The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that it is adopting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation to shorten the interval from 6 months to 5 months for when people who have received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can get a booster dose.  The booster interval remains the same for those who received the Moderna vaccine (6 months) or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for their primary series, state health officials said. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The data is clear: vaccines greatly reduce hospitalizations and death from COVID-19. Do your part to keep your community safe & prevent hospital overcrowding by getting vaccinated & encouraging your loved ones to do the same.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “W/ many weighing in about CTU vs CPS, and our children caught in the middle, I have a different question: What happened to the $925M got at the start of the pandemic & the $1.8B it was given at the beginning of the 21-22 school year?  That’s a lot of $$$ w/ little to show for it.” 

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) in his latest newsletter put out a call for donations of gift cards from local businesses “for the family of Bradley Police Officer Tyler Bailey, who will be temporarily staying in the 19th Ward community while he receives medical care at Advocate Christ Medical Center. On Wednesday, December 29th, Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic was killed in the line of duty, and her partner, Officer Tyler Bailey was critically wounded in a shooting in Kankakee County.” Gift cards can be dropped off through Jan. 14 at the 19th Ward office at 10400 S. Western Ave. or 3207 W. 111th St. 

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “You can drop off items to be donated to Afghan refugees at the 50th Ward Office, 2949 W Devon. Please see hours and a list of needed items below. Donations will go to @MWRCofILL to benefit hundreds of refugees in need.”  

Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) tweeted “I encourage everyone to: Get vaccinated (and boosted), Wear a mask in public spaces, Social distance whenever possible” 

Jim Thompson has stepped down as secretary of the Cook County Board of Review to enter county board President Toni Preckwinkle’s administration as its new Director of Property Assessment and Tax Policy, officials announced this week. 

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted “Getting tested for COVID-19 before getting together with family during the holidays is a good idea, but be aware that some at-home rapid tests might not detect the Omicron variant that’s on the rise now.” 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted “Yesterday I joined @NilesVfw for their weekly meeting to discuss state programs for our veterans and legislative updates from Springfield. Thank you for hosting me, and have a happy and healthy holiday season!” 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted “COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots. Side effects include LIFE.” 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted “Our community had an attitude of gratitude! This was the largest donation for Share the Warmth to date. Thank you to everyone who took the time out to donate to the 8th annual Share The Warmth.” 

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will join the University of Illinois Extension to host Certified Livestock Manager Training and Testing Workshops, according to a Wednesday announcement. Both online and in-person options will be offered to “provide Illinois livestock producers the manure management training they need to meet the requirements of the state's Livestock Management Facilities Act,” state officials said. Ten total workshops will be offered in January and February. Online registration is required. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The 1st Ward Office Policy website is a great resource for office policy reports and policy summaries. Due to the popularity among 1st Ward residents, there is a specific section about the public bathrooms pilot proposal & updated sponsors list!” 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Beautiful remembrance at the Stockyard Memorial for those CFD heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty more than a century ago. These heroes and all others that have sacrificed so much deserve our utmost respect and admiration.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We could have a society based on support and care.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Today I joined our CFD Firefighters,Paramedics, and Firefighters Union - Local 2 leadership at the Union Stockyards to honor the lives lost in the line of duty on December 22nd 1910. That tragedy claimed the lives of 21 Chicago firefighters. RIP FF Plummer.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Mask up. Vax up. Boost Up. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Dear Neighbors, Please get vaccinated! Starting January 3rd, the City of Chicago will require patrons of certain indoor spaces to be vaccinated against COVID-19.”

The Chicago Department of Public Health, City Colleges of Chicago  and Partners in Health are “launching an enhanced vaccine ambassadors module around pediatric vaccine safety and efficacy to help people have conversations about COVID-19 vaccination with their families and friends during the holidays,” according to a Wednesday announcement. The vaccine ambassador course is offered through Malcolm X College, and graduates are provided ongoing support by Partners In Health’s learning community. More information about the program is listed on the City Colleges website. 

Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) sent a news release saying that he is “encouraging residents to hear directly from area youth at ‘Come Listen to Black Youth,’ a conversation about community needs and opportunity scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. in the Thompson Center’s auditorium.” 

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) posted on Facebook, “Congratulations to Peter Provenzano on yesterday's launch of a campaign to restore the historic Times Theater, built in 1938 and shuttered for 20 years. I'm supporting a $3 million Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets state grant application as part of the project's $14 million funding package.” 

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I love receiving my "High Paw" from the [Humane Society Legislative Fund] each year for my commitment to protecting animals here in Illinois #pawtytime”  

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last week a letter was sent to the Honorable Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot @chicagosmayor. I have not received a response. Like many residents in my district, colleagues and community stakeholders, my questions & concerns are no different, WHAT IS THE PLAN TO MAKE SAFETY A #1 PRIORITY?”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) shared a news release from Illinois Senate Democrats that quoted him as saying, “As Chicago prepares to transition from a school system controlled by political insiders to one elected by the people, it is paramount that we ensure that CPS enters a new era of accountability and transparency.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health released a list of more than 75 state-run vaccination clinics that will be offering COVID-19 immunizations across the state between Wednesday and Jan. 2. The full list of locations can be found here.  

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced on Tuesday that the Delhi Bypass in Jersey County will open to all four lanes of traffic several months ahead of schedule, weather permitting, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22. The $18.6 million project, a cornerstone of Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program in the Metro East, built a new road by expanding U.S. 67 from two to four lanes, beginning in Godfrey and progressing north 2.4 miles around Delhi. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Congratulations Ambassador @RahmEmanuel” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “It makes me so sad and angry that instead of spending time and resources on evidence based approaches to reduce violence, all we hear is PR talking points that reinforce the right wing misinformation campaign to cage everyone. The Kerner Commission report keeps collecting dust.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “103 days ago, I led members of the Chicago City Council's Health and Human Relations Committee in calling on @ChiPublicHealth to institute proof of vaccination for indoor activities. Now, in the midst of a Christmas COVID surge, it's believed the city will adopt this policy.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “This is no time for complacency. Covid is surging, both Delta and Omicron, and we've got to do our parts to manage it. Mask up, get vaccinated, get boosted, and stay away from others is you feel sick. Get tested if you're traveling or visiting friends and family.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health added Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi, Texas and Puerto Rico to the city’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory, bringing the list of states to 47 states and two territories. Because those states have recorded average daily new caseloads of at least 15 per 100,000 residents, unvaccinated travelers are asked to get tested or quarantine upon arrival in Chicago. The addition means only Guam, Louisiana, South Carolina, and the Virgin Islands remain off the list. 

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted “1/5 of eligible Illinoisans fully boosted. Keep. It. Up.” 

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted “Our next generation is our future, and they must understand how important it is to vote and get involved in the electoral process. I was proud to have a good discussion on voting rights with 20 young people who visited my District office, from the Jack and Jill Chicago Chapter.” 

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted a photo of himself getting ready to ring bells with the Salvation Army in Marion. 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted “The minimum wage in Illinois is set to increase another dollar on Saturday, January 1, 2022. The new wage will be $12 an hour. Employees with problems regarding the minimum wage can file a complaint with IDOL at the following link... or call 312-793-2800.” 

Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) tweeted “This holiday season, I'm hoping you'll consider giving the most important gift: The gift of life. I'm hosting a blood drive next Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the West Park Fieldhouse in Des Plaines.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced a series of appointments to various board and commissions on Monday, including the appointment of Jameson Ramirez to serve on the State Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees. The governor appointed Kellye Keyes to serve as Chair of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, John Hanlon and Phillip Kinsey to the Illinois Forensic Science Commission, Payton Ade to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and Gisela Attlan to the Illinois State Board of Investment. Finally, Pritzker announced the appointment of seven new officials to serve as public administrators or public guardians of various counties across the state. The full list of appointments is online. 

The Illinois EPA is making $1 million available for grants through the Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program, which will assist small and disadvantaged communities in developing a project plan that identifies a solution to wastewater collection and treatment needs, the agency announced on Monday. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Illinois EPA website. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The 1st Ward office ran out of Covid-19 rapid tests this morning. If you were unable to get one, please stay tuned for updates in our newsletter or email [email protected] to let us know that you would like to be updated if we're able to get more rapid tests.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I’m on the Public Safety Committee & wasn’t invited to @chicagosmayor’s public safety publicity stunt. Not really surprised since her crime-fighting strategy never included communities that look like mine. Why start now?” 

Ald. Derrick Curtis (21) tweeted “This is the real Alderman Derrick Curtis. My Instagram, Twitter, and FB has been hacked, if I asked you for anything other than prayer, BLOW THE WHISTLE!!!!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Due to one of our staff testing positive for COVID-19, our office will be closed today. The safety of our residents and team is our priority. We are following the CDC guidelines and monitoring the situation closely. We can be reached via email at [email protected]” 

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “This holiday season, protect your family and your community. Get vaccinated, get boosted, and stay home if you are sick!” 

The Chicago Department of Housing is seeking public comment on its Draft Affordable Requirements Ordinance Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing and Tenant Screening Plan. The new screening process is looking to prioritize applicants with disabilities and will not disqualify tenants based on their credit scores, according to department Comm. Marisa Novara. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health and Discovery Partners Institute announced on Monday that they will leverage $2.14 million in federal funding to renew by another two years “the citywide system to monitor the virus that causes COVID-19 and its variants in wastewater.” The monitoring system launched in October and is used “to inform the City’s COVID-19 response, for example, by providing early warnings of a potential outbreak, or helping the City prioritize communities for enhanced COVID-19 testing or vaccination services,” officials said.

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) posted on Facebook, “Thank you so much to Alive Aurora for co-hosting a Politics & Pastries event with me and giving me the opportunity to help empower teen girls. I was able to share my story and help students learn more about politics, all while baking fun treats! 

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted, “This @ILStatePolice Trooper was hit last night by an intoxicated driver. Fortunately, the officer is okay, but it could have been much more tragic. Our law enforcement are on the front line for us every…single…day. Let’s keep them in our prayers & keep standing up for them!”  

Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottowa) posted on Facebook, “Yesterday I was able to be in attendance as Enbridge made a $5,000 donation to the IVCC Welding Scholarship. Every year up to five $1,000 awards are given to students considering work in the oil and gasoline pipeline industry. Welding is one of the top programs at IVCC and these scholarship opportunities for students only make it stronger.  

Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted, “In what legislative universe are or offs more passable than BBB? The whole point of the reconciliation strategy was to unite the spectrum of the party.”  

Rep. Stefanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted of a recently signed law regulating flags flown at half staff, “Honored to have been a Chief CoSponsor on this bill with [Rep. Daniel Didech] that is now law.” 

The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking for feedback on the state's transportation system and travel habits through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey. The survey is available online until Jan. 7 by clicking here or visiting idot.illinois.gov. 

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced on Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended an additional three months – from Jan. 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses learner’s permits. White noted this “will be the final extension.” 

The group Illinois Families for Public Schools will host a virtual panel event at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 titled “Confronting the Rise of School Board Disruptions.” Discussion will center on: “Who’s behind the disinformation campaign around masks/vaccines mandates, an erosion of LGTBQ+ rights and the way race is being taught in our schools? How can we band together to support our school boards and staff who are being threatened and to protect public education?” Online registration is required. 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted, “Omicron is here in Midwest, lower % than other regions but spreading like wildfire. Will be dominant within days. Wherever you are, your relative risk of infection (or reinfection) in any given social situation has never been higher than it is today. Wear N95, avoid indoor crowds”  

Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) tweeted, “We all have a moment in this movement .. will your moment be about talking or doing ? Stop telling about democracy when you stand by doing nothing .. I’m clear about my moment are you ??” 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter that she “partnered up with the Chicago Police Department to help the homeless stay warm and safe this winter at Midway Airport. The Salvation Army and Trilogy Healthcare were also there to offer services and resources to help those in need.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) wrote in his latest newsletter that “As a matter of caution, and keeping in mind the rising cases of the COVID Omicron variant, we will be transitioning to virtual office for the first two weeks in January, so that we can see the case count trends after all of the holiday traveling and gatherings across the country.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Within the next 15 years, a significant portion of new passenger vehicles will be powered by electric batteries rather than by internal combustion engines. And because many Chicago residents do not have access to a dedicated residential parking space at which to charge their vehicle, it's incumbent upon the City to help ensure that residents will be able to charge their electric vehicles quickly and comfortably in the coming years.” 

The Chicago Public Library system launched Sunday hours for 24 of its locations, opening Sunday access for at least one city library in every neighborhood, according to a Friday announcement. Full information about library hours is available online.