Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) will host a virtual town hall event at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The event will "feature expert mental health advocates representing The Kennedy Forum, NAMI DuPage and NAMI Chicago, and serve as an opportunity for residents to become more understanding and knowledgeable on how to identify and care for those going through anxiety," according to an announcement. Online registration is required.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted, "Congratulations to John Catanzara on his retirement. I don’t know if you did the most to discredit and bring shame on your profession, but you certainly tried!"

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza shared a news release that noted her "praising the results of the Illinois Solar for All Program (ILSFA) that scored a proposed solar generation project in South Deering as the highest among all Low-Income Community Solar applicants for the 2021-22 program year."

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, "Chicago’s hearts and prayers should join all @cta employees after seeing the horrific stabbing attack unfold on video. We must make sure our public infrastructure is safe for users & employees."

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33)shared a Tribune article about Fraternal Order of Police president John Catanzara retiring and tweeted, "It’s amazing that this man gets to retire without any accountability for all the harm he has caused. It’s disgraceful."

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, "Congratulations to the first cohort of @BlackBenchChi Excited for your continued leadership!"

As of Tuesday, about 90.9 percent of city employees had reported their vaccination status, and 80.3 percent of those reported being fully vaccinated, the Chicago Department of Human Resources announced on Monday. The Chicago Police Department reported 81.6 percent compliance with the city's reporting requirements, and the Chicago Fire Department 94.9 percent, both representing steady upticks from recent weeks.

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) wrote in a press release that he is launching a new campaign called “#ChildrenCarryOn” that is “aimed at supporting parents and Chicago Public School children that will celebrate their resilience and provide resources to support the vaccination campaign in local schools.” 

Rep. Micheal Zalewski (D-Riverside) quoted an editorial saying “But if he’s re-elected, Pritzker will almost certainly ask legislators for a big increase, probably from 4.95 to roughly 7 percent” and then added, “Uh, why is this almost certain? It’s almost certain it won’t happen.”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) posted on Facebook, “We just wrapped up a very successful senior fair in Crystal Lake....The line for booster shots and flu shots was steady throughout the event. Thanks to Walgreens and IEMA for making these vaccinations available this morning.” 

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) posted on Facebook, “I had the opportunity to tour RJF Ceramics in Mounds Illinois. The company produces ceramic and resin lamps and lighting fixtures....Southern Illinois Made!!They are in great need of employees, anyone interested in their company can visit RJFCeramics.com for more information.”  

Sen. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) shared a Wall Street Journal article about President Joe Biden picking former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to oversee spending of federal infrastructure dollars and tweeted, “Stellar move by @POTUS. @MitchLandrieu knows about recovery & rebuilding. Great choice to help the country #BuildBackBetter”

Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) will join Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) and Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) for a town hall event at Elgin Community College at 6 p.m. on Wednesday to “provide a short summary on key issues, and then open up the event to questions from the audience.” 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter that “Including Officer French in the recently released report from COPA was unnecessary salt in the wounds felt by those who served with her. The message that COPA is sending to officers is that even in death your reputation is not safe. It’s outrageous and does not represent the values of Chicagoans. Anybody who has an excuse for an agency that recommends a three day suspension to an officer killed in the line of duty needs a reality check.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted, “Join me in making a contribution to re-elect a champion of the working class and a devoted servant to his constituents - Commissioner Brandon Johnson”  

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) wrote in his latest newsletter, “It is appropriate that the Board President, Avis LaVelle, resigned from the board, but we still need to work for justice for these young women -- victims of abuse and harassment that goes back decades. The Cook County States Att orne y must fully investigate and prosecute on behalf of the victims. We still need accountability throughout the Park District, new leadership, new supervisors, as well as real changes to policies and procedures that ensure the safety of all lifeguards, and all workers within the Park District system.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) shared a Tribune article on Fraternal Order of Police president John Catanzara facing a termination hearing and tweeted, “Chicago has been ready for this man to resign.” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted a statement about how to help “someone stuck in the cycle of chronic homelessness.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that he last week “held the first of several CPS mental health listening sessions with administrators and mental health professionals from our local CPS schools..In addition to continuing this conversation with local educators, I will be working with my aldermanic colleagues and CPS officials to identify and secure additional mental health resources.

The Chicago Department of Public Health released its “hyperlocal vaccine event calendar” for this week, including dozens of pop-up vaccination clinics at local health clinics and Chicago Public Schools around the city. The full list of sites is available online.

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) wrote in a news release that the soon-to-be-signed federal infrastructure package is set to deliver $17 billion in funding to Illinois. “"t is the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and will boost our economy by creating millions of jobs,” Welch wrote. “This bill is also a major step forward in the fight against climate change, and paired with the work already done in the state legislature, Illinois remains a leader for the nation in a clean energy economy." 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, Did you know that we have the @NVAMChicago in the 20th District??? In observance of #VeteransDay, I had the honor presenting a certificate of recognition from the Senate & taking in the artistic expressions of veterans processing their experiences & who served in combat. 

Sen. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted about a virtual job fair he will host next Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. 

Senate Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted, “For Veteran's Day - a pic of the Senate Republican Caucus veterans! From the left Sen. @jasonbarickman staffers Jon Wygant, Noah Finley, Gabby Garza, Sens. @JasonPlummerUSA, Craig Wilcox and then me down in front. Thank you for your service! 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Had a great meeting with the new pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Pastor Williams! I truly believe the great legacy of Pilgrim is in good hands! Looking forward to his installation service on December 12th.”

Health News Illinois will host an in-person panel event at 8:30 a.m. next Tuesday at MATTER in the Merchandise Mart to discuss “health care workforce challenges” and how the industry can address worker shortages. The panel will include Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview), Edward Hospital CEO Joe Dart, LeadingAge Illinois CEO Angela Schnepf and Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois CEO Marvin Lindsey. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted a WGN story about calls for the city to hire more Black police officers and added, “Yes please - but from Chicago neighborhoods!” 

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) tweeted, “It is appropriate that Ms. LaVelle resigned from the board but we still need to work for justice for these young women -- victims of assault, abuse and harassment that goes back decades. The States Atty must fully investigate and prosecute on behalf of the victims.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) posted on Facebook about a free vaccination clinic set to be hosted in Albany Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted a photo of himself with Ald. Walter Burnett (27) “after emerging from the Chicago Map Room. We are trying to ensure that there is fair representation from our respective communities. The camaraderie amongst colleagues is priceless. Photo credit to Homero Tristan.  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “In the #40thWard we take an undeveloped eyesore and make it an opportunity for are in the Lincoln Avenue North Arts District! Here’s more of the latest work! #LANA” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted, “The Urban Land Institute strongly backs the creation of ADUs. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to create more naturally occurring affordable housing, and it allows more multigenerational families to live in one building.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared an article she co-wrote about how “more Americans deserve some basic income, specifically our LGBTQ brothers & sisters–where 1 in 4 live in poverty.” 

Friends of the Parks and Preservation Chicago will host a virtual workshop at 12 p.m. Friday titled “Reimagining Our Relationship with the Lakefront: What’s it to You?” The event is described as an opportunity to “engage to think about whether and how the lakefront matters to us and what we should be prioritizing.” Online registration is required.

Sen. Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted “Where should Representative Ness grab coffee with constituents next? Vote for your favorite location at the link below! #CoffeeinYourCommunity Vote Here: https://forms.gle/LMJ1nEPUMx1wCJix8 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted a link to a news story about voters rejecting a casino in Richmond, saying, “This would have been the only Black-owned casino in the US, in the frmr capt'l of the Confederacy. Voters rejected the referendum, but wouldn't it be cool if as we consider a Chicago casino we had a group with minority and women representation at the helm?” 

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted “Free legal aid for IL Armed Forces https://ilaflan.org  

Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted “I will be hosting a Senior Health Fair along with Senator Don DeWitte and Senator Craig Wilcox at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake this Friday from 9:00AM-11:00AM. Join us to learn about alternative ways to lead a happier and healthier lifestyle.”  

Officials at the Illinois Department of Agriculture said Wednesday they plan to award $783,000 in specialty grants over a three-year period to expand the availability of fresh, locally grown produce, strengthen the competitiveness of Illinois’ specialty crop industry and support organizations who assist farmworkers and food businesses. The funding comes from the federal House Resolution 133. The agency will continue to accept applications for the specialty crop block grants through Nov. 29. To be eligible, all projects must begin in calendar year 2022.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Weapons of war do NOT  belong in civilian hands - especially children.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “This is unacceptable. Enough of these racist and dehumanizing practices in CPD. @chicagosmayor release the Anjanette Young IG report immediately and let’s pass legislation to end these racists practices. Stop this racist violence against Chicagoans.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Message testing is very good. More socialist, progressive, and leftist candidates should engage in message testing.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Today, I celebrate my 2nd birthday of the year, the USMC birthday. In 1988,I was an 18 year old young man that was about to take on the greatest challenge that I had ever faced at that time. I still have that same sense of pride and commitment that I am one of the few,the proud” 

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “Ms. LaVelle's resignation is a welcome step in this investigation. We will continue to work to ensure that each victim has a voice and that the new management will end this ongoing, unacceptable behavior and implement safeguards to ensure this decades-long culture changes.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Join the Park Advisory Council on Saturday, November 13, from 11:30 am to 2 pm for a groundbreaking of the nature play area at Leone Beach. The event will also include a nature play pop-up to give the community an introduction to the goals of the nature play.” 

The Board of Directors for the Pace suburban bus system on Wednesday voted to appoint Melinda Metzger as the system’s interim executive director following the retirement of agency head Rocky Donahue on Jan. 1. Metzger is currently the transit agency’s general manager and chief operating officer. The board also voted on Wednesday to approve Pace’s $458 million operating budget for 2022, as well as a $300 million five-year capital plan. 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted “Tonight I held my 2nd Youth People's Legislative Council at @uplift_high which provides curriculum focused on social justice. We talked about violence in Uptown, mental health access, & potential ways to create more affordable housing. These young people are my policy advisors!” 

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued a statement about the launch of a new app allowing students to apply for college. 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted “I am proud to have co-sponsored this important piece of legislation that just got signed which updates the decades old Health Care Right of Conscience Act. Thank you @GovPritzker “ 

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted her district office hours for the week.  

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted “Would you like to have 16th District news and events delivered to your inbox? Sign up to subscribe to our district newsletters! Email your request to [email protected] or click here to request your subscription through our website: https://repdenysewangstoneback.com/contact-us"

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) and the Illinois Housing Development Authority will host a virtual event on Wednesday at 5 p.m. to share information about homeownership programs, rental and mortgage assistance programs and other programs. The conversation will be streamed on Facebook live.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted, “I fully support vision zero and efforts for more equitable transportation policy in Chicago. We can eliminate crashes and traffic deaths with intentional and thoughtful traffic design and policy.” 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted, “Let's make a difference together in our neighborhood. Join the 2nd District CAPS office next Tuesday, November 16, from 6-8 PM in this two-part conversation to create a 2nd District 2022 Strategic Plan.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “Our Mayor would serve Chicago well by appointing Deborah Witzburg as the next Inspector General for the city. Deborah has shown and proven that she can speak truth to power while rooting out corruption in city government. She has the courage and leadership needed for the role.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) shared a tweet from Chicago Department of Housing Comm. Marisa Novara about zoning restrictions blocking Accessory Dwelling Unit applications and added, “I look forward when ADUs are encouraged all over the City of Chicago!” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted, “We're hiring a part-time worker for the spring semester to help manage our front desk, respond to constituent requests, and work on special projects as time allows.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted, “Today I sent a letter to CEO Martinez requesting that CPS urgently establish a Vaccination Site on Chicago’s northeast side this Friday, Nov. 12. While it has been declared a day of awareness, a convenient and accessible option for thousands of CPS families has not been provided.”

The Chicago Department of Public Health removed Arkansas from its COVID-19 Travel Advisory, leaving 40 states and one territory whose unvaccinated travelers are asked to quarantine or get tested upon their arrival in Chicago. Alabama, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia are all set to be removed from the list next week if they can keep daily new case averages below 15 per 100,000 residents.   

Wednesday is the application deadline for the Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program, which provides “relief grants” of up to $5,000 each to “artists and creative workers who are residents of Chicago and lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Applications are available online.  

Friday is the last day the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will accept applications for the $2.7 million COVID-19 Small Business Support Program, which provides grants of up to $10,000 to qualifying businesses. Application instructions are on the department’s Chi Biz Strong website, which also includes a grant program for nonprofit groups

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) encouraged her constituents in her latest newsletter to write letters to Illinois veterans and drop them off at her district office.  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) issued a statement about a bill he and Rep. Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) have filed regarding COVID-19 and vaccine mandates.  

Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) wrote about the recently wrapped up veto session in her latest newsletter.  

Sen. Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued a statement after the recent closure of an Aldi’s in her district.