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. 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Yesterday I had a fantastic tour of Betts Precision in Alsip. We had a great discussion about labor issues, tax burdens, business, and quality of life issues. All over Illinois, we are talking solutions to these issues with the people on the ground facing them.”  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “To see our state step up to the plate to make these asylum seekers feel at peace, makes me proud to serve in Illinois. . I will continue to do my part to ensure the safety and well-being of all of the refugees who will now call Chicago home.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “So far this year, 141 officers have been shot across the country. As more cops retire or quit the profession altogether, recruitment and retention is the biggest challenge for departments statewide.” 

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported demand for the new COVID-19 booster was strong, with 188,800 having received the booster since they were made available earlier this month. The department reports daily vaccination numbers are at the highest point since February when people were seeking out boosters during the Omicron wave, with about 21,000 doses of the new booster being administered each day.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Congratulations on your grand re-opening @volumesbooks!! Gorgeous lounge-y space to read and relax! 1375 N Milwaukee: come check it out!”  

Ald. Nicole Lee (11) tweeted “Great day for a Bocce Tourney. Special Olympics teams from across the city are here today at Armour Square Park. Shout out to the 11th Ward Volunteers making sure everyone is well fed! Come join us!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Glad to join my colleagues @AldSColeman16 @MooreforIL @J1Ramann and @RoderickTSawyer (in spirit) for the annual Englewood Music Festival. Great job by my Alderneighbor as always”  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) in a thread tweeted “As a proud Mexican-American, I’m outraged by the lawlessness & mayhem caused by people ‘celebrating’ Mexican Independence Day in recent days.  We lost control of the streets downtown & in our neighborhoods.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Check out the new mural at the Diplomat Motel 5230 N Lincoln, brought to you by @sickfisher1, @musichouseinc and our 40th Ward Arts & Access Microgrants!” 

The Northwest Side Progressive Coalition will host a Progressive Mayoral Forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, 2614 N. Kedzie Ave. In addition to being held as an in-person event, the forum will be livestreamed on Facebook. Those interested in attending can find additional information online. 

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Politicians are spreading misinformation about our criminal justice reforms, to distract from talking about their positions on reproductive rights and gun control. Don't let them get away with it.”  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “You may soon receive a rebate! Thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan, one-time individual income and property tax rebates will be issued to taxpayers who meet certain requirements.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “Misinformation is spreading on social media surrounding the SAFE-T Act. The law does not create “non-detainable offenses.” Defendants will be eligible for pretrial release based on their risk to public safety, not their bank accounts”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This morning our office was attacked. Security footage shows a brick was thrown through one of our windows around 5 am by an individual who then fled northbound towards Bryn Mawr. Police are investigating. Board up is on the way and we will still be here to help our constituents.” 

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced Wednesday that 1,200 municipalities will receive 371 million from the second round of funding from the American Rescue Plan. The funding is designed to go to non-entitlement units.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Great evening of canvassing! Such wonderful neighbors coming into the 1st ward in Logan Square! See you again tomorrow”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “The mass shooting in Washington Park last night is horrific and further erodes our sense of safety. This gun violence must stop. Stakeholders need to collaborate to uplift what’s working and to add and implement innovative solutions to end these senseless acts of violence.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “I'm proud to partner with local organizations like @NBranchWorks and local leaders like @RossanaFor33 to support businesses in Avondale and across the existing and new boundaries of the 35th Ward. Thank you, @ROCKWELL_OTR 

and @MetropolisCoCo, for hosting us yesterday.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Here at the 40th Ward Office we have leaders at every level!  Shout out to our Director of Development Morgan Madderom for getting on Public Comment to speak about Ghost Buses and improving our Public Transportation System. Pay attention, CTA!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “ATTN Chicagoland students: We want to work with YOU! Our campaign is hiring paid campaign interns to help us build up the progressive movement on the North Side! Apply here today http://bit.ly/apply47”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Early this morning, someone threw a brick through the window of our office. Police are investigating the incident. Our office is still open today until 5pm for constituents who need help.” 

City of Chicago leaders are scheduled at 10 a.m. Thursday to announce additional ways for Chicagoans to acquire security devices at no cost through the city’s Home and Business Protection Program and will give an update on rebate applications. The announcement is scheduled to take place at the West Chicago Avenue Public Library. 

The city’s new Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability will hold its first public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Malcom X College. Meeting attendees will be able to hear from the seven interim commissioners that Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed last month and will get to discuss public safety issues. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “We’re excited be offering paid part-time internships to high school and college aged youth interested in being involved in my campaign. Please forward the application link to interested young people!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “It's critical we elect leaders who are pro-choice at every level of government. Women's reproductive health is on the line.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “The @Fightin47th has never been more fired up and ready to help elect pro-choice, pro-gun-safety, and pro-environment champions to Springfield and Congress.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Visit the Broadway Armory parking lot this Sunday from 2pm-4pm to support Care For Real!  This organization works tirelessly to provide food, clothing, and support to neighbors in our community. Stop by for food, music, and more! Wanna join us?”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Join Alderwoman Hadden and the 49th Ward team for the monthly virtual town hall on Wednesday, September 14, at 6 pm. Attendees will hear important updates for the ward and the city. These meetings now take place on the second Wednesday of the month @ 6 pm”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “A rabid bat was found near the 2200 block of W Estes Ave. Animal Care and Control assured me that this is not unusual and is not a cause for alarm.” 

The Illinois AFL-CIO hired Alyssa Goodstein as communications director. Goodstein was most recently deputy chief of communications to Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia and has also served as chief of staff to Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). She has also held roles on Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s 2019 primary campaign and Young Democrats of Illinois. 

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The SAFE-T Act does not allow people charged with a serious offense or who pose a flight risk to be released. It does replace the cash bail system with a new system that detains all dangerous defendants, regardless of their ability to pay”  

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Bailey abandons God's calling on his life leaving the farm to live in beautiful Chicago.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “The Edgar Fellows program recently celebrated 10 years of developing exceptional public leaders who are dedicated to serving Illinois families. As a program alum, I was honored to speak at the celebration dinner alongside program founder and former governor, Jim Edgar.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Yesterday, myself and others were honored by @RepSchneider with a Public Service Flag Presentation Ceremony for leadership on July 4th.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Also, if people would stop the “passed in the middle of the night, under the cover of darkness” lie, we could have real conversations about working together for better outcomes. See the tweet below. 11:32 AM is hardly the middle of the night. Knock it off.” 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “There is no such thing as perfect legislation, but all legislation can be perfected. We can only successfully accomplish that, if we commit to the truth. These recent attacks don’t do that.”  

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago) tweeted, “9/11 is a day that our nation will never forget. Tragedy and horror unfolded through the eyes of millions as 2,977 lives were lost on American soil. We must remember that each one of those numbers was a human life with hopes and dreams.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “Where in the world is the MLK Jr. Statue?! I've been informed it was on the ground this morning; now secure in the possession of @ILSecOfState Reminder to again rethink this statue for a more iconic version & location. Or at least we can clean the bird poop off his head 😊" 

Nexstar Media will be the host for the two gubernatorial debates this fall, WGN confirmed Sunday. Republican Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) and Democrat Gov. JB Pritzker will both participate in a debate at Illinois State University at 7 p.m. on Oct. 6 and at WGN’s Chicago studio at 7 p.m. on Oct. 18.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Hard Chicago Facts: the extreme rain and flooding we saw yesterday is a direct result of climate change. Chicago has a great new climate action plan. Now it needs a great new Department of the Environment to execute on that plan! That’s what we’re fighting for!”  

Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22) tweeted “It was a great honor to serve as a grand Marshall of the Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village. What a great event!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “I will always fight to keep our communities safe. We need to take action to address the gun violence epidemic.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “We've made it to week three of petitioning! As we gear up for weeks 4-6, are you available to volunteer and come hang with us for a petition shift? We'll give you a brief training, a clipboard, and materials. You can sign up at the link below!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Our neighborhood was hit hard by yesterday’s historic storm. Nearly 6 inches of rain fell in a little over an hour, severely overtaxing the sewer system. If you got any water in your basement, please contact my office or 311 to report it right away.” 

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) will host a virtual talk titled “How can we design safe and complete streets with an equity lens?” at noon Tuesday. The event will include CMAP’s Victoria Barrett, policy makers and planners from the area and representatives from Cook County’s Department of Transportation and Highways. The event is set to include a moderated discussion and Q&A session. Panelists are scheduled to discuss “how residents can design safer streets for all and create more vibrant, walkable communities with an equity lens,” according to a news release from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office. Those interested can register online.