans’ Home audit for this Sunday’s @CapConnectIL episode. You can watch the interview when it airs at 10:30 a.m.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Last night, @SenatorMorrison and I hosted our Post-Session Town Hall. We discussed our legislative victories & the great work we have done to fix the IL Budget. Thank you to everyone who came with great questions. As always, please contact my office with any questions or concerns”  

Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Congratulations to Justice Lisa Holder White on becoming the first Black Woman to serve as a Justice on the Illinois Supreme Court”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “A lot of status quo leaders out here hating on bail reform while also selling people a techno bubble pyramid scheme. It’s like when Fred Thompson sold reverse mortgages during the Great Recession but maybe worse.” 

WGN-TV confirmed in a news release Thursday they will host a Republican gubernatorial debate at 7 p.m. on May 24. The debate will be between Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), Jesse Sullivan of Petersburg and Gary Rabine of Bull Valley. The debate will also be shown on Nexstar’s affiliates around Illinois.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Congratulations to @salarmychicago on a beautiful civic luncheon bringing public & private partnerships together to support those that man the walls against poverty & despair with the weapon of God’s love”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “On Wednesday, May 25th, the Chicago Department of Aviation will host an Airport Expo at the UIC Forum, 10:00am-2:00pm.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Congressional candidate Gil Villegas is attempting to mislead the voters on his affordable housing record.Did Ald. Gil Villegas champion Logan Square's newest affordable housing development - like his recent mailer claims? No. Did he block affordable housing in his ward? Yes.”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted a link to a statement on “the event” at North Avenue Beach on Wednesday and wrote “Yesterday, about 400 people gathered at an unpermitted large-scale event at North Avenue Beach...An estimated 400 people came to the beach, and while almost all the liquor was removed the group still engaged in many illegal activities including climbing the lifeguard towers, and climbing on CTA buses. This resulted in situations where injuries were probable and the police acted to ensure the well-being of all involved was protected. In order to prevent injuries, the police initiated a process to direct people to leave the beach. As the group dispersed, residents observed gatherings at local gas stations and other businesses. In all cases, no one was hurt, and very few arrests were necessary. The area was cleared between 11 p.m. and midnight.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Jefferson Township is now open for property tax appeals through the Cook County Board of Review. Join us for a virtual seminar on May 24 at 6 PM to learn how to appeal your assessment and possibly lower your tax bill!” 

Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways Supt. Jennifer "Sis" Killen will join Chicago aldermen at A. Phillip Randolph Elementary School at 11 a.m. Friday to announce a new $200,000 round of funding for the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project, which will “allow for the creation of STEM clubs, learning partnerships and the development or enhancement of school makerspaces.”

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Honored to meet with @POTUS today in Kankakee at the farm of Jeff and Gina O’Connor. The President did a great job of talking about his actions to support America’s farmers and food processors, lower their costs and lower prices for families. Farmers are the backbone of America!”  

Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) tweeted, “I joined @GovPritzker in Waukegan on Monday morning to announce a $30 million grant to improve storm water management in Lake County. Updates to sewer drainage and new flood storage basins will ease the threat of heavy flooding Lake County has experienced in recent years.”  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today, Sen. Martwick, Rep. LaPointe, @ilenviro's Energy Policy Director Samira Hanessian and I held a press conference about the restoration of emissions testing sites in the city of Chicago. After six years of work, we got it done.”  

Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I'm proud to announce the Funeral and Burial Assistance Act is now law! Thank you to @strengthtolove1 and all advocates who constantly fight for a better Illinois.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “The tragedy at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home was avoidable. We are demanding justice and accountability from Pritzker.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We need to deal with the root causes of violence. We must continue the movement away from the failed status quo. Public safety has always been a top issue in the district I represent and the fight we have is ensuring that every zip code is safe.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Today and every day, thank you for wearing the badge! #backtheblue #nationalpoliceweek"  

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “Yesterday I was honored to attend the Illinois State Fire Marshal Fallen Firefighter and Medal of Honor Ceremony in Springfield. Firefighters selflessly serve and protect every day. May we honor the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of service.”  

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted, “Life is precious, but it can bring you surprises. I’m recovering well and I’m excited to continue the fight.” 

The Department of Aging is accepting nominations to the Senior Hall of Fame until June 1. Nominations for people age 65 and older are accepted for categories on community service, education, performance or graphic arts, and labor force. Nominations can be submitted online.  

Former Gov. Jim Edgar and the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale are accepting nominations for the Statesmanship Award. The award goes to an elected official in Illinois at any level of government who displays leadership, vision, civility and other traits. Nominations can be submitted online.

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners voted on Wednesday to confirm Rosa Escareño as the permanent superintendent of the Chicago Park District. Escareño had served for seven months as acting commissioner since last October, when former Supt. Michael Kelly resigned amid the park district’s lifeguard abuse scandal. So far she has already worked to create a new Office of Prevention and Accountability, which “will be empowered to prevent misconduct and hold wrongdoers accountable through fair, independent and thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct by park employees and patrons,” according to a Chicago Park District statement.  

The Chicago Department of Water Management is expanding its Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program to include “all residents who own and live in their homes and meet the income eligibility standard of $83,250 for a family of four,” the department announced Wednesday. For anyone whose application is approved, department officials “will replace your lead water service line all the way from your home to the water main in the street,” according to the announcement. Homeowners can apply for the program online. 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Next week, Friday, May 20th: Emmett Street Apartments Ribbon Cutting and Renaming Celebration!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “One positive from this map is that it should be easier to secure protected bike lanes along Grand. Also, I propose this Ward be renumbered to the 65th Ward so it matches the @cta bus line. #1millionforthismap #punishedforspeakingup”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) responded to Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) after his “Water For All” ordinance failed to pass out of committee on Tuesday and wrote “You worked hard on this one, Alderman. I know you’re not happy with the result, but you did a great job advocating for your ordinance. Now you can get to work on strengthening the Mayor’s much-watered-down version of your ordinance & accomplish some of your water policy goals.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Today I hosted my annual spring Senior Appreciation Luncheon. Thank you to El Jardin owner Gloria Ortiz and the hardworking servers - Juanita & Paula - for feeding me and >50 seniors! I appreciated the opportunity to show our seniors how important they are to the neighborhood.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) retweeted a video of foxes near Grace Street and Ravenswood Avenue and wrote “Welcome to the 47th Ward” 

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “SB 1234 was signed into law! We are one step closer to restoring emissions testing in Chicago.”  

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if a person is experiencing an overdose. If you can't tell, treat the situation like an overdose. Naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdose, is available in some cities & states.”  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “Addressing crime and violence in our communities requires a dynamic approach. This program takes a fresh look at ways to provide support to survivors to ensure no one falls through the cracks or goes without assistance.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “HB4736 was signed into law today. It builds off of the work to center crime survivors. It strengthens witness protection programs. It also creates a victim co-responder model program that compliments CESSA.”  

Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The spring legislative session adjourned last month after a shortened yet successful period. I'm delighted to be back in the community attending events surrounded by neighbors and friends! #34thDistrict"  

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) tweeted, “Thanks to our hard work paying down our bill backlog, Illinois has now received six credit rating upgrades in the last year, with two coming from Fitch and S&P Global Ratings just this past week.”  

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) tweeted, “One thing I frequently hear is that public safety and a rise in crime continue to be a major concern. Yet staffing shortages are hindering police from best protecting their communities. Today a measure I championed to combat this was signed into law.”  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-East St. Louis) tweeted, “Crime victims need to have sufficient resources to recover after a traumatic event. Bringing a pilot program to East St. Louis gives Metro East residents affected by crime access to vital resources.”  

Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) tweeted, “I guess Illinois House Democrats were outdone by Chicago Democrats…”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Fourth District Appellate Justice Lisa Holder White has been appointed to fill Justice Rita B. Garman's seat. Justice Holder White, whose term is effective July 8, 2022, will be the first Black woman to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court. Congratulations to this history maker!” 

Appellate Court Judge Lisa Holder White has been selected to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman, who will retire in July. Holder White, a Republican, will take over in July and become the first Black woman to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court. Holder White will serve until Dec. 2, 2024 when the winner of the November 2024 election for the seat on the high court takes over.