Chicago’s COVID-19 risk level remains high on the Centers for Disease Control’s risk level matrix, but daily new case rates are “beginning to gradually decrease,” and hospitalizations and deaths from the virus “remain low compared to other points in the pandemic,” according to an update from the Chicago Department of Public Health Tuesday. “The best news is that all of the variants we are detecting locally continue to be Omicron and thanks to vaccination, severe outcomes like hospitalizations and deaths remain low and our hospital system continues to have capacity,” health department Comm. Allison Arwady wrote in a statement. “This means we are unlikely to need to reinstate mask mandates in the near future.”

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “In 1944 allied forces stormed the beaches at Normandy, France, beginning the reclamation of Western Europe and eventually winning the war. Last year, with Leaders from other states, I had the opportunity to visit these beaches, including Utah Beach.”  

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted, “About one in seven people entering a hospital need blood. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. Healthy adults who are at least 17 years old, and at least 110 pounds may donate about a pint of blood - the most common form of donation - every 56 days, or every two months.”  

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Students played a large part in the designation of our state tree and flower over a century ago, and once again they will play a large part in our state’s history through their work in designating Dolostone as the state rock.”  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “Congratulations to Peoria native BG Daniel McDonough who has just been appointed by Gov. Pritzker as the head of IL Air National Guard. Congratulations as well to Col. Rusty Ballard, who replaced McDonough as command of the 182nd Airlift Wing of the IL Air National Guard.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “#DDay78 The tides of history were changed due to their heroism. God bless them all.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation (HB4261) Monday designating Dolostone as the official state rock. Dolostone is a type of limestone that forms most of Illinois’ bedrock. The bill was an initiative of students in Burr Ridge and Naperville.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The 1st Ward Office is hosting a Virtual First Look meeting for two proposals on Monday, June 13, 2022 (6pm). If you would like to attend, please RSVP at [email protected]. The proposals are for a redevelopment of 2008 - 2010 N Western, and a rehab of 1416 N Maplewood.”  

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Join me for my next Town Hall meeting this Friday (6/10) to learn about new housing and commercial developments in our neighborhood. Register using the link below...”  

Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) tweeted “Make sure you have RSVP for our virtual town hall THIS Saturday!”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Looking for a pathway to a career in the Trades? We Can Build It is connecting community residents to construction jobs in building the Obama Presidential Center.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “With @HBHWorkers this morning as they file for their union at @howardbrownhc. Workers' rights are LGBTQ rights are women's rights. The 400 workers at HBH should be able to join @INAaction union w/o union busting interference from management. Management should recognize the union.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Thanks to everyone who joined us yestrday for the opening of the 2022 Glenwood Market. Great work @RogersParkBA! The market is held on Sundays from 9am-2pm.” 

Metropolitan Planning Council will host a virtual event at 11 a.m. Thursday titled “Global Voices, Local Action: International Cities Connect on We Will Chicago Pillar Focus: Housing & Neighborhoods.” It is described as “the first in a seven-part series on We Will Chicago will feature a panel presentation of international and local city experts, along with an interactive participant workshop to provide feedback and input on the plan’s draft policies.” Panelists on Thursday will include Chicago Mayor’s Office deputy policy director Juan Sebastian Arias, Bulgarian city planner Desislava Ivanova, Chicago Department of Housing Comm. Marisa Novara and Albert Pick, Jr. Fund executive director Heather D. Parish. Online registration is required.  

The nonprofit Civic Lab will host a "Data for Social Change 201" virtual workshop at 10 a.m. June 18, when software engineer and neighborhood organizer Anthony Moser will discuss data analysis including how to “clean up messy data, how to group, filter, and sum, and where you can go from there.” Online registration is required.

Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) sent a news release touting a bill she sponsored (HB4408) signed into law last week that “prohibits insurers and Medicaid from charging a copay for naloxone – an opioid suppressant. Naloxone can be lifesaving for people overdosing on opioids, but can often be inaccessible with a cost of up to $140 for two doses. “It’s simple: naloxone saves lives,” Bush said. “The more accessible naloxone is, the better.”  

Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) sent a news release promoting the signing of HB4481, which expands the use of expressway cameras across the state. “Expressway cameras are helpful tools for investigations of crimes committed on the road,” Murphy said. “Investing in these cameras is a small step to assist law enforcement in reducing the rising rates of crime in Illinois and in making our communities are safe.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Lake Barrington) tweeted, “Lots of campaigning this weekend. Great organizations like MCGOP and DTRO really help us get the word out. -Protect Parental Rights -Make Crime Illegal Again -Lower Taxes Thank you to all who attended and to all of the wonderful volunteers!”  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted, “In 2021 alone, there were 56 homicides of transgender or gender-nonconforming people in the U.S. 79% of these were with a gun. Black trans women face the bulk of this violence.”  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Just gave the commencement address at Mather High School in our district, the most diverse high school in Chicago with over 140 nations represented and just 6 blocks from where I grew up! So proud of these graduates” 

The state has eliminated its backlog of sexual assault forensic kits that have been pending for more than 180 days, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday, down from a backlog of more than 1,815 pending kits in March 2019. “Illinois State Police utilized a variety of strategies to reduce turnaround time, including ramping up the use of forensic technologies and robotics, and hiring additional forensic scientists who work collaboratively instead of analyzing data independently,” according to the governor’s office. “The benefits of these initiatives, along with other improvements, are continuing to unfold.” 

Ald. Sophia King (4) wrote in her latest newsletter, “Alderman King joined City and Northwestern Medicine officials to announce the brand new Northwestern Medicine outpatient center that will be located at 48th and Cottage Grove. Our office held several community meetings with residents around this project to ensure their voice was heard in this process.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Where is the outrage from Englewood’s the other elected officials. When are the pastors going to line up and bless the police officers in front of their congregations? Why aren’t those getting “anti-violence” money stepping up? Who will be next to rise up and say enough?  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted, “Glad I was here with @JBPritzker, @ChuyForCongress , @AlmaEAnaya , @egonzalezjr96 to support @SenatorCelina for re-election!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “In Chicago, I've met day laborers who build luxury homes during the day that sleep under bridges at night.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Pristine LLC proposes to construct a new 3-story, 15,000 square foot addition to Millennium Park Plaza at the corner of N. Michigan Avenue and E. Randolph St where the former La Strada restaurant stood. As proposed, the new addition contains approximately 5,300 sf of retail tenant space at the ground floor.  The second and third levels allow for a restaurant or commercial tenant, with its main entrance on N. Beaubien Ct.  The existing two levels of basement parking below this addition will remain.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “next Wednesday June 8th my office is hosting a town hall to discuss summer engagement opportunities for youth across our Ward and City. Topics will include the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program and nonprofit youth development programs like Increase the Peace and After School Matters.”  

Cook County Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) tweeted, “So much love for the Pinta Family and all of the supporters of Buffalo Grove Pride. Couldn’t help but wonder how much events like this would have meant to me growing up in the Northwest suburbs. We’ve made so much progress and we must keep fighting to protect our rights!” 

The Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance and Housing Choice Partners will host a two-day “housing justice summit” all day June 22 and June 23 with virtual and in-person speaking sessions and networking opportunities. Online registration is required. 

Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Over 100 years ago the Black community in Tulsa became a victim of one of the worst massacres in the history of the United States. We will never forget the beauty that Greenwood once was or the massacre that decimated this community.”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Data was clear that despite years of increased funding for staffing, many of our long-term care facilities remained below clinical requirements. What was also clear was the voice of brave LTC residents and their families who came forward on the situation in their facilities.”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “Happy and excited to join my colleagues and friends in the Metro East to make it plain that Illinois stands firm in their respect and support of a woman’s right to her reproductive health choices!!!! #belikeillinois!!!”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today, HB 4165 became law! We have had too many tragic and, in many cases, preventable deaths on Lake Michigan. Simple rescue equipment like lifesavers are an effective way to help people get to safety.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “It shouldn't be controversial to say that Illinois families deserve to live in safety and prosperity. Public safety is a cornerstone of our campaign and Law Enforcement trusts us.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker signed four bills on Thursday to fight opioid addiction. This includes HB4556, which allows doctors and pharmacists to give out test strips that would detect fentanyl in drugs and SB2535, which requires opioid prescribers to inform patients that opioid drugs can be addictive.   

The Illinois Department of Public Health and Discovery Partners Institute received an additional $8.2 million of funding to continue testing waste water for COVID-19.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Two days, two different officers shot at in a city that allows lawlessness to reign supreme. These are the direct results of a permissive leadership that is enamored with criminality and always looking to enable bad behavior. From the top down, Chicago needs to clean house!”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “I join the @chicagotribune in endorsing @ToniPreckwinkle for re-election as Cook County Board President. The trib states that Toni Preckwinkle has a, ‘record of fiscal stability, reasoned reform and, not least, a reputation for ethical, competent management’.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his latest newsletter wrote “Today, we kicked off Pride with the official opening of AIDS Garden Chicago. I would like to thank all the volunteers and donors who helped make this amazing space a reality... In the face of the AIDS epidemic, countless people took action and worked to provide health care, housing, food or other services to meet basic needs of our friends and neighbors who became infected with HIV/AIDS. Many of these same people worked tirelessly to see this garden, the City’s first public park to memorialize the early days of Chicago’s HIV epidemic, come to fruition.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Should one be insulted if they're given a senior discount for coffee without asking for it? Asking for my twin brother.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Last night, a Chicago police officer was shot and injured during a traffic stop on the South Side. Please keep her and all of her colleagues in your thoughts as she recovers.” 

The Chicago and Illinois departments of public health announced the state’s first case of monkeypox. The case is a Chicago man who recently traveled to Europe. The health departments do not believe there is any wider spread of the virus in the city. “Monkeypox is a rare, but potentially serious viral illness, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family, and typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes, and progresses to a rash on the face and body,” health officials said. 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This Pride Month, I will be celebrating our diverse community and its rich LGBTQ+ history. As the first openly gay member of the Illinois Senate and the third openly gay, black state senator in the nation, I am a proud supporter of pride.”  

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I am pleased to announce that on May 27th, Governor JB Pritzker signed a Medicaid omnibus HB4343 that will allow low income immigrant seniors who are now 42 and older to enroll in medicaid-like healthcare coverage through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Police trying to focus blame on teachers, and politicians to focus blame on police, are both deflections from the core problem: assault weapons in our society.” 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Friends, early voting is happening across the state. Make sure you have a plan to vote and that your friends and family do too. Together we can win!”  

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Since 2019, the number of catalytic converter thefts has skyrocketed across the country, with Illinois being among the states with the highest robberies. That’s why I co-sponsored a new law that will regulate catalytic converter sales”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “June 1st marks the first day of Pride Month. All year long, the pride flag hangs in my office window - a reminder that recognizing LGBTQ+ rights happens not for a month, but every day. As your state rep, I remain committed to protecting equality. We say gay, and we won't go back.”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Today my law strengthening the Firearms Restraining Order Act laws takes effect. Strengthening red flag laws will keep families safe and give our partners in law enforcement the tools they need to intervene before a tragedy can occur.”  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Happy #pridemonth2022!! In Illinois we say gay. And we protect our freedoms, celebrate our diversity, and support all our LGBTQ+ youth and families...but be sure to vote every election or all this could slip away!” 

State lawmakers will meet for six days later this year for the fall session, according to a calendar posted by the Senate. Lawmakers will return to Springfield after Election Day between Nov. 15-17 before taking the week of Thanksgiving off. Then they will return for three more days between Nov. 29 and Dec. 1.   

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced five shuttered or soon to be closed coal plants will participate in the Coal-to-Solar Energy Storage Grant Program that was established by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The program gives incentives to companies to store energy at former coal plants. NRG facilities in Waukegan and Will County along with Vistra sites in Mason, Massac and Peoria counties receive grants between $40 million and $80 million.   

The Department of Agriculture awarded 48 new craft grow licenses Wednesday. Half of the new licenses are completely minority owned, but all the new licenses were given to social equity applicants.

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Happy #PrideMonth! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Thanks to generations of courageous revolutionaries and everyday people in the LGBTQ+ movement, so much progress has been made towards equity in our communities and our country.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) in a thread about mental health services offered by the city tweeted “A few things about this. The vast majority of services are being provided by non-profits. This means that many of the clinicians are not being paid even remotely what they should make. For comparison a clinician working for the city makes min. 76K a year Nonprofits can pay as little as 42K. Last budget we introduced a budget amendment calling for a $10M expansion of CDPH mental health centers that received the support of 26 of my colleagues. CDPH called on my colleagues to not support the amendment & offered us Instead to add 29 positions to the public mental health clinics. Only 10 of these ended up being clinician positions for the existing clinics that they promote in this video. Last time we talked with CDPH the positions had not yet been hired because they need to be reclassified”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Happy Pride Month!!!”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “The 3rd Annual Uptown Art Week starts today! From local businesses hosting exhibits to public art being painted live, take time this week to celebrate the talented artists of Uptown! Check out the page below for a calendar of events.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Mark your calendars! The first ever 49th Ward Juneteenth Block Party is happening on Saturday, June 11 from 2-5pm. Join your neighbors for a free event with food, music, art and games. We're celebrating Juneteenth by joyfully gathering with our community.” 

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection announced Wednesday it will host a free business education webinar series titled “Inside the Industry: Industry-Focused Growth and Innovation Strategies.” The monthly webinar will focus on manufacturing with an inaugural workshop at 9:30 a.m. Friday, followed by webinars on technology on July 8, restaurants on Aug. 12 and retail on Sept. 9.  

The Community Safety Coordination Center operating under Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office announced the launch Wednesday of an “awareness campaign to highlight the secondary effects of gun violence and show the ripple effect violence has in communities and across Chicago.” City leaders unveiled “walkway installations of 1.5 miles — the distance a bullet can travel—in three high-foot-traffic areas across the South, West, and North Sides of Chicago. The full stretch of each trail includes 747 sets of footprints representing the 747 individuals who took their last steps in 2021. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Announcing over $50 mil in new grants for critical infrastructure projects. We are addressing our aging infrastructure, creating jobs, helping in economic recovery & investing in communities that have suffered from systematic disinvestment.”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Today @GovPritzker signed our nursing home reform package into law, putting in place data-driven solutions to the staffing shortages and low quality of care we see in many long-term care facilities.”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) tweeted, “The sales tax gouging of Illinois taxpayers continues as gas prices continue to climb. Republican efforts ignored by JB and the Dems would be saving about 15 cents/gal, or $3 on a 20 gal purchase. Their plan only saves 40 cents, and hasn’t even started. They had a choice.”  

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) tweeted, “FFA chapters across Illinois will soon see more financial assistance from grants that would be paid out through the Future Farmers of America Fund created through my legislation.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Crazy thought but what if conservatives don’t really care about making Chicago safer but they’re just using it as a dog whistle and political talking point? Maybe we shouldn’t take their advice or buy into their premise. Just a thought.”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Early Voting for the Illinois 2022 Primary begins today across Chicago. You can cast your ballot at 191 N. Clark starting now until Election Day (June 28th). Weekdays: 9-6 Saturdays: 9-5 Sundays: 10-4" 

The State Board of Elections will make electronic ballots available to voters with print disabilities beginning with the June 28 primary. The voters will be able to mark their own ballot using their personal technology at home. Voters who wish to access the technology can contact their county clerk’s office.   

Gov. JB Pritzker announced the release of $50.7 million of funding for Rebuild Illinois projects in 34 communities. The projects include sewer and drainage work, bridge replacements, road construction and utility improvements.

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) in his latest newsletter wrote, “This Wednesday, June 1st, Special Olympics Chicago / Special Children's Charities will host a community send-off at 4:00pm at Mount Greenwood Park (3721 W. 111th Street) for local athletes who will be competing in the Special Olympics USA games. This event will honor Karen Mrotek, Matthew Buck, and coach Lisa Wisniewski from the Mount Greenwood Park Special Recreation Program who are all heading to Orlando, Florida for the event.”  

Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) tweeted “I first applied for an affordable housing voucher in 1993. I finally got a call back in 2004 to tell me my son who just graduated high school couldn’t be on my lease. Today in 2022 I finally got a letter telling me I made it to the top of the waiting list. I have no words.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “An amazing Pride Parade at @AGBellSchool 

today. It was great to see so many community members and parents line up in support🏳️‍⚧️ Thanks to @AGBellCounselor for organizing!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Clear standards for warrants will keep Chicago residents and CPD officers safe. City Council must pass the #AnjanetteYoungOrdinance. Spread the word to your alderperson by using the link http://bit.ly/endwrongraids.”