Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “The CPD Vehicular Hijacking Task Force arrested an 11 year-old last night for, among other felonies, carjacking a resident of our community at gunpoint on 11/19/21.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “We solemnly remember the millions of Jews and innocent others who were murdered during the Holocaust. We honor those who died and gain inspiration from the survivors. Today,and every day, we stand in solidarity with the Jewish community against antisemitism.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) shared a link to his radio appearance on WGN Radio 720 and tweeted “Joined ⁦@BobSirott this morning to discuss recent city stuff, have a listen”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today, I joined @SenatorDurbin, @janschakowsky, and @ChiAlderwoman to announce $3 million in federal and City funding to study shoreline restoration. This is the first step in securing infrastructure funding to secure and restore Chicago's beautiful lakefront shoreline.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “I remember reading 'Maus' in 4th grade. My teacher used it to help us learn about the Holocaust. We also had Elie Weisel's, 'Night,' as part of our curriculum in later years. This was a fundamental part of my public education - it should be for others.” 

Cook County Judge Moshe Jacobius will retire on Sunday after more than 30 years on the bench and 11 years as presiding judge of the Chancery Division of the county court system, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans announced on Thursday.  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) and Ald. Matt Martin (47) will cohost a virtual event at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 with the University of Chicago UrbanLabs researchers titled “Facts and Trends: Crime in Chicago.” Online registration is required. 

Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) tweeted, “I was recently welcomed into the Greater Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. They came by to welcome me to the chamber, discuss business in Montgomery, and gave me a certificate recognizing my membership. Thank you!”  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thank you Levy Senior Center for inviting me along with Congressman @RepMikeQuigley to speak virtually this morning! I value the input of our senior neighbors and I am excited to continue fighting for our diverse aging populations living within the neighborhoods of Lincoln Square, Edgewater, Uptown, West Ridge, Rogers Park, & Evanston. To foster statewide senior involvement, I am introducing a bill to establish a senior advisory council across the state to make sure seniors’ voices are not forgotten as we continue to create policies.”  

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted, “With no trust in government, government cannot work. This morning, I was proud to announce my sponsorship of the bipartisan bill SB 3460. This legislation puts the mechanisms in place to keep local and county officials accountable if they get charged with a crime related to their office. This bill, put forth by Senator Dave Syverson, will protect taxpayers and their families.”  

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) tweeted, “Following a ProPublica report that found a patient at a Chicago-based psychiatric ward knowingly sexually assaulted another patient but was not reported, I am leading a measure to require such incidents to be immediately brough to law enforcement.”  

Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) tweeted, “The first step in controlling the cost of government is reducing its size. Today I filed legislation that would combine the office of Comptroller and Treasurer—saving Illinois taxpayers over $12 million.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Over one and a half million people across Illinois have filed for unemployment since the start of the pandemic. We must do right by working people and our small business community by incentivizing growth during this difficult time.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “The Pritzker Administration has a history of making careless mistakes when caring for veterans with catastrophic consequences. Fortunately for them, this one didn’t lead to 36 veterans dying as we saw in late 2020 when the Pritzker Administration waited 11 days before providing crucial on-site assistance, leaving our nation’s heroes and employees defenseless.” 

The Senate will return for in-person session on Tuesday, Feb. 1, according to a spokesperson for Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). The Senate is also scheduled to be in session on Wednesday and Thursday.

Former Illinois Commerce Commission Commissioner Ann McCabe will rejoin the the commission on Feb. 1 after being appointed to the commission by Gov. JB Pritzker. She will begin a new five-year term after previously serving from 2012 to 2017, according to a news release from the governor’s office. McCabe most recently worked for the Regulatory Assistance Project and has focused on energy policy and issues throughout her career.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “In case anyone is curious, @Alderman_Beale’s ordinance for an independent Legal Counsel has sat in committee for 215 days”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Proud to bring the St. Anthony Hospital development at 31st and Kedzie to unanimous city approval today. The development will benefit the southwest side of Chicago with a new state-of-the-art St. Anthony Hospital, community, education, recreation and business opportunities.”  

Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26) tweeted “Let’s make our voices heard and take action! @onnigroup respect, protect, and pay your workers!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Having a participatory budgeting process is a great way to democratize the use of resources so that communities can determine what are the things we need the most. I’m grateful for all the participation and so happy for all the projects that will be funded in our neighborhoods!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “I don't object to unruly Chicago City Council meetings. Democracy has growing pains, and it's a welcome departure from the highly scripted and tightly controlled Council meetings we experienced under Mayor Emanuel.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Happy to have championed, sponsored and passed the legislation that raises the minimum wage above the city’s minimum for employees of companies that are contracted by the airlines at Chicago’s airports. Thank you to my City Council colleagues for supporting.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Today, we stand in solidarity with our Jewish siblings as we commit to #NeverForget the atrocities that many lived through due to fascism and hatred. In tribute to this Day of Remembrance, we commit to rise up against hate and anti-semitism wherever it shows itself.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Data-driven violence prevention initiatives like CRED and READI reduce community violence. When Republicans defunded them, it made our neighborhoods less safe. Many still live with the devastating impact. We can't afford to make the same mistake again.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “At Council today, we passed a resolution commemorating Holocaust Rememberance Day. Thank you to Mr. Israel Starck for your powerful words and for sharing your story. Thank you to the Holocaust Survivors who logged on to lend your strength to the meeting.” 

The Sun-Times and The Chicago Community Trust will host a virtual panel discussion at 6 p.m. on Feb. 16 titled “The Environmental Justice Exchange: A community plan for McKinley Park.” Reporter Brett Chase will lead the panel comprising Neighbors for Environmental Justice executive director Alfredo Romero, Neighbors for Environmental Justice founding member Anthony Moser and McKinley Park resident Jackie Montesdeoca. Registration is required. 

Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “It’s essential that immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and other non-citizens know their rights under the U.S. Constitution and Illinois Law, regardless of their immigration status.”  

Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) tweeted, “$200 million remains in utility assistance for families across Illinois through the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program. The program will help cover the cost of heating and energy bills. Learn more and fill out a remote application: helpillinoisfamilies.com”   

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “A new flag arrived last night and flies today: Ukraine. It will fly for a while. In 2012 @MittRomney was belittled by Obama & Biden for stating that Russia was our “number one geopolitical foe.” Ukraine’s Crimea was invaded by Russia on Obama’s watch. Today we are on the brink of another Russian invasion, on Biden’s watch. Biden was wrong less than a decade ago. He better get it right now. We must stand strong against this. #StandWithUkraine  

Sen. John Connor (D-Lockport) tweeted, “I can’t stress enough how integral our small businesses are to the vitality of our community. I’m proud every day to work alongside other members of the General Assembly to give back to our local businesses who have given so much to us.”   

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted, “Today I presented @RepBillFoster with Illinois Joint Resolution 34. This will finally urge Congress to authorize the President to present Korean War Vets like Willar w/ Congressional Medals of Honor for their valor and nobility to defend our country. #HonoringKoreanWarVets”   

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Every GOP candidate for Illinois Governor: I’m running to scare the crap out of you over crime because our party has a history of defunding social services, spreading misinformation about COVID, and desperately needs right wing donors. Also, please don’t ask me questions!”   

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “I presented a Senate Proclamation to the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh group at the Buffalo Grove Community Center in recognition of their 16th Annual Health for Humanity Yogathon. I enjoyed watching a session and learning about the benefits of incorporating yoga into my daily route.” 

A new study by Northwestern University says Illinois’ two-year budget impasse from 2015 to 2017 may be one cause for a spike in homicides in Chicago in 2016. The study notes funding was cut for programs that can help stop violence such as after-school programs and social services. 

The Department of Central Management Services will host a webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday to discuss how small businesses can assess state contracts specifically set aside for small businesses. Registration can be found at https://bit.ly/3AtGHH  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “The 10th Ward Office staff is working remotely this week, but we are still here to help! Please call 773-768-8138 if you need our assistance.”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Happy to see the Little Village Arch landmark designation passed by the city of Chicago zoning committee.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Requiring proof of COVID vaccination for public indoor settings is good for public health.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) shared a Block Club article and tweeted “Join me in welcoming Milly’s Pizza In The Pan to Argyle in mid February! I am excited for them to join our community.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “We dropped off two full carloads of food, clothes, and household items for Afghan refugees in need. I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the donation drive! If you would like to help, contact Muslim Women Resource Center at 773-764-1686.” 

June A. Brown was sworn in this month as the newest commissioner on the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners this month, the board announced on Tuesday. Currently the co-chair of outreach for the ABA Dispute Resolutions Section, Brown “presided over hearings in elections for both Chicago and Cook County Electoral Boards; worked at Election Central for federal, state, and local elections; and served as an appointed public member for electoral boards.”  

Neighborhood Housing Services and Elevate are now accepting Requests for Qualifications  statements from contractors for the Chicago Department of Housing’s Home Repair Program, formerly known as the Roof and Porch Program, the housing department announced Tuesday. General contractors are “encouraged to submit qualifications for providing services to Chicago homeowners including roof repair or replacement, porch repair or replacement, and environmental hazard remediation, including lead, asbestos, and mold abatement,” officials said. Applications can be submitted online and are due by Feb. 14.

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Several local businesses in and around Rockford were recently awarded $1.5 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the pandmeic. Read more here: bit.ly/32w8ole”  

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Loves Park) tweeted, “We are so excited to share that we have had 95% of favorable outcomes for year of 2021. We look forward to being here for you this year. If you need assistance with any of our services please contact us today at (815) 329-6741  

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) tweeted, “#ICYMI Starting Tuesday, Jan. 25, Chicago Heights motorists will have access to a new driver services facility for in-person transactions at 570 W. 209th St. In Chicago Heights.”   

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “When it comes to internet access and connectivity, rural communiteis have been left behind. This has created an opportunity gap that only widens the longer we wait to implement real, lasting solutions.”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “Thank you to everyone who hopped on our healthcare virtual round table meeting. I enjoined the thoughtufl and productive discussions and look forward to our next meeting!”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Illinois drivers may be seeing more stranded motorists as we experience snowy and icy road conditions this winter. Please SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER if it is safe to do so when passing any vehicle with hazard lights activated.”   

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My heart breaks for Melissa, her family, and the La Villita community. Melissa’s life was stolen Saturday afternoon by gang violence. She had been in Chicago for just six months. May she rest in peace.” 

Mac Strategies Group announced Monday former Politico White House reporter Tina Sfondeles was named Vice President of Public and Media Relations. Sfondeles was previously the political reporter at the Chicago Sun-Times. Mac Strategies handles communication duties for several political and government related groups in Illinois.

Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) was appointed Monday to the Legislative Ethics Commission by House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs). Keicher replaces Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Pawnee) who stepped down from the commission last week. The commission includes members of both parties and both chambers.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “My office is receiving complaints about dibs. Please note that 'dibs' is illegal, and that your items are subject to removal from the public way by Streets and Sanitation.”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “The Chicago Department of Transportation wants your feedback! Complete the survey below to help the design of improvements along the Commercial Avenue corridor in South Chicago.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Today I was proud to help break ground on the next phase of CTA’s Red-Purple Line Modernization - a reconstruction of the L tracks from Belmont to Cornelia. This next phase is a huge investment in lowering Chicago’s carbon emissions and supporting all our neighborhoods.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today, our satellite office at 1040 Bryn Mawr is opening as we look for ways to support business and public safety. Our office will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Stop by our satellite office to say hello and let us know your ideas for new businesses along Bryn Mawr.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Thank you to you all for making my birthday celebration a big success. You helped me kick off 2022 right and I appreciate you! There’s still time to make a contribution to help me with my fundraising goal for January: http://bit.ly/mariafor49”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The temperature is expected to drop considerably over the next few days. Remember to shovel your sidewalk before it freezes. Make sure to drip water to avoid frozen pipes. And check up on seniors and neighbors to make sure everyone is safe.” 

Mandy Burrell Booth has joined the Chicago Community Trust as its communications manager, she announced on LinkedIn. She was previously a communications coordinator for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and co-founder of MBB Communications. 

Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) wrote in her latest newsletter, “Illinoisans still do not know how much the state paid out in fraudulent unemployment assistance claims during the pandemic. The Pritzker Administration has yet to release any totals and isn’t offering a timeline for when the data will be made available.”  

Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) posted on Facebook, “With my background in social work, constituent casework remains one of my favorite parts of being a legislator. When this group of constituents all came forth expressing similar concerns about the same apartment complex, I was happy to amplify their voices and show them how to organize together and use their own.”  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thanks @uptownchamber and SSA#34 for clearing the sidewalks on our major commercial streets. Such a help for people shopping, heading out to transit and folks with more limited mobility, including me heading up to  @Walgreens to get a prescription!  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The Vietnamese Association of Illinois addresses many barriers: employment, health care issues, educational opportunities, raising political awareness, etc.”  

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) tweeted, “In Illinois, we passed the reproductive health act to ensure access to health care no matter what the Supreme Court does — but every American should have access to care. We just stand strong against the movement to restrict this fundamental right. #RoeAnniversary” 

The House has canceled all in-person sessions at that had been scheduled for this week, Speaker Chris Welch announced late Friday. Virtual committee meetings will continue. The speaker expressed “cautious optimism” that the House can return for in-person sessions the week of Feb. 1 if COVID-19 case counts continue to decline.  

Illinois' unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage points in December, reaching 5.3 percent, the Department of Employment Security reported Friday. Nonfarm job payrolls increased by 22,800 in December. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Just another morning in Lightfoot’s Chicago with a 5am shooting in front of my Brighton Park Office. We are here thanks to a mayor focused on suing gangbangers for their Newport’s, a CPD Supt ignorant of the work his officers do, and a State’s Attorney that works against victims.”  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter, “West Lawn Library has reopened their doors after being temporarily closed for renovations. I stopped by to meet the new branch manager, Mina Duarte, and her staff.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “Housing is a human right and people deserve beautiful, supportive spaces to live. We fight to move us in this direction and provide housing for everyone.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted of a recent shooting murder, “Melissa I am sorry that Chicago failed you and your family. As a Father, I cannot imagine what your family must be going through. Gangs are out of control and we need the Fed, State, County and City to develop a strategy to get gun violence under control.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted, “I am a huge fan of [the Urban Land Institute] because they focus on valid and reliable research for urban policies. Here's their latest perspective on rent control, eviction moratoriums, and other approaches to obtain more affordable housing: https://t.co/Dry785NZOC”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) released a statement saying on the Victims Justice Ordinance saying, “headlines and sensationalist talking points that double down on unproven or failed strategies don’t solve violence in our neighborhoods, and in some cases, this rhetoric can also perpetuate real harm in the underserved communities in which action is most needed.”  

Cook County Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) tweeted “Sanctity of life week” with an image of an anti-abortion flyer.

Chicago has joined the National Building Performance Standard Coalition, an initiative launched by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, city officials announced Friday. Joining the coalition means that the city has “committed to inclusively design and implement building performance standards and complementary policies and programs across the city,” according to the announcement. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) on Tuesday announced the recruitment of a new House Budget Negotiation Team to “closely assist” Majority Leader Greg Harris (D-Chicago) in overseeing the creation of the state’s 2022-23 budget. The team will comprise Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood), Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero), Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside) and Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston). “Combined, this diverse group of representatives has unmatched institutional knowledge that will greatly benefit the budget negotiation process,” Welch wrote in the announcement. “Their command of a wide range of policy issues will ensure that Illinois produces and passes a responsible state budget that Illinoisans can be proud of.”  

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tuesday that the federal government has granted the state’s request for medical staffing assistance for UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital. “Under the agreement, a 26-person National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) team, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, paramedics, and other specialists have been deployed to support UChicago Medicine Ingalls doctors and nurses as they treat COVID-19 patients and other patients in Harvey,” according to the announcement.