Gov. JB Pritzker’s office announced Monday the home areas of the fifth round of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery. Two of the winners were from Chicago and a third winner was a resident of suburban Cook County. Each of the winners will receive $100,000.

Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Department of Finance are set to host a webinar on the Business Recovery Payment Plan Workshop at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The webinar will include an overview of the program and its benefit to businesses. Those interested can register online.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office and the city’s Office of Budget Management are scheduled to host two “budget engagement forums” this week. The events are billed as a way for city officials to update Chicago residents on the 2022 budget and gather input on the spending plan. Wednesday’s forum is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Malcolm X College Gymnasium, and Thursday’s forum is set for 6 p.m. at Truman College. Those interested can register online. Both events will be livestreamed on the City’s social media channels.

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Riverwoods) tweeted about a Tuesday roundtable she is hosting on gun violence awareness.  

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted images from a weekend event she hosted.  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago), Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora), Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) and Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) are set to host a Facebook live townhall on Tuesday about the menstrual hygiene-related bills lawmakers passed this year.

Officials with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Agriculture on Friday announced all attendees to the state fair will be required to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Grandstand concert attendees will also be required to wear masks, show proof of being vaccinated or a negative COVID-19 test at least 72 hours before the concert. Officials further encouraged all unvaccinated fairgoers to wear masks at all times.  

Gov. JB Pritzker and officials from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced Friday the launch of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program will utilize a $10 million commitment from the state to provide additional training programs while also trying to bolster diversity in the construction industry and building trades. State officials anticipate the new program will provide grants to 1,000 participants in the first year.  

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted “increasing vaccine uptake remains a top priority, but vaccination alone is NOT ENOUGH. masks, testing, ventilation/filtration of indoor air are equally important.”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “CPD officer Ella French lost her life last night in an exchange of gunfire in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood. We mourn her and send our prayers to her family and loved ones. Praying for the recovery of the accompanying officer who is currently fighting for his life.” 

Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson (11) tweeted in a thread “Yesterday, we as a City lost a true hero. We will always be indebted to you, going above and beyond the call of duty, giving the greatest sacrifice to the people of Chicago. Please continue to pray for our other courageous officer as he continues to fight for his life.” 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “My condolences to family of the officer who paid the ultimate price last evening. I pray for the officer fighting for his life. There are no easy answers to solving our crime pandemic but supporting our Police is paramount.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Lightfoot, Brown & Carter need to shut up & stop. Let the families & police process last night’s tragedy in peace w/o confrontation or argument. It’s not about you or your petty feelings. It’s about the brave men & women dealing with a collective pain, only needing our support.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Chicago Public Schools @DrArwady must increase the number of schools serving as vaccination sites. CPS has 3 schools open 4 hours a week for student & family vaccines, while Los Angeles has had 21 schools open 10 hours each day since May. Schools reopen August 30th, time to act.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Our youth proposing concrete solutions to keep us safe grounded in the work they do on the ground. We need to listen and allocate the resources to do the urgent work of healing our city. #ThePeaceBook ordinance is a brilliant model created by Black youth to do just that.” 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter that he “co-sponsored a City Council Resolution (R2021-787) calling for the Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings with the Chicago Police Department, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, and Chicago Department of Transportation to discuss dangerous drag racing and drifting and motorcycle noise.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) in his latest newsletter wrote that he participated in the University of Illinois's Edgar Fellows Program. “The program brings together municipal, county, and state officials from across Illinois to discuss the most pressing issues facing our communities, and to share strategies for how to improve our work,” Martin wrote. “This year's topics ranged from public safety and mental health to environmental protection and responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Chicago is extending the deadline for Request for Proposal submissions for a Chicago casino until Oct. 29, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced on Friday. The delay “gives potential bidders more time to fully assess the Chicago casino opportunity; conduct additional due diligence; assemble more competitive bid packages; and explore financing opportunities,” according to a news release from the mayor’s office. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health released its schedule for the next week of its “hyperlocal vaccine events,” which offer up to six vaccine clinics across the city each day. City health officials are offering “vaccines and education at pop-ups and special events throughout the city each week, including schools, CTA stops, churches, food pantries, and more,” according to a release. The full calendar of pop-up events is available online. 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday announced Ruby Ferguson, an employee of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, as the city’s first Food Equity Policy Lead. Ferguson will be expected to report to both Lightfoot’s Policy Office and the Greater Chicago Food Depository and enhance the collaboration among the City’s Food Equity Council. Ferguson will also be tasked with moving forward the Food Equity Agenda’s food policy priorities. "Ruby is an exceptional food and health equity champion whose talents and expertise are exactly what our city needs during this time of recovery and opportunity," Lightfoot wrote in a news release.

Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) tweeted information to help residents stay “informed” as the city is expecting another heat wave.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “If students must wear masks to go back to class, does that apply to our police/fire academy ‘students’ also? Can we finally start filling classes to pre-covid levels?”

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted a “save the date” for the “Bike With Rossana” event scheduled for Sept. 19. “We will again be biking around the beautiful 33rd Ward in September. More sign-up information coming soon,” Rodriguez-Sanchez wrote.

Ald. Michele Smith (43) shared an article from The New York Times about the issue of parents returning to work without child care and wrote “No Kidding.  Let's Support Working Parents.”

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his latest newsletter announced that “Theatrical phenomenon Blue Man Group will resume its Chicago residency at Lakeview’s Briar Street Theatre on Wednesday, August 18.”

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I was delighted to tour the Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center and Cooper Center on Kedzie and Pratt yesterday. These amazing facilities offer vital social services and programs for people of all abilities. They truly enrich our 50th Ward community!”

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted “For 17 months, Pritzker has continuously issued mandates and executive orders that impact the entire state, without input from the legislature or the local officials on the ground.”

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) issued a statement after she was selected to part of the Edgar Fellows Program.

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) issued a statement as negotiations over the energy bill hit another setback this week.

Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) tweeted “After serving just 8 years of a 20-year prison sentence, Rita Crundwell was released from federal prison with no advance notice and no explanation. She stole more than $50 million from us in Dixon, and we deserve to know who made this decision and why.”

Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) tweeted “Menstruation Happens. It’s a normal function of our biology, and should be treated and seen as such. The idea that those of us who experience it should hide it or feel shame, or protect those of you who don’t from having to even think about it is outdated and dangerous.”

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview), Rep. John D’Amico (D-Chicago), Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie), Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) and other elected officials are set to host a “shred day” on Aug. 8 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Skokie.

No announcements to report. 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Capitalism is so evil. Tax dollars spent on police to harass, abuse & criminalize people instead of investing to care for people by solving the social problem. It’s sickening.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “By putting in place a statewide mask mandate for schools, [Gov. JB Pritzker] once again shows he's committed to protecting the health of our children and our educators. Our nation would be in a much better place on COVID if every state and locality had an executive like JB.”

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “With Market Days this weekend now is the time to get a COVID test before the festival. @Northalsted and Northshore Clinical Labs is offering free tests, no insurance required, this entire week with results within 24 hours. Head to 3656 N. Halsted, 12-7pm, to get your test today.”

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “At National Night Out, I met up with Office Angela Carter (19th District Police) who glowingly spoke of her mom who graduated from college with her earlier this year. Congrats to both of them! Their love and support of one another is so touching!”

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Congrats to 48th Ward residents Kathy G and John H on the publishing of their book "Remembering the Edgewater Beach Hotel"! Stop by the Edgewater Historic Society Museum this Sunday from 3-7pm to meet the authors.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Wednesday it will provide free COVID-19 vaccinations at six locations at the Illinois State Fair, which is scheduled to take place between Aug. 12 and Aug. 22. The agency will offer the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the Illinois Building, Happy Hollow and Main Street, Brian Rainey Ave., the Avenue of Flags, 4-H Lane and the Livestock Center on 8^th Street. Officials request those interested to bring a photo ID and their insurance card, if they have one. Proof of immigration status is not required.

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted images from a pop-up event he attended in his district.

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted about a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic she is hosting on Aug. 8.

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted “Our responsible, balanced budget closes $655 million in corporate tax loopholes to protect the middle class while asking the wealthiest corporations to pay their fair share.”

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) issued a statement after Gov. JB Pritzker’s latest COVID-19 announcement, saying the governor’s “mandate is overreach on parents’ rights.”

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted “Today @GovPritzker took critical steps to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including the delta variant.”

As federal and state moratoria on evictions expired at the end of July, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on Monday reminded residents about Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt, an initiative aiming to help residents resolve issues around eviction, foreclosure, debt and tax deeds. The countywide initiative also offers free legal assistance and resources for landlords and tenants facing eviction issues. With the expired eviction moratoria, landlords got the green light to file eviction papers within the Cook County Courts Aug. 1.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) in her latest newsletter wrote about City Council’s passage of the Empowering Communities for Public Safety ordinance, writing “I could not be more proud of the City of Chicago, my colleagues on the City Council, our Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and the countless residents, community organizations and nonprofit leaders that came together to pass a transformational ordinance to provide real, in-depth community input into the way Chicago polices its City by passing the historic Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) ordinance.”

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “On Sunday, August 29th, bring the family out to Morgan Park Academy for ‘Music on the Green’ featuring the Gentlemen of Leisure, craft beer festival and fireworks show.”

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Words can’t convey the pride we feel as a colonized country to witness this. Our diaspora, a Black Boricua woman claiming the gold for Puerto Rico. Thank you [Jasmine Camacho-Quinn]. We love you. Puerto Rico is yours.”

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted photos of a sticker reading “straight, white and proud” found near Legion Park and wrote “Thank you to the neighbor who alerted us to this bigoted propaganda that was spotted near Legion Park. This type of bigotry and division is not welcome in the 40th Ward. We are an intentionally inclusive community and these kinds of ideas don’t represent us.”

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) in his latest newsletter provided an update on the CTA’s Red Purple Modernization Project, writing “Catalpa Ave. will be closed between the CTA tracks and N Winthrop Ave starting next Monday, August 9 through Monday, August 25. Crews will need a full closure to vehicular traffic as they perform viaduct and abutment demolition.”

Gov. JB Pritzker’s office announced Monday the home areas of the fourth round of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery were from Macon County, Schaumburg and Springfield. Each of the winners will receive $100,000.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said Monday it will celebrate Black businesses in August by hosting a series of events and initiatives throughout the month. Agency officials said the month-long celebration will include collaborations with community leaders, organizations and others to invite Illinoisans to shop at black-owned businesses on Saturdays and discuss opportunities for community-members to access COVID-19 recovery assistance funds.

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced Monday an expansion of Medicaid coverage for diabetes prevent and management programs.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture on Monday issued adult use cannabis licenses for 32 craft growers, 28 infusers and 9 transporters. A full list of licensees can be found on the agency’s website.

Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) tweeted about two town hall meetings he will host in his district on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10.

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) tweeted about an Aug. 12 virtual workshop he is hosting with Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) and Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Tinley Park).

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted she will be hosting mobile office hours on Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) tweeted about an Aug. 5 virtual discussion he will co-host with Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) and Cook County Board of Review Comm. Larry Rogers (D-3) about property tax assessments and appeals process.

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted images from McDonald Farm, which she said was a Naperville staple” located in her district.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday appointed Angelique Davis to the Chicago State University Board of Trustees Beth Doria to the Illinois Racing Board. The governor also reappointed William Hobert and Arlene Juracek to the board of directors of the Illinois Finance Authority and Brian Barov and James Conway as administrative law judges on the Independent Tax Tribunal.

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted thanks to his district office staff and volunteers for participating in a back to school event over the weekend.

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted an invitation to join him for free donuts on coffee on Aug. 7 at a business in his district.

Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago) tweeted a reminder about a back to school event she is hosting on Aug. 8 with Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood).

Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) tweeted images from a weekend event he attended.