Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, ““When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.”– Queen Elizabeth II”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I am proud to be appointed to the inaugural Crime Reduction Task Force in the Senate. I look forward to serving on this task force to bring light to root causes of crime, addressing them, and consequently reducing crime in our communities.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The drumbeat of racist attack ads intended to deceive and scare suburban voters into supporting anti-abortion, pro-assault weapon right wing radicals must be called out.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I want to be clear. I expect the Bears to ask for public money. It protects their bottom line. I also expect those of us who get to make decisions on public money to say “no.” It protects the people we serve.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Department of Transportation announced $94 million has been released for Rebuild Illinois for construction along Wood Street and Ashland Avenue through Harvey, Dixmoor and Riverdale. The project will involve reconstructing three miles of road between 161st and 138th Streets. New storm sewers and water mains will also be a part of the project.  

Ald Sophia King (4) tweeted “As a fmr. Vice Chair for Planned Parenthood Chicago, I am proud to see our City Council moving to enshrine into ordinance Chicago as a bastion of reproductive rights and abortion services. On this, we can't afford to move backwards.”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “The Chicago BACP has an Request For Proposal open which may interest you! The Storefront Activation RFP will support small businesses and activate vacant spaces along commercial corridors.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “This Sunday, September 11th, please join us for a Patriot Day Prayer Service at King Lockhart Park (10609 S. Western Ave) at 11:00am.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Today and everyday we must continue to tackle the problem of gun violence. Weapons of war have no place on our streets, at our parks or in our schools.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The Cmte on Health and Human Relations will start soon. Today, we hear our Bodily Autonomy Ordinance which will protect rights to abortion and other reproductive health care as well as gender affirming care. Proud to be a lead co-sponsor on this.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday announced the creation of a Casino Community Advisory Council tasked with ensuring neighborhood residents can give input as casino operator Bally’s and the city move forward with bringing a casino to Chicago, according to a news release from Lightfoot’s office. The 19-member advisory council, which includes community members and subject-matter experts, is set to meet quarterly until the casino opens. The city’s Department of Planning and Development, Department of Transportation, the Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement and the Chief Financial Officer’s office will share oversight of the advisory council. Additional information can be found online. 

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) tweeted, “Leader McConchie and I had a fantastic senior fair today! Thanks to everyone who came out to learn about healthy living and resources for seniors!”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “In the wake of Labor Day, it is important to remember that the various rights laborers are granted, including minimum wage, overtime violations, workplace discrimination, and more, are owed to the hard work and dedication of those on the front lines of the Labor rights movement.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “Happy National Beer Lovers Day!   With six craft breweries in the 52nd district and so many wonderful Main Street restaurants and bars, why not stop in and enjoy a pint? Our area business owners would appreciate the support. Tell them Marty sent you!” 

Health News Illinois will host a panel discussion on the future of public health in Illinois with Illinois Department of Public Health Director Sameer Vohra on Oct. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at MATTER in Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, Cook County Department of Public Health Chief Operating Officer Lamar Hasbrouck, and University of Chicago Medicine infectious disease expert Dr. Emily Landon will also participate. Registration can be found online.

The Chicago Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday that crews on Sept. 12 are scheduled to begin resurfacing Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and Ohio Street. The resurfacing project is expected to be completed in November and will include work on ADA crosswalk ramps, bus pads and the road’s underlying infrastructure. Throughout the construction work, at least one direction of traffic will remain open. 

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Okayyyy…..@chicagosky Regroup….let’s win Game 5. Take no prisoners!! Connecticut is going down….”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) in a five-part tweet thread wrote “Let me be perfectly clear. My decision to retire is entirely my own. People in the press that want to put the onus on the Mayor for the retirements in City Council don't understand the dynamics of what it's like to be an elected official in this tumultuous environment of the Last few years .As for my relationship with the Mayor: I'm incredibly proud of the work that I've done with Mayor Lightfoot. Together, we changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of workers across the city--from the Fair Workweek ordinance to the Hotel Workers Right to Return...”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I love connecting with voters, surprising them being a mayoral candidate walking on their block asking them IN PERSON for their support!”  

Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22) tweeted “I was proud to be endorsed today by Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García a true legend to the progressive movement. Congratulations to Jeylu Gutierrez (14) and Ana Guajardo (10) for also earning Congressman Garcia’s support.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Today we will be receiving amother bus bringing to our city people who have bravely crossed jungles, rivers and desserts to get to safety. We are receiving pregnant people, little ones of all ages, people who didn’t have any other choice but to escape. They are our siblings and we will extend them the solidarity all humans deserve. @GovAbbott says he’s pro-life, but clearly for him there is only some life that is worth protecting. We will be sharing additional donation drop off locations around the city soon. Solidarity saves and community heals.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “At .@thisisUIC today see .@StarshipRobots deliver coffee and donuts to students. As the Chairman of Technology, these types of innovations are great for the city.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “If you call 9-1-1 for a mental health crisis, you deserve a response from a mental health professional. That is why I support #TreatmentNotTrauma. Let’s expand our mental health first responder program.” 

T/CCI Manufacturing will be the first company to receive the Reimagining Electric Vehicles (REV) in Illinois tax credit, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Monday. The Decatur facility manufactures compressors for combustion vehicles and the company is expected to add 50 jobs in the city as it expands its work to electric vehicles. T/CCI will received $2.2 million from the tax credit.   

The Illinois State Police will establish their Metro East headquarters in East St. Louis, State Police Director Brenden Kelly and Pritzker announced Monday. Funds from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan will build a new “state of the art” facility on a portion of land in the city the state purchased in 2008 for $1. The facility will house multiple units of the State Police’s working, including patrol, investigations, communications and SWAT resources.   

Good Government Illinois, Reform for Illinois and Our Revolution Illinois will host a virtual event at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday with state representative nominee Abdelnasser Rashid and Cook County Board of Review nominee Samantha Steele. Registration can be found online.   

WCIA-TV in Champaign hired Theodora Kolouvaris as the station’s new State Capitol reporter. Cole Henke will remain as the Nexstar capitol bureau chief for WCIA and Nexstar affiliates in Illinois, including WGN. 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “I voted against pork-filled budgets. We must demand a zero-based budgeting process where every state department starts at zero & makes a case for every penny spent to provide accountability & tax relief. We must also end the process of passing bills legislators don’t read. #twill"  

Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I will be hosting Yoga in the Park with State Representatives Kelly Burke and Fran Hurley on Wednesdays throughout the month of September. Join us from 5-6 p.m. at the Lake Katherine Nature Center. See you there!”  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Law enforcement officers, detectives and support staff employed through the @ILStatePolice work with integrity to protect families and improve public safety in the greater Metro East region”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “41-year-old Gerardo Marciales was supposed to marry his fiancé Jaime this past weekend. His tragic death at Balbo & DSLD was avoidable. We have to make our streets safe for everyone. I’ve written a letter to IDOT to make sure we prioritize safety and coordination w/ CDOT.” 

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Couple important notifications in today's eblast: an update on the City's COVID-19 booster roll-out, energy bill assistance programs, and an invitation to a very special ribbon cutting for the new gym at Phillips High School! https://conta.cc/3BgpqlY”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “I will always ensure constituents have access to safe and legal reproductive healthcare.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “So glad I was able to be a part of this conversation and talk about what it was like growing up in the city as a person of color.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “So, it’s being reported that 27% of Chicago City Council is hanging it up. Let’s discuss that with the incumbent Northside aldermen…”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “It was invigorating to see so much support at our re-election kickoff two weeks ago. Now it’s time to turn that support into action! Join us for our petition kickoff this Saturday, September 10th at 10AM. We can’t do it without you."  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Updated vaccines are now available! Please take advantage and get your booster to help prevent the expected spread of new covid variants this fall. Find out where to get vaccines and more info here: http://Chicago.gov/COVIDvax” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) will host a 35th Ward Progress Report Townhall event at 6 p.m. Thursday at Avondale Elementary School, 3212 W. George Street.

Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero) tweeted, “I'm proud to represent the Welcoming State of Illinois and will continue working with my colleagues in strengthening our commitment to supporting immigrants”  

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It’s an honor to have the support of another member of the profession & a trailblazer in Real Estate. Thank you & Congrats to Past President Frank J. Williams, F.J. Williams Realty, who received the 2022, Association of Illinois Real Estate Educators (AIREE) Educator of the Year!”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) tweeted, “The new 2-yr audit shows 26 findings of non-compliance, including failure to prepare monthly reconciliations and weaknesses in security of confidential information. Massive disorganization continues to prevent auditors from determining the amount of fraud within the PUA program.” 

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted, “Last night our Youth Advisory Council met to discuss state legislation, current events, and how students and youth across Illinois can get involved in their Democracy.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “While Gov @GregAbbott_TX is trafficking migrants for his own political goals, Chicago will always be a welcoming city. These families will get the food, shelter, and care they need here. We believe in our shared humanity.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Devin McGregor, the 5 year old shot in Rogers Park has made his transition. We have to be do better. This can’t be the status quo that we succumb to. We can’t live in a place where when we ask a kid what they want to be when they grow up the boldest answer is: “alive.””  

Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) tweeted, “About 2/3 of our property taxes pay for local schools. Roughly 80% of school budgets pay for employee salaries/benefits. On top of that, the IL legislature keeps adding mandates on local governments. Who ultimately pays? You do, of course.” 

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce announced Friday that Executive Director of the Healthcare Council Lori Benso was leaving the chamber. The Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Clark Kaericher will lead the healthcare council in addition to his current role as senior vice president. Manager of Legislative Relations Andrew Cunningham will also become executive director of the Infrastructure Council.  

Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit Thursday against Bridgeview-based Drive Construction Inc. “for a years-long conspiracy to pay millions of dollars of wages in cash, and skirt laws intended to protect Illinois workers and ensure fair wages,” according to Raoul’s office. The lawsuit alleges the company misclassified employees to avoid paying them “fair rates” and to avoid paying unemployment insurance contributions to the state. Between 2015 and 2020, the company received $40 million worth of public works construction projects, according to the lawsuit.   

Department of Public Health Director Sameer Vohra is urging all eligible residents to receive a COVID-19 booster shot with the newly approved formula to combat new and common strains of COVID-19. “These new bivalent vaccines are designed to offer extra protection against the omicron variants which are now the dominant strain of the virus. Getting up to date now is especially important for those who are at risk of serious outcomes as the updated vaccines offer protection from hospitalization and even death,” Vohra said in a news release. The state expects to receive 580,000 doses this week of the new vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Truly saddened that my colleague and friend Ald @SSadlowskiGarza will be retiring from City Council. It’s fitting that a passionate fighter for labor and workers rights resigned on Labor Day. She will be missed. Wish her the best in her next chapter!!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “For twelve years I was a regular, working-class airline guy. Now as alderman, I am always honored & humbled to stand with other working class people every day, not just Labor Day. My proven commitment to workers will continue as Chicago’s next Mayor!”  

Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Happy Labor Day! Let’s celebrate the working class wins of our society and the men and women who sacrificed so much to get us where we are at. I especially recognize organized labor unions. We thank you for generations of organizing and fighting for workers.”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “This Labor Day, make a plan to vote this November 8th and vote YES on the Workers Rights Amendment @ILWorkersRights to enshrine the right to collectively bargain for all Illinois workers into the constitution. Hasta la victoria siempre!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Happy Labor Day to all who work so hard to keep this country moving forward. I will always protect your right to organize.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Happy Labor Day! Congratulations to the WOOGMS Labor Day parade for another successful year and thank you to all the hardworking people and unions that keep this city running”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Happy Labor Day! Today is a day to remember the sacrifices and struggle of the Labor movement. Worker rights and protections are not given - they must be fought for 💪🏽 Thank you to all those who made the protections and rest we have today possible.” 

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Department of Business will host a webinar on city inspections at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Discussion topics are set to include preparing for inspections, sign requirements, building permits, food inspections and zoning reviews. Those interested can register online. 

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “I had a great time this morning at the Fox Valley Chapter of Credit Unions (Illinois Credit Union League) Legislator Appreciation Breakfast alongside a number of my colleagues. Thank you for having us!”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “It was an honor to partner with NAIMA this past weekend to present Mexico En El Corazon in Millenium Park where I had a chance to emphasize that Illinois and Chicago will always welcome immigrants.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “Aug. 31 was International Overdose Awareness Day, and I learned a lot at Nirco Northern IL Rco's event to highlight the prevalence in Lake County, reduce the stigma, and remember those lost.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “On Wednesday night, a group of immigrants from Venezuela arrived in Chicago after they were “shipped out” on buses by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. I am proud that my state and my city continue to be the most welcoming places in the nation to our immigrant siblings.”  

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted, “I join my colleagues in rejecting Governor Abbott’s abhorrent rhetoric demonizing immigrants. They risked a lot to find safety and opportunity in our country, and I am proud to call them my neighbors. I will always stand with the immigrant community”  

Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) tweeted, “Republican Texas Governor Abbott is risking the lives moms, dads and children fleeing violence and poverty in a disgusting political stunt. And this is the so-called "pro-life" party. Proud of our state for showing compassion and humanity in welcoming refugees.”  

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Yesterday I was appointed to the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist in the creation of a statewide plan for high-speed rail and feeder networks across Illinois.” 

The Department of Transportation is seeking applications for “snowbirds” to help the department clear state roads and highways of snow and ice during the winter. The seasonal position will be filled by qualified snowplow drivers who are able to respond at any time or day to help the department clear Illinois roads. Applications can be found online until Sept. 12.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “I am thrilled to have worked with the City and our community partners to allocate $100,000 to priorities that you most frequently share with our office: violence prevention & public safety, affordable housing support services, and environmental policy.”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “10th Ward Residents, From 2015 to the present, we have improved our infrastructure, revitalized our commercial districts, invested in our schools, secured significant employers, and increased educational and community based programming quality and availability.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Imagine being this miserable. @GovAbbott 

we are committed to being a sanctuary for immigrants and for all people in need of refuge. We are working to meet the needs of all the people you sent our way because unlike you we actually believe human life is sacred.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Chicago is a welcoming city. While Governor Abbott treats immigrants like props for his political stunts, we are greeting our new immigrant neighbors with the dignity, compassion, and respect all of us deserve.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “I learned to ride a bike for the first time last years at age 42 thanks to the @ChicagoDOT Bike Ambassador Adult learners program. A year later, I’m riding with the Consulate General of The Netherlands to discuss our bike infrastructure and find ways to improve it. What a ride!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “chicago department of the environment”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a video and tweeted “Update on the migrants from Texas. The city coordinated with community partners to receive everyone and make them feel welcome medical care was also available for those who needed it.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health on Thursday reported this year’s first case of West Nile virus in a Chicago resident. The Chicago man in his mid-60s lives on the city’s Northwest Side and has been hospitalized, according to a news release from the department. Chicago’s public health department saw 13 reported human cases of West Nile virus but no deaths. West Nile virus cannot be spread from person to person and symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches lasting from a few days to a few weeks, according to the news release. Chicagoans can prevent mosquito bites by using “insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus,” eliminating standing water, keeping grass trimmed and wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing when outdoors, according to the news release.