Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted “Getting tested for COVID-19 before getting together with family during the holidays is a good idea, but be aware that some at-home rapid tests might not detect the Omicron variant that’s on the rise now.” 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted “Yesterday I joined @NilesVfw for their weekly meeting to discuss state programs for our veterans and legislative updates from Springfield. Thank you for hosting me, and have a happy and healthy holiday season!” 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted “COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots. Side effects include LIFE.” 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted “Our community had an attitude of gratitude! This was the largest donation for Share the Warmth to date. Thank you to everyone who took the time out to donate to the 8th annual Share The Warmth.” 

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will join the University of Illinois Extension to host Certified Livestock Manager Training and Testing Workshops, according to a Wednesday announcement. Both online and in-person options will be offered to “provide Illinois livestock producers the manure management training they need to meet the requirements of the state's Livestock Management Facilities Act,” state officials said. Ten total workshops will be offered in January and February. Online registration is required. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The 1st Ward Office Policy website is a great resource for office policy reports and policy summaries. Due to the popularity among 1st Ward residents, there is a specific section about the public bathrooms pilot proposal & updated sponsors list!” 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Beautiful remembrance at the Stockyard Memorial for those CFD heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty more than a century ago. These heroes and all others that have sacrificed so much deserve our utmost respect and admiration.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We could have a society based on support and care.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Today I joined our CFD Firefighters,Paramedics, and Firefighters Union - Local 2 leadership at the Union Stockyards to honor the lives lost in the line of duty on December 22nd 1910. That tragedy claimed the lives of 21 Chicago firefighters. RIP FF Plummer.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Mask up. Vax up. Boost Up. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Dear Neighbors, Please get vaccinated! Starting January 3rd, the City of Chicago will require patrons of certain indoor spaces to be vaccinated against COVID-19.”

The Chicago Department of Public Health, City Colleges of Chicago  and Partners in Health are “launching an enhanced vaccine ambassadors module around pediatric vaccine safety and efficacy to help people have conversations about COVID-19 vaccination with their families and friends during the holidays,” according to a Wednesday announcement. The vaccine ambassador course is offered through Malcolm X College, and graduates are provided ongoing support by Partners In Health’s learning community. More information about the program is listed on the City Colleges website. 

Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) sent a news release saying that he is “encouraging residents to hear directly from area youth at ‘Come Listen to Black Youth,’ a conversation about community needs and opportunity scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. in the Thompson Center’s auditorium.” 

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) posted on Facebook, “Congratulations to Peter Provenzano on yesterday's launch of a campaign to restore the historic Times Theater, built in 1938 and shuttered for 20 years. I'm supporting a $3 million Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets state grant application as part of the project's $14 million funding package.” 

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I love receiving my "High Paw" from the [Humane Society Legislative Fund] each year for my commitment to protecting animals here in Illinois #pawtytime”  

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last week a letter was sent to the Honorable Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot @chicagosmayor. I have not received a response. Like many residents in my district, colleagues and community stakeholders, my questions & concerns are no different, WHAT IS THE PLAN TO MAKE SAFETY A #1 PRIORITY?”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) shared a news release from Illinois Senate Democrats that quoted him as saying, “As Chicago prepares to transition from a school system controlled by political insiders to one elected by the people, it is paramount that we ensure that CPS enters a new era of accountability and transparency.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health released a list of more than 75 state-run vaccination clinics that will be offering COVID-19 immunizations across the state between Wednesday and Jan. 2. The full list of locations can be found here.  

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced on Tuesday that the Delhi Bypass in Jersey County will open to all four lanes of traffic several months ahead of schedule, weather permitting, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22. The $18.6 million project, a cornerstone of Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program in the Metro East, built a new road by expanding U.S. 67 from two to four lanes, beginning in Godfrey and progressing north 2.4 miles around Delhi. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Congratulations Ambassador @RahmEmanuel” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “It makes me so sad and angry that instead of spending time and resources on evidence based approaches to reduce violence, all we hear is PR talking points that reinforce the right wing misinformation campaign to cage everyone. The Kerner Commission report keeps collecting dust.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “103 days ago, I led members of the Chicago City Council's Health and Human Relations Committee in calling on @ChiPublicHealth to institute proof of vaccination for indoor activities. Now, in the midst of a Christmas COVID surge, it's believed the city will adopt this policy.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “This is no time for complacency. Covid is surging, both Delta and Omicron, and we've got to do our parts to manage it. Mask up, get vaccinated, get boosted, and stay away from others is you feel sick. Get tested if you're traveling or visiting friends and family.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health added Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi, Texas and Puerto Rico to the city’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory, bringing the list of states to 47 states and two territories. Because those states have recorded average daily new caseloads of at least 15 per 100,000 residents, unvaccinated travelers are asked to get tested or quarantine upon arrival in Chicago. The addition means only Guam, Louisiana, South Carolina, and the Virgin Islands remain off the list. 

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted “1/5 of eligible Illinoisans fully boosted. Keep. It. Up.” 

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted “Our next generation is our future, and they must understand how important it is to vote and get involved in the electoral process. I was proud to have a good discussion on voting rights with 20 young people who visited my District office, from the Jack and Jill Chicago Chapter.” 

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted a photo of himself getting ready to ring bells with the Salvation Army in Marion. 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted “The minimum wage in Illinois is set to increase another dollar on Saturday, January 1, 2022. The new wage will be $12 an hour. Employees with problems regarding the minimum wage can file a complaint with IDOL at the following link... or call 312-793-2800.” 

Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) tweeted “This holiday season, I'm hoping you'll consider giving the most important gift: The gift of life. I'm hosting a blood drive next Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the West Park Fieldhouse in Des Plaines.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced a series of appointments to various board and commissions on Monday, including the appointment of Jameson Ramirez to serve on the State Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees. The governor appointed Kellye Keyes to serve as Chair of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, John Hanlon and Phillip Kinsey to the Illinois Forensic Science Commission, Payton Ade to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and Gisela Attlan to the Illinois State Board of Investment. Finally, Pritzker announced the appointment of seven new officials to serve as public administrators or public guardians of various counties across the state. The full list of appointments is online. 

The Illinois EPA is making $1 million available for grants through the Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program, which will assist small and disadvantaged communities in developing a project plan that identifies a solution to wastewater collection and treatment needs, the agency announced on Monday. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Illinois EPA website. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The 1st Ward office ran out of Covid-19 rapid tests this morning. If you were unable to get one, please stay tuned for updates in our newsletter or email [email protected] to let us know that you would like to be updated if we're able to get more rapid tests.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I’m on the Public Safety Committee & wasn’t invited to @chicagosmayor’s public safety publicity stunt. Not really surprised since her crime-fighting strategy never included communities that look like mine. Why start now?” 

Ald. Derrick Curtis (21) tweeted “This is the real Alderman Derrick Curtis. My Instagram, Twitter, and FB has been hacked, if I asked you for anything other than prayer, BLOW THE WHISTLE!!!!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Due to one of our staff testing positive for COVID-19, our office will be closed today. The safety of our residents and team is our priority. We are following the CDC guidelines and monitoring the situation closely. We can be reached via email at [email protected]” 

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “This holiday season, protect your family and your community. Get vaccinated, get boosted, and stay home if you are sick!” 

The Chicago Department of Housing is seeking public comment on its Draft Affordable Requirements Ordinance Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing and Tenant Screening Plan. The new screening process is looking to prioritize applicants with disabilities and will not disqualify tenants based on their credit scores, according to department Comm. Marisa Novara. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health and Discovery Partners Institute announced on Monday that they will leverage $2.14 million in federal funding to renew by another two years “the citywide system to monitor the virus that causes COVID-19 and its variants in wastewater.” The monitoring system launched in October and is used “to inform the City’s COVID-19 response, for example, by providing early warnings of a potential outbreak, or helping the City prioritize communities for enhanced COVID-19 testing or vaccination services,” officials said.

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) posted on Facebook, “Thank you so much to Alive Aurora for co-hosting a Politics & Pastries event with me and giving me the opportunity to help empower teen girls. I was able to share my story and help students learn more about politics, all while baking fun treats! 

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted, “This @ILStatePolice Trooper was hit last night by an intoxicated driver. Fortunately, the officer is okay, but it could have been much more tragic. Our law enforcement are on the front line for us every…single…day. Let’s keep them in our prayers & keep standing up for them!”  

Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottowa) posted on Facebook, “Yesterday I was able to be in attendance as Enbridge made a $5,000 donation to the IVCC Welding Scholarship. Every year up to five $1,000 awards are given to students considering work in the oil and gasoline pipeline industry. Welding is one of the top programs at IVCC and these scholarship opportunities for students only make it stronger.  

Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted, “In what legislative universe are or offs more passable than BBB? The whole point of the reconciliation strategy was to unite the spectrum of the party.”  

Rep. Stefanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted of a recently signed law regulating flags flown at half staff, “Honored to have been a Chief CoSponsor on this bill with [Rep. Daniel Didech] that is now law.” 

The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking for feedback on the state's transportation system and travel habits through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey. The survey is available online until Jan. 7 by clicking here or visiting idot.illinois.gov. 

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced on Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended an additional three months – from Jan. 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses learner’s permits. White noted this “will be the final extension.” 

The group Illinois Families for Public Schools will host a virtual panel event at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 titled “Confronting the Rise of School Board Disruptions.” Discussion will center on: “Who’s behind the disinformation campaign around masks/vaccines mandates, an erosion of LGTBQ+ rights and the way race is being taught in our schools? How can we band together to support our school boards and staff who are being threatened and to protect public education?” Online registration is required. 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted, “Omicron is here in Midwest, lower % than other regions but spreading like wildfire. Will be dominant within days. Wherever you are, your relative risk of infection (or reinfection) in any given social situation has never been higher than it is today. Wear N95, avoid indoor crowds”  

Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) tweeted, “We all have a moment in this movement .. will your moment be about talking or doing ? Stop telling about democracy when you stand by doing nothing .. I’m clear about my moment are you ??” 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter that she “partnered up with the Chicago Police Department to help the homeless stay warm and safe this winter at Midway Airport. The Salvation Army and Trilogy Healthcare were also there to offer services and resources to help those in need.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) wrote in his latest newsletter that “As a matter of caution, and keeping in mind the rising cases of the COVID Omicron variant, we will be transitioning to virtual office for the first two weeks in January, so that we can see the case count trends after all of the holiday traveling and gatherings across the country.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Within the next 15 years, a significant portion of new passenger vehicles will be powered by electric batteries rather than by internal combustion engines. And because many Chicago residents do not have access to a dedicated residential parking space at which to charge their vehicle, it's incumbent upon the City to help ensure that residents will be able to charge their electric vehicles quickly and comfortably in the coming years.” 

The Chicago Public Library system launched Sunday hours for 24 of its locations, opening Sunday access for at least one city library in every neighborhood, according to a Friday announcement. Full information about library hours is available online.

Sen. John Connor (D-Lockport) released a statement on the bill (SB280) he sponsored that was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday to establish the Regional Water Commissions Act, saying it “will address a looming water crisis in the Joliet region and ensure a clean and reliable water source for years to come.” 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “It’s not about a vaccine, it’s about freedom. The mandate candidate, @JBPritzker is acting like a tyrant & overstepping his power. These decisions should be between you & your doctor, and the government is not your doctor. Keep standing for freedom. 

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “We're hiring! Interested in starting a career supporting Democrats in the General Assembly? We're looking for communications specialists, legislative coordinators, attorneys, receptionists, and many other positions. Learn more and apply today: https://ilhousedems.com/employment/” 

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We will miss you, @SenatorBush. We represent different districts with different interests. But I genuinely enjoy her. She helped us pass the landmark lead removal legislation to save people's lives. Thank you and best wishes in your upcoming retirement.” 

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted, “For decades, IL midwives have been fighting to have their profession receive the official recognition that it deserves. This new certification process will ensure that they can safely continue their work for mothers who wish to deliver out of a hospital.” 

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that the state’s unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percentage points to 5.7 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by 19,500 in November, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The preliminary report for October monthly payrolls was revised upward from 40,900 to 42,000 added jobs. The October unemployment rate was unchanged from the preliminary report, remaining at 6.0 percent.   

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Thursday that a “route guidance app” for truck drivers. The app “features audible turn-by-turn technology,” which will allow drivers to “hear directions while keeping their attention on the road,” according to the announcement. Instructions on how to download the app can be found online. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted a copy of an ordinance he introduced on Wednesday calling for a public bathrooms pilot program and wrote, “I am pleased to clarify and update the list of endorsements for a public bathrooms pilot program.” 

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “NOTICE: Colfax Avenue, from 94th to 95th Street, will be partially closed for construction, from December 20th to January 7th.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “What a pleasant surprise to receive this ornament from my friend @SenAlexPadilla. Looking forward to working with him on the Build Back Better and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts in the near future.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “I find myself wishing people Restful Holidays more often than Happy Holidays - I see tons of people that deserve that and so much more.” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Great news today: Chicago Plan Commission approved two 100% affordable housing developments in Uptown (a total of 101 units) and I hear the new ortho unit at @weisshospital will be opening soon!” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Yesterday I spoke on the unanimously approved #AnjanetteYoung verdict for settlement. Ms. Young’s case further exposes the need to fix the system and fix policies so we don’t keep making the same mistakes.”

Cook County Health will hold a one-day mass COVID-19 vaccination event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at three suburban locations with no appointment necessary. Vaccinations will be available at 3250 N. Arlington Heights Road Suite 300 in Arlington Heights, 1800 S. Harlem Ave. Suite A in North Riverside and 12757 S. Western Ave. In Blue Island.