All five members of the Chicago City Council Democratic Socialists Caucus sent a news release calling on Chicagoans to support “the worker-backed boycott of Nabisco products as Chicago members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTWM) International Union go on strike. 

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) wrote in his latest newsletter that “The 19th Ward and the Beverly Area Planning Association will host High School 101, a zoom seminar designed to help guide parents through the High School selection process on Wednesday, September 8th at 7:00pm.”  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) used her latest newsletter to advertise a Paper Shred & Prescription Drug Drop-off Event in conjunction with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and Chicago Police Department from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 25 at Byrne Elementary School. 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted, “Today we recommit ourselves to the struggle of our ancestors: to end labor exploitation by Passing the Pro Act, citizenship for all, and ending the prison industrial complex. Our struggles are inseparable and we workers must be indivisible as well. Solidarity and Happy Labor Day!” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) wrote in his latest newsletter that his “311 Modernization Ordinance,” which is set to pass the City Council this month, “codifies a commitment to improve the services you pay for through taxes, by authorizing the City's IT team to upgrade the information displayed for each Service Request (SR) in the 311 system. 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter that last Monday, he “asked Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Superintendent David Brown to take immediate action to increase police patrols in the Downtown neighborhoods, and assign permanent officers to the hospitality corridors to cure the dramatic spike in violent crime.  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that he “met with the new executive director of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) to discuss his organization's work around mental health and to tour one of the organization's facilities on Clark near Leland. I also met with representatives from a local solar panel company to discuss policies the city should consider using to encourage solar readiness in new construction.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health released the latest round of hyperlocal vaccination events, with nearly 40 events across the city between Tuesday and Friday. The full schedule is available online. Chicago is averaging 3,984 new vaccine doses delivered each day. 

Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) released a statement on the energy legislation he sponsored, reading in part, “After years of difficult negotiations, a broad coalition of stakeholders came to a bipartisan agreement that will define the future of clean energy in Illinois. The Illinois Senate, and the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, refuse to allow ratepayers to foot the bill for a transition to a cleaner energy future that did not include our valued nuclear fleet.” 

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) posted on Facebook that “This year I helped to pass HB 1778, which required school-issued ID cards for students in grades 7 through 12 to include contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and a local suicide prevention hotline on the card.” 

Sen. Don Dewitte (R-St. Charles) posted on Facebook, “On the heels of the issuance of Gov. Pritzker's 87th Executive Order, I am renewing my call that SB 103, legislation I co-sponsor, be heard and brought to the Senate floor for a vote. This legislation would require the Governor to gain General Assembly approval before extending a disaster proclamation beyond 30 days. SB 103 was filed in February, was never granted a hearing, and was never brought forward for a vote.” 

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) shared screenshots allegedly showing foul language by Ald. Jim Gardiner (45) and tweeted, “There is no place for misogyny & homophobia in our city council or our county party. I am disgusted by Ald/Committeperson Gardiner’s actions and words here. Your constituents deserve better, your city and your party deserve better.” 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) shared the same article about Gardiner’s texts and tweeted, “Disgusting. Reprehensible. Unbecoming of anybody at all, least of all an elected official. And sure as hell not how you're gonna talk about a friend of mine. Ald. Gardiner, start by apologizing, unequivocally, now. Then... figure out a way to do better.” 

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) wrote on Facebook, “We depend on roads to get us to and from places safely. I'm thrilled to hear that the reconstruction of Interstate 255 near the Metro East won top honors among Midwest states in America's Transportation Awards!”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority has paid more than $252 million in rental assistance to almost 29,500 households through the Illinois Rental Payment Program, representing half the $500 million in federally allocated rental assistance first made available in May 2020. “With over 50% of the $500 million in available ILRPP funds paid, Illinois continues to be one of highest providers of rental assistance among all state grantees per the U.S. Department of the Treasury,” according to a release from the agency.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted, “I am pleased to announce that the Chicago Department of Transportation will be installing bike lanes on Logan Blvd at Western Ave. This project will bring much needed improvements to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists in the area. My statement and the plans are below.” 

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted, “Ald. Gardiner is way out of line. Whether in public or private, the fact that he used demeaning and sexist language is extremely offensive and concerning. You owe people an apology. Do better.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “How does the Board of Review, or any government office for that matter, close for “budget reasons” as property taxes rise exponentially in Cook County with ZERO relief efforts in sight?”  

Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26) tweeted, “TODAY @4:30pm Division & Washtenaw!! Please join us for the long awaited groundbreaking for the Nancy Franco Maldonado Paseo Boricua Art Building.” 

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) tweeted, “Ald. Gardiner's statements are misogynistic, insulting and inappropriate. He owes my Chief of Staff, Ald. Tunney, and the public an apology.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “We will get #TreatmentNotTrauma in this city because we won’t stop fighting for it. Because non police crisis response works. Because police do not belong in mental health care and because our city deserves it so much. We need structures of care in order to heal.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “I stand with @ward32chicago, @AldTomTunney and the staff member (our neighbor) who was disrespected by our colleague. There is no place for that kind of toxic misogyny in City Council. An apology and commitment to making amends is needed.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health will begin offering $100 Visa gift cards to anyone who gets a COVID-19 through the city, officials announced Thursday. City health officials will give out gift cards starting Saturday at mobile vaccination events around the city and will give out gift cards during at-home vaccination appointments starting Tuesday. Residents will get a $50 gift card when they get each dose of the Pfizer vaccine, or two $50 gift cards at the same time when they get the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection’s Office of Labor Standards awarded a $100,000 to the group Arise Chicago to “conduct outreach and education on Chicago’s labor laws,” city officials announced Thursday. Arise will “work in partnership with the City to create resources for vulnerable workers and the expectation is that workers will access rights guaranteed by Chicago’s landmark labor laws,” according to the announcement. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted “Reproductive rights are essential healthcare. Reproductive rights are human rights. This Texas ban on abortion puts lives at risk and limits the right to control your own healthcare decisions. This is a dangerous rollback on almost 50 years of progress.” 

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted “In Springfield yesterday taking on the issue of redistricting. Passed the State House and Senate and on its way to the Governor! 

Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) tweeted “Interesting to see what good government groups (including some leaning to the left) think about the Dems shameful power grab last night in approving new legislative maps to guarantee that their stranglehold of Illinois continues for another decade!” 

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted about the forthcoming end of federal unemployment programs.  

State officials on Wednesday announced the deployment of “a team of community vaccinators” to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to help with the state’s vaccine mandate for higher education institutions. Starting Thursday, rapid response teams will set up vaccination clinics on the campus, including offering the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the two-dose Pfizer vaccine. The vaccination clinics at the campus are scheduled to continue through Sept. 10.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Standing in outrage and solidarity with the seven million Texas women who had their reproductive rights taken away today. If there is any way to aid and abet you from Illinois, let me know.”  

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) wrote in his latest newsletter that he will host a webinar at 5 p.m. Tuesday when police leaders will "speak about motorcycle noise, illegal vehicles, and drag racing enforcement throughout Chicago."

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We said it in every possible way we could. We made a list of reasons why. The appointment of Rahm as ambassador is a slap in the face to Chicago and everyone who cares about justice. Thank you @AOC for calling it out. We appreciate it.” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his latest newsletter wrote that the community meeting for Sunnyside Dispensary’s application to move their location from 3812 N. Clark St. to 3524 N. Clark St. has been canceled. “The dispensary will still need to hold a community meeting before approval of their permit,” Tunney wrote. “At a later date, I will share information on the updated meeting time and location when details are available.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted a graph showing requests for shelter in this ward over the past three years and wrote “Since the start of the pandemic, significantly more neighbors in the 47th Ward have contacted 3-1-1 to request emergency shelter. Even with covid case numbers decreasing, we're not seeing the need for shelter return to 2019 levels.” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Our community has a history of welcoming refugees, and I'm proud to welcome families from Afghanistan. I've signed a letter to @POTUS indicating our City's support to resettle Afghan refugees, along w/ many of my colleagues & 48th Ward orgs @GirlForward & Syrian Community Network” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted a video update on the request for life rings at Farwell Pier and wrote “Good meeting with @ChicagoParks yesterday. Because of your advocacy, we’re making progress!” 

The Chicago Department of Buildings on Wednesday published the city’s updated Building Code Scofflaw List, publishing the addresses of 99 properties that have been rendered ineligible for zoning changes, tax-increment financing assistance or land deals with the city because of outstanding legal issues. The new list grows out of an ordinance (O2021-1193) the City Council approved earlier this year expanding properties’ criteria for inclusion on the list. The public list will “send a clear message that owners who do not remediate code violations will face consequences for their inaction,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot wrote in a statement Wednesday. 

Chicago Board of Elections Comm. Jonathan Swain resigned on Tuesday after five years serving on the three-member board, the board announced Wednesday. “I am very proud of the work we have accomplished together over the last five years, including driving the successful expansion of our Early Voting and Vote By Mail programs and increasing outreach and accessibility for all communities,” Swain wrote in a statement. His replacement will be picked by Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans. 

Sen. Jill Tracy (R-Carbondale) posted to Facebook about a “ceremony hosted by the Senate Republican Caucus in the Capitol on Aug. 31 [that] brought together dozens of people to remember and honor the lives lost in Afghanistan and those individuals left behind.” 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) posted on Facebook about resolution he filed in remembrance of organizer Malik Alim: ““WHEREAS, Malik Alim's work will live and be shared through generations, and his children will be able to understand the impact their father made on this world. Rest in Power, Malik.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: The Senate Democrats are still in caucus, and we are waiting for them to return to the floor. It is incredibly important that we get a bill called tonight in order preserve our nuclear fleet.” 

Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) tweeted, “Senate has done nothing of substance yet today...shocking I know. Not quite late enough yet...the Dems need you to go to sleep first so they can do their dirty work when no one is paying attention!” 

Rep. Edgar Gonzalez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Won't stop until every end of the 21st District applies for the #Back2Business grants!” 

Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday announced the appointment of An-Me Chung to the Community College Board, Crystal Caison and Nina Mariano as arbitrators on the Worker’s Compensation Commission, and Nike Vieille to the State Board of Education. The governor also announced 12 reappointments to continue serving on various boards, including Debra Savage as chair of the Health Facilities and Services Review Board, Joseph Amarilio, Paul Cellini, Stephen Friedman, Gerald Granada, Jessica Hegarty, Adam Hinrichs, Jeffrey Huebsch and Maureen Pulia to serve as arbitrators on the Workers’ Compensation Commission, Sarah Alter to the Lottery Control Board, and Barbara Flynn Currie and Cynthia Santos to the Pollution Control Board. Each of the appointments require confirmation by the state Senate. 

Ald. Daniel La Sparta (1) in a thread tweeted “Yesterday at Committee on Budget and Government Operations, myself and several of my colleagues asked about the City's sudden $950 million due for the 2022 Budget. We learned that the City changed planned long-term investments from the previous Budget into short-term investments”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) in a thread tweeted “I downloaded the ‘Citizen’ app last summer and deleted it after I realized the notifications were sensational, unverified, and unhelpful. The app consistently failed to track or report on incidents for which I had already received an official CPD report.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) shared a Block Club article about the Chicago Park District removing a life ring installed by a resident near a Rogers Park beach and tweeted "Here’s a reminder that this Thursday there will be a Special [Events] Committee hearing to appoint the new Park District Commissioner[s].” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) in a thread about Chicago Inspector General Joseph Ferguson’s report that found the city is not evaluating whether banks designated as municipal depositories are providing equitable financial services across the city wrote “This report illuminates the need for improved coordination, transparency and accountability in the Municipal Depository process. We are already making strides with the introduced Lending Equity Ordinance and a coordinated effort in City Hall to see the ordinance through.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “I joined with 16 of City Council colleagues and 25 community orgs in letting [President Joe Biden] know that #Afghan refugees are welcome in our great city.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health added five states and two territories to the city’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory, meaning unvaccinated travelers from every state except Vermont are now being asked to get a COVID test or quarantine for 10 days after arriving in Chicago. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, the District of Columbia and Guam were added to the list because their average daily new cases exceeded 15 per 100,000 residents. The U.S. average daily case rate per 100,000 residents is 39, an increase from 37.5 a week ago. 

The Metropolitan Planning Council will host its annual event, titled “Better//Together: Ingredients for an Equitable Recovery” at noon on Sept. 21. Online registration is required.  

Good Government Illinois’ virtual discussion of the Cook County Board of Review and the county’s tax system has been rescheduled to 7 p.m. next Thursday, Sept. 9. Good Government Illinois director David Orr and Alisa Kaplan of Reform for Illinois will moderate the panel discussion, which will feature former Cook County Board of Ethics member Juliet Sorensen, University of Chicago Center for Municipal Finance's Christopher Berr, and Blacks In Green's Naomi Davis. Online registration is required. 

Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) wrote in a Facebook post, “Gone but not forgotten: Fred Hampton was just 21 years old when he was assassinated during a police raid in 1969. However, his legacy of activism and working toward social change will live on forever.” 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) wrote in a Facebook post, “We were happy to join students and staff at John Palmer Elementary School in Chicago for a #BackToSchool bash today! Students had the opportunity to receive the supplies they need for a successful school year.” 

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted, “Another redistricting hearing. Another sham process. The politicians are in charge folks. The people be damned.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted. “Tonight's redistricting quotable: ‘He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.’” 

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) tweeted, “Constituents voiced their concern about kids having to walk in the street to get to and from school. Under a new measure signed into law today, @IDOT_Illinois will be required to provide funding to create additional infrastructure.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced he will send a “46-member Urban Search and Rescue Team” to Louisiana to “aid with water rescues” from flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The team left from Wheeling Monday morning. All costs incurred by the deployment will be paid for by Louisiana, officials said. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Biking is one of the cheapest, healthiest, and most sustainable ways to get around. My office and I use experience biking around to fight for better infrastructure, so that other residents can choose to bike around the 1st Ward & City, too.” 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “It’s the first day back at school! Wishing good luck to all our returning students, teachers and families.” 

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “ANNOUNCEMENT: The Latino Caucus is excited to open the 2022 CLCF Leadership Academy application process. Apply today for our leadership program intended to highlight Chicago’s Latinx rising stars. Applications are due 10/1/2021 by 11:59pm CST.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted a copy of a letter addressed to President Joe Biden signed by 17 aldermen saying they welcome Afghan refugees to Chicago. “As a Marine who fought in Desert Shield/Storm, it’s important to ensure that those that assisted the US Government not be left behind. We cannot turn our back on our allies. Chicago stands ready to assist with the relocation of Afghans seeking refuge in the US,” Villegas wrote.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Help us convince the [Chicago Park District] that Chicago residents deserve life rings and water safety signage at the lake. We’ve been demanding life rings for a couple of years and they keep telling us their lawyers say they’re concerned with liability. We’re concerned with saving lives.” Hadden also included a video explaining her efforts. 

Cook County Board Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) tweeted “I denounce Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara for his consistent, deplorable, and hateful remarks. Hate has no place in public discourse. Mr. Catanzara must resign.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health released its hyperlocal vaccine event calendar for the next week, with more than two dozen citywide locations through Friday — mostly at Chicago Public Schools buildings, City Colleges campuses or city health clinics. The full schedule of vaccine events is published online. As of Monday, just over 55 percent of Chicago residents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and about 61 percent had received at least one dose, according to the health department’s COVID dashboard.

Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is scheduled to host a webinar at 10 a.m. Tuesday on the Expedited Restaurant Licensing pilot program meant to help fill vacant restaurant space throughout the city more quickly. Registration for the one-hour webinar is available online.

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted “What a great back to school giveaway and celebration. Come on out to Blackhawk Boys & Girls club park. Thank you to our great community leaders for providing a great opportunity for our community. Come on out until 6 PM.” 

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted “Yep, a @Wallys_USA stop on the way home from Sunday morning House Redistricting Committee hearing in Aurora.” 

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted “Hey Batavia, it's cooler today with a nice breeze! Come on down to Windmill City Festival and visit with us! We're here again with our friends from MomsDemand talking safe gun storage and listening to some great live music! We'd love to see you! #BeSMART“ 

Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) tweeted her satellite office hours for the week.  

Gov. JB Pritzker’s office on Friday announced the home areas of the final winners of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery. The two $1 million winners were from Bloomington and Rolling Meadows, while $150,000 scholarships were awarded to 17 residents from Algonquin, Alton, Aurora, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Cook County, Douglas County, Franklin County, Hancock County, Joliet, Kendall County, two residents of Lake County, McHenry County, Peoria County and two Rockford residents.  

Pritzker on Friday ordered all agencies covered by the state’s Flag Display Act to fly flags at half-staff in honor of University of Illinois police officer Lt. Aaron Landers, who was killed in a traffic crash on Aug. 23. Flags will remain lowered until Aug. 31 at sunset.