Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “While on our Bus Tour this week we dedicated some time to meeting in Chicago’s South Side with Pastor Corey Brooks and Project HOOD Rooftop Ministry. I had the honor to spend a night with him earlier this year on the rooftop. His ministry is a blessing!”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It's time to think about running for local office - school boards, library boards, etc...the right-wing extremists are organized and are training and preparing candidates to run for local office at all levels, even in Illinois. We can't let hate win.”  

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Anyone who is fortunate enough to live & raise kids in our community already knows how great our local schools are. Congratulations to Elmwood, Highlands, & Steeple Run Elementary Schools on being selected as 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools!”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “What an amazing turnout in Lake Bluff last night for the Moms Demand Action Pass the Ban March! Together, we WILL stop gun violence. Our kids deserve better- we ALL deserve better- and there is no better partner in this fight” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Sept. 23-Oct. 2 will be Electric Vehicle Week in Illinois. The state also launched EV.Illinois.gov as a website to highlight Illinois’ electric vehicle economy.   

The Department of Public Health announced more than 137,000 Illinoisans have received updated COVID-19 booster shots since they were made available at the beginning of the month. The state is continuing to see the highest daily vaccination rate since February. “This is an encouraging sign as we head into the fall season and face a potential increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Illinois is fortunate to have a significant supply of bivalent boosters,” public health Director Sameer Vohra said in a news release.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Honored to join the 39th Annual Memorial Service & Roll Call of the Deceased Fire Fighters.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “The 2nd Annual Finley Fest was a huge success. Honoring the memory of a beautiful little girl and providing hope, support & financial assistance to families affected by cancer.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I’m ready to elect @AldMattMartin as Chair of the Committee on Ethics and to be done with the toxic and corrupt culture of mayoral appointments that continuously blocks the work of the city council. Matt will be an exceptional chair for our committee.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) shared a statement about an Amazon Fresh that will not be coming to his ward.  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) tweeted “Grateful to Mayor Lightfoot for coming to the 43rd Ward to shop at the Lincoln Park Farmers Market and help get me on the ballot! Happy Fall”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “ATTN Chicago students: Want to get involved in the progressive movement? Don’t forget to apply for our paid campaign internship. We’ll be organizing for progressive candidates and causes across the northside. Apply here today http://bit.ly/apply47”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted a photo from three years ago and wrote “We’ve hit the 1,500 signature mark! To celebrate, I want to share this memory from three years ago: I will never forget what it felt like to carry this petition stack into the Board of Elections three years ago. This was possible because of all of you! When we work together”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Shana Tova! Wishing a happy and healthy New Year to all of my friends and neighbors in the 50th Ward!” 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) and other county officials on Saturday officially raised the county’s new "I Will" flag on Daley Plaza. Cook County’s new official flag was designed by Drew Duffy under the mentorship of Martin Burciaga. 

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We stand together to demand the aid owed to the Puerto Rican people, an investigation into LUMA's mismanagement of Puerto Rico's power grid, and the right of the Puerto Rican people to self determine how they will be governed”  

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, “In the last several years, four members of the Senate Democratic Caucus have been indicted and/or convicted of federal corruption”  

Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) tweeted, “Since 2019, Barbara Hernandez has represented Aurora & fought for reproductive rights, gun safety, & mental health parity. She was recognized by the Respiratory Health Association for her work maintaining clean air while serving on the House Energy & Environment Committee.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “There's been a lot of misinformation out there regarding the SAFE-T Act. The cash bail reforms made under the law will make communities safer by allowing courts to hold violent offenders who would ordinarily be able to bail out”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Hastings should have resigned long ago. Sad it took bad headlines and poll numbers for J.B. to finally issue a statement. Pritzker is soft on crime and corruption. We need real reforms to clean house in Springfield & we need to repeal the SAFE-T Act & clean up our streets.” 

Illinois received a $6.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for addressing equity gaps in the state’s unemployment insurance system, the Department of Employment Security announced Thursday. The department will use the funds to improve equity in the unemployment process, including by making the system easier to navigate and understand.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “There is so much to be proud of in how we’ve made the ward safer for all users of our roads! Join me on October 7th for a bike tour of the ward! RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/1stWardRide”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Thank you @AldermanTabares for inviting me to join you in support of today’s officer-led wellness efforts at Area 1. Great work by all taking care of each other during these strenuous times in our city.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We have a vision for a city that includes, uplifts and supports all of us. Our city government needs to be a place where our Trans siblings can feel safe & welcomed and thrive. We are here to start the conversations needed to make that happen.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) in a thread tweeted “Democracy is a beautiful thing. Last night, northwestsiders, their progressive elected officials, and area grassroots independent political organizations (IPOs) came together for the first mayoral forum of the February 2023 municipal election.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “True story. Alderman O’Shea and I have an ordinance that would create a new hiring and retention package for CPD. It would also pay a bonus to suburban cops who shift to the City. Unfortunately, the Administration has decided that ordinance needs to remain stuck in committee.”  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) shared a Sun-Times article and tweeted “It’s Timmy — well, Alderman Timmy. Read why that’s important to me.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “While Ron DeSantis wants use government to demonize and erase trans people, Chicago should lead in creating a trans-inclusive city - starting with our own hiring and HR practices. That's why @Ward33Chicago and I are calling for hearings on Chicago's trans hiring practices.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced on Thursday that she and a delegation of 34 city officials and business leaders will travel to Mexico City from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 to reaffirm Chicago’s partnership with Mexico City as a sister city and promote Chicago’s economy. During the trip, Lightfoot will meet with business leaders and city officials to discuss economic recovery and inclusive economic development, according to a news release from Lightfoot’s office. 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Senator Jones should step down, but sadly this is just another day for JB and his corrupt friends in Springfield. I’ll hold politicians accountable & ban red light cameras in Illinois. It’s time to end the pay to play politics destroying our state.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Black women are paid 58 cents for every dollar paid to white men. In 2022, Black women would have to work until Sept. 21 to catch up to white men. It is important that we bring awareness to the pay gap disparity that effects working black women across America every day.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Six million Illinois residents are now set to receive income and property tax rebates as part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan that Democrats pushed into law. Starting this month, taxpayers and their families will begin receiving checks in the mail”  

Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) tweeted, “Another day. Another Democrat facing bribery charges. It is time to wake up and stop the corrupt one-party rule in IL.” 

The Democratic Party of Illinois announced new interim hires to fill roles ahead of Election Day. U.S. Rep. Marie Newman’s chief of staff Ben Hardin was hired as interim executive director. Public affairs specialist Kiera Ellis was named spokesperson and senior advisor to Chair Lisa Hernandez. Democratic Governors Association Illinois spokesperson Yael Sheinfeld was named interim communications director. The Kauffman Group consultant Shannon Rice was hired as interim finance director. FieldWorks executive director Chris McDonald was named interim organizing director of the coordinated Organize Illinois 2022 campaign. Shedd Aquarium government affairs director Nick Ramos was named interim get-out-the-vote director of the coordinated Organize Illinois 2022 campaign.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “I am pleased to announce that the bond inducement ordinances for Teachers Village passed City Council. Another 50 units of affordable housing coming to our neighborhood! Thank you to @ChicagoDOH and our neighbors who have continued to support this project.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Today Ald.Sposato took out a knife during debate opposing a police misconduct law settlement, voted against our Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary city Ordinance and in favor of leasing CHA land to a sports team owned by a billionaire. It’s been a long council meeting.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Right-wing alderperson Nicholas Sposato brandished a knife on the floor of the Chicago City Council. He wanted us to vote against a police misconduct settlement.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Congrats to 43rd Ward Ald. Timmy Knudsen (@TimmyKnudsen) who took his oath of office this morning. He is the 7th LGBTQ alder in City Council, and he joins @AldTomTunney and myself as being 3 neighboring LGBTQ alders.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Proud to stand with @peopleslobbyusa, @gig_chicago, @DanielLaSpata, @Andrefor40th, and @CDRosa in support of gig workers who are fighting for a fair wage and just working conditions. If Uber can afford to pay their CEO $20M, they can afford to pay their workers a living wage.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “I'm proud to have stood alongside my colleagues in City Council today to co-sponsor the Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary City Ordinance, reaffirming Chicago's commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming and reproductive healthcare.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “My vote and position will remain the same: selling off the land would be a travesty. I instead want to see the land fulfill its initial vow: to redevelop the property with more than 2,400 units of improved affordable and mixed-use housing, partially for displaced residents.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot will go before the City Council to give her annual budget address Oct. 3, the mayor confirmed during Wednesday’s City Council meeting. A schedule for departmental budget hearing has not yet been posted, but they are expected to follow Lightfoot’s budget address. 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As someone who has experienced food insecurity, I spoke at the 50th anniversary celebration & encouraged folx in our district to not shy away from visiting Care For Real or our other pantries when in need.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but here’s the truth: Bail reform gives judges more power to hold dangerous offenders in jail because they’ll be making decisions based on a public safety assessment-not the defendant’s access to cash.” 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This morning, myself and The Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago held a press conference calling for more visibility, resources, and aid for Puerto Rico”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Risk assessment, to increase safety for the public, is at the center of the process replacing cash bail. As usual, critics of this reform deliberately frighten voters by claiming the opposite of what the new law is all about.” 

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will host their annual conference at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Chicago on Oct. 13-16. Topics will include equity in the cannabis industry and the caucus’ four pillars from the end of the 101st General Assembly. More information and registration can be found online. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The 1st Ward Office received notice that Armitage between Milwaukee and Kedzie will be fully repaved, beginning as early as September 27, 2022 (weather & any other contingencies permitting). Work should be concluded by November 30, 2022.”  

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Important proposed adult use cannabis dispensary community meeting information, Bronzeville 5K sign up, CPS Job Fair, and more in today's eblast”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “The great thing about visiting so many wards is being able to support #SmallBusiness in our communities. I was excited to go to Kristoffer’s Cakes located at 1735 W. 35th St. in #McKinleyPark. They make the best tres leches cakes. EVER!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Since I took office I’ve wondered how anyone does this job part time. They must have a lot of staff. Happy to co-sponsor this ordinance.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Wow, a victory for equity and justice. Kudos to the 7 alderpersons on the Zoning Committee who voted down Mayor Lightfoot's proposal to turn over CHA land for public housing to a billionaire sports team owner. Public land for the public good! People over profit!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The response to the upcoming Catalytic Converter Marking at Warren Park has been tremendous. Unfortunately, the event is now at capacity and the Sheriff's Office is unable to accept more registrations. If you registered before it filled, you should receive an email confirmation.” 

The Chicago Department of Transportation announced on Tuesday they have so far distributed 250 free bicycles via the city’s Bike Chicago program meant to give away 5,000 bikes, helmets and locks during the next four years. The transportation department plans to give away another batch of bikes Wednesday afternoon and will hold weekly events for program recipients to pick up bikes until 500 bikes have been distributed this year. 

The Illinois State Fair reported record attendance in 2022, with over 636,700 people attending the fair this year. Attendance on the weekend was also 95,000 people higher than in 2021. The fair brough in $6.4 million in revenue, just short of the $6.5 million record in 2019. The 2023 State Fair will run Aug. 11-21.  

Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Dr. Steven Isoye as chair of the State Board of Education. Isoye will take over for Darren Reisberg. Isoye was most recently superintendent of Niles Township High School District 219.   

Illinois joined Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky in forming the Midwest Hydrogen Coalition that will focus on decarbonization.   

The Illinois Municipal League announced a series of new office holders on Monday. River Forest Village President Catherine Adduci was elected president, taking over for Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe at the end of her term. Fairview Heights Mayor Mark Kupsky was elected first vice president and Hazel Crest Village President Vernard Alsberry was elected second vice president.

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I voted to pass the SAFE-T Act to ensure that suspected murders don't get out of jail on bail before court date. Jan 1 2023 this Act will give courts more discretion on whether someone poses a threat to the community & should remain behind bars”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Tomorrow, I will be speaking with the Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago, Senator Aquino, Representative Ramirez, and Alderpeople Maldonado and Rodriguez to discuss the current status of damages on the island, and the next steps to provide relief to residents.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “I had the greatest privilege of welcoming Vice President Kamala Harris to Chicago at the UIC rally. VP Harris recognizes the great work that Illinois Democrats are doing to protect reproductive rights. She is blazing a trail for female lawmakers & lawmakers of color everywhere.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “In case you missed it, the State’s Attorneys from Will and Kankakee Counties filed separate lawsuits challenging the legality of the SAFE-T Act on Friday.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I’m old enough to remember when @Chicago_Police said before budget hearings they NEVER code out 911 calls. Good times, three years back.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “On Wednesday, 9/28, my office & St Barnabas School will host a donation drive in support of the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry (11030 S Longwood Dr). Please consider helping families in need with a food or monetary donation.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I used to work for Taller Salud and I can’t say enough about the incredible work they do. This is one way to support Puerto Rico right now. Donate if you can.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Shout out to @sickfisher1 and Music House for partnering up to deliver this amazing mural to The Diplomat Motel wall as part of the Lincoln Avenue North Arts District! We were able to get this done through our 40th Ward Microgrant program!! 5230 N Lincoln!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Last week's storms remind us how vital it is that Chicago be guided by a bold climate action plan — and that we build up a Department of Environment to execute on it.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Chicago has begun to temporarily house migrants at the High Ridge YMCA. Red Cross and Salvation Army are on site to provide meals and basic needs to the new arrivals. The National Guard is providing shelter staffing support.” 

The city’s Department of Planning and Development will hold a webinar at 3 p.m. Wednesday on two of the department's  grant programs — the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and the Small Business Improvement Fund. Attendees will also receive information on  community development grants — as a part of the Chicago Recovery Plan — for Chicago entrepreneurs. Those interested can find additional information and register online.