Gov. JB Pritzker announced the appointment of Michael Clark, an executive with the Travelers Insurance Company, as a member of the Illinois State Police Merit Board. He will also appoint Boone County Health Department Supervisor Michelle Gibson to serve on the Illinois Pollution Control Board and Blue Cross Blue Shield executive Damon Arnold to serve on the State Board of Health. All appointments must be confirmed by the Senate.  

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will run a holiday special on the Mega Pass and Jumbo Pass for entrance to the Illinois State Fair, at $60 and $70 respectively. The passes will be available throughout the month of December. More information is available online. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted photos from a senior fair his office hosted at Haas Park.  

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “With Thanksgiving & Black Friday later this week, please shop local whenever you can and support our local businesses!!” Dowell included a link to her latest newsletter. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted: 

“Peoples Map filed without any aldermanic sponsors.  

Black Caucus map filed without any ward boundaries. 

Coalition Map creates 50 distinct wards with ethnic parity 

7 days, 14 hours to the deadline 

Lori being Lori!” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) shared a Block Club story about the investigation into a sex abuse scandal at a Logan Square school and tweeted “This is terrifying. We send our babies to school every day with trust in our public institutions, which is destroyed when we see this kind of harm. This crisis of leadership and culture of abuse & no accountability needs to make end. Schools need to be places of care & healing.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “I stand with workers at the Art Institute of Chicago & SAIC forming their union #AICWU. Management must stop interfering with their right to organize. I endorse these principles for a free, fair election, & call on @artinstitutechi @saic_news to do so now” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted in a thread “I am pleased to share that the Kathy Osterman Awards honoring city employees with exceptional service will return this year... My family and I thank Mayor Lightfoot for reinstating the Kathy Osterman awards and join Mayor Lightfoot in recognizing Chicago’s outstanding public servants, especially in light of the dedication and service city employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health added Connecticut and Maryland to its COVID-19 Travel Advisory, bringing the list to 40 states and one territory. Unvaccinated travelers from states on the advisory list are asked to quarantine for 10 days or to get a negative test. California, Guam and North Carolina are set to come off the list next week if their average new caseloads stay below 15 per 100,000 residents.  

Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations announced on Tuesday that city officials are conducting a “comprehensive investigation” into allegations that workers at Parlor Pizza Bar restaurants “were not paid for overtime work, that employees were sexually harassed and that customers were discriminated against based on their race and/or age.” City officials in a news release urged former and current employees of Parlor Pizza location to “step forward and work with us as we investigate these allegations and work to compensate any workers harmed by unjust business practices.” City officials also encouraged Parlor Pizza customers who “believe they were discriminated against based on a protected class which includes race, national origin, age and/or were denied an accommodation related to a disability” to contact the human rights commission at [email protected] or by calling 312-744-4474. Former employees can reach out to the city’s Office of Labor Standards at [email protected] or by calling 312-744-2211. 

Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich), Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) and Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) issued a joint statement calling on Gov. JB Pritzker to “rescind” his “incendiary remarks on the Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty verdict, saying, “The right of self-defense is a basic right of all Americans regardless of age, race, creed, or gender. To suggest that these rights should be stripped from an individual simply on the basis of perceived political differences is wrong and goes against the values we as Americans hold dear.” 

Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Chicago) tweeted, “.@GovPritzker got HB3136 today. Illinois collegiate sports betting is a pen stroke away.” 

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Do not forget to vote for @Ward33Chicago participatory budget. There are a lot of great projects to choose from.” 

Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) tweeted, “Tune in to my latest episode on the @ILSenDems Sound of the State podcast to hear my discussion with Hugh Brady of @namiillinois on mental health and where the state is headed next with the subject. Listen on all major platforms, including on Spreaker at http://ilsendems.co/3kRtm43” 

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “It was a pleasure to join [Mid-America Regional Council of Carpenters] on Friday to break ground on its Pekin Apprenticeship & Training Center. The council represents 50,000+ laborers across IL, MO, KS & IA, & I'm pleased that they have chosen to mold the next generation of carpenters here in our community. 

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced on Monday that unemployment insurance benefit payments will no longer be made by debit card starting Dec, 27. “Claimants who defaulted to a debit card option as their preferred method of payment will begin receiving paper checks instead of the benefits being placed on a debit card,” according to the announcement. “The Department will continue to make benefit payments as normal to those claimants who chose to receive them via direct deposit.” The change comes after the Department’s vendor, KeyBank, made the decision to stop providing debit cards for unemployment insurance benefit purposes. 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) in his latest newsletter shared a photo of himself walking in the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We remember you Tamir. Love and solidarity to his family.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “If I were the mayor's spokesperson I would simply advise her against spewing petty vitriol.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “This year, a majority of neighbors who filled out our budget survey reported increased mental health challenges due to the pandemic. In December, join us for a town hall to discuss the pandemic's impact on mental health and what policymakers can do” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The 49th Ward office is looking for volunteers with their own shovels to help lend a hand to our elderly and disabled neighbors by shoveling the sidewalks in front of their building.” 

The Chicago Department of Housing on Monday announced it will open the next round of its Emergency Rental Assistance Program on Dec. 6, with applications due by Dec. 18. The $102 million round of funding — the program’s largest yet — will be furnished by the American Rescue Plan Act and will offer up to 18 months of rental assistance and utility payment assistance for income-qualifying Chicago residents who can show that the COVID-19 pandemic took a hit on their income. 

The Urban Land Institute will host a virtual community meeting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 to present its recommendations on how to “update The Magnificent Mile’s distinct identity and enhance its draw as a premier retail, entertainment, and tourism destination,” according to an announcement. The institute joined the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and The Magnificent Mile Association to convene a “multi-disciplinary panel of real estate development experts” to help develop the recommendations.” Online registration is required. 

Sen. Don DeWitte (St. Charles) wrote in his latest newsletter, “I want to thank everyone who came out to Elgin Community College this week for my listening tour town hall meeting. I was joined at this regional event by my colleagues Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie and Deputy Leader Sue Rezin. Together, we held a panel discussion about important legislative issues that affect Illinoisans, and then we spent over an hour taking questions from a very engaged audience. 

Sen. Napoleon Harris (D-Flossmoor) wrote in his latest newsletter that he “will be hosting a meal pick-up for older adults in the 15th Senate District for Thanksgiving. Older adults will be able to pick up their meals on Tuesday, Nov. 23, from 12 – 3 p.m. at Beggars Pizza, located at 369 East 147th Street in Harvey.”  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) wrote in a statement that he “calls on Downers Grove District 99 to protect LGBTQ+ youth in their community from hate and censorship by immediately rejecting calls to censor a queer positive book, GENDER QUEER, in the high school library.”  

Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) wrote in his latest newsletter: “The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) issued its October revenue report and found continued revenue growth for the state, but warned about the effect that continued inflation will have. In October 2021, state revenue improved by more than $1 billion over October 2020. Almost half of that growth was in sales tax revenue, with increased corporate income tax revenue also a big part of the gain. Funds flowing in from the federal government increased substantially last month compared to a year ago. 

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) shared a news release that quotes her as saying, “While our state has made huge strides to cut the cost of insulin, it is clear we must do more to make health care more affordable for individuals with diabetes”

The Illinois Department of Public Health on Friday announced the launch of a new “holiday vaccine campaign” to encourage people to get vaccinated ahead of the holidays. “The campaign will reach Illinoisans statewide in both English and Spanish through a variety of traditional and online media channels, including cable, broadcast and connected TV; streaming audio and radio; billboards and bus shelters; digital display and video; print and social media. Like other coronavirus-related expenses, costs are reimbursable by the federal government,” according to to the announcement.

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted, “The bears worth 4B? give me a break” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “If your commentary about Kenosha isn’t as profound & robust as your commentary about Cook County, please keep your opinions to yourself.” 

Ald. Derrick Curtis (18) wrote in his latest newsletter that the STANTEC Engineering Firm “will be taking soil samples for 2-3 weeks” at the Southwest Pumping Station to “determine the consistency of the soil for future construction.” 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter, “The mayor's hope to keep the current leadership at COPA shows that she would rather protect anti-police bureaucrats than the legacy of fallen officers. We need accountability at COPA and I will be working to oppose confirmation and urging my colleagues to do the same.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted a video message for Transgender Day of Remembrance. 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that “the City Council approved an ordinance empowering the city's Police Board to hear appeals from individuals who believe they have been erroneously listed as gang members in the Police Department's new gang database. I voted against this item, as I believe we need additional information about when the new database will be operational and whether the various components of the database have been designed to address the shortcomings involving the old database that the city's Inspector General highlighted in reports from April 2019 and March 2021.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “Today, on #TransDayOfRemembrance and #TransDayofResilience, we honor trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people by remembering the contributions they've made in the advancement of civil and human rights for ALL people...” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health both announced that they support the Center for Disease Control’s decision to recommend COVID-19 booster shots for all adults 18 and older who were previously vaccinated. The city health department is “ordering more vaccine from the federal government in anticipation of increased demand and remind Chicagoans that they can get a dose at sites across the city — in hospitals, physicians’ offices, local pharmacies, pop-up clinics hosted by the City, and more,” according to a release sent Friday. A full list of city-backed vaccination sites is available online. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) posted on Facebook, “Yesterday was one of those days that changes your life. I had the transformative opportunity to meet and sit down with the first Black Speaker of the California General Assembly, the Honorable Willie Brown.”  

Rep. Stefanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) wrote a recap of the veto session in her latest newsletter, including that she was “particularly proud of HB 0359. I was the primary sponsor and It passed in both chambers. The bill requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to create a Veterans' Accountability Unit. This unit will be responsible to ensure the highest and best care is given to our Veterans in our Veteran's Homes and also being served by our state of Illinois Veteran Service Officers.” 

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) posted on Facebook, “Sparks fly at ASI! The Metro East is fortunate to have Alton Steel Inc working to retain employees, support labor jobs and supply steel products across the country. I appreciated the tour to see the robust operations firsthand, and I look forward to promoting economic development through local trades in our region.” 

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The five openly LGBTQ members of the Illinois General Assembly including myself call on Downers Grove District 99 to protect LGBTQ youth in their community from hate and censorship by immediately rejecting calls to censor a queer positive book in the high school library.” 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Today, the Illinois Supreme Court affirmed the Second District Illinois Appellate Court decision upholding @Deerfield_IL ordinance banning assault weapons. This is a great step toward protecting our children and community, and having sensible gun control measures. 

The Illinois unemployment rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 6 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by 40,900 in October, according to a report released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security on Thursday. The preliminary report for September monthly payrolls was revised from +9,200 to +11,000 jobs. The September unemployment rate was also revised from the preliminary report, decreasing from 6.8 percent to 6.2 percent, “as a result of a large downward revision” that the Bureau of Labor Statistics introduce to September numbers, according to the announcement. 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “The Department of Water Management has installed a new water main and will be resurfacing the street on the alley east of Drexel Blvd from 42nd Place to 43rd Street, and on Ellis Ave from 41st Place to 43rd Street. Contact our office if you have any questions.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “We demand that the City use funding from the American Rescue Act to address systemic inequities in Chicago’s water bills.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Our Chicago Coalition Map is the only map drafted by alderpersons that follows the U.S. Census data and has been publicly released to help spur a transparent and open conversation on Chicago's next ward map.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) shared a Crain’s article and tweeted “With compromise and real discussions about redistricting, we can pass a map that will reflect the diversity of this great city.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) in a thread tweeted “Today, with the help of @ChicagoDFSS, @AllChicago_MHH and neighbors with Rogers Park Solidarity Network we helped match 19 houseless neighbors with homes.”  

Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) tweeted “Today, my colleagues and I unanimously voted to pass Cook County Government's 2022 Budget. This is not just a budget for today or for next year, it is a budget that sets the stage for tangible change for years to come. I am proud to be an aye vote.” 

Cook County Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) tweeted “We just passed a balanced 2022 Cook County budget. We do not cut services or raise taxes or fees – and we make historic investments in mental health care, small businesses, and infrastructure.”

The Chicago Department of Transportation added new wayfinding signage to the underground Pedway system, officials announced Thursday. The “interim signage” is the “first step in a longer-term comprehensive wayfinding project to make it easier for people to navigate the Pedway,” according to a news release from the department.

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) will take over a DJ set for the “Spinning for a Cause” event at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Delilah’s bar in Lincoln Park to support the Wrightwood Neighbors Association, the they announced. 

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) shared photos of herself speaking at the new Cook County Health Center in Belmont Cragin and wrote, “This is a transformative project that will bring accessible health care to the Belmont-Cragin community and surrounding areas. @CookCtyHealth will serve any & all people who walk in the door, and provide one-stop health care services.” 

Rep. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted of a trail project at Sahara Woods State Recreation Area, “IDNR has assured me this project is still moving forward, and while there has been sort of a delay with funding sources, I look forward to seeing the construction move forward. Read my full update here: https://buff.ly/3oGPD5F”  

Rep. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As pandemic and economic woes continue, many Illinoisans live on the edge, choosing between necessities like food, rent or health care. This week is a time to examine the systems that allow too many to go without and focus on ending #HungerAndHomelessness” 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) shared Rep. Delia Ramirez’s (D-Chicago) profile in the Crain’s 40 under 40 and tweeted, “Can't think of a more deserving recipient (no offense to the other 39!). Proud to know @Delia4StateRep — she's taught me everything I know about housing, and has been a true progressive force for change in the House. #RootedAndReady”

Gov. JB Pritzker he will reappoint electrician Mark Chatham to continue to serve on the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board. And he will appoint Ryan Miller, who is Senior Vice President of PNC Bank in Peoria, and Paul Flynn, Business Manager and Financial Secretary for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union #34, to the Tri-County River Valley Development Authority.  

Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) tweeted “During November, we should all remember the great works and untimely death of our 1st Black Mayor, Harold Washington. This tie just jumped out at me this morning and I thought I would honor him and wear it at Council today.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Today I am introducing changes to the @ChicagoCOPA enabling ordinance requiring: 1) the dept to use @ILStatePolice investigatory standards; and 2) prevent the Chief Administrator from issuing decisions posthumously, as they did against Officer Ella French.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Delia Ramirez is a strong voice for our working families in Springfield. She's successfully fought to improve housing, healthcare, education. She's a proven progressive legislator, and I can't wait for her next move.” 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “It’s official: City Council just made dogs in taverns the law of the land.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The gang database has been so harmful and we need to see a clear and fair process laid out for the public before I vote to move this forward.”

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has opened a satellite office at St. Sabina Church in Auburn Gresham as part of her “Black Houses Matter” homeownership preservation campaign, her office announced Wednesday. Pappas’ “goal is to get properties off the Tax Sale list by helping homeowners search for $72 million in available property tax refunds going back 20 years and $43 million in missing exemptions going back four years,” according to the announcement. 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “I was honored to join Oxford Houses for a tour of their homes in Rockford. I am excited about their expanded efforts in growing supportive housing for those in recovery.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Pawnee) shared a tweet from U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) about meeting with leaders of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police and added, “Proud to have a member of Congress who supports and listens to law enforcement.”  

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Honored to have been included in tonight's #MpowerTheNight event and grateful for the support [Metropolitan Family Services] offered my family in its time of need, and for the great support it offers to families in need every day. Thank you for doing the work you do!  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) shared a clip of himself speaking at Gov. JB Pritzker’s bill signing on Tuesday and tweeted, “The Gov. signed the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in IL Act into law, sending a message that IL is ready to be the leader of EV manufacturing.” 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I am proud to support [Nabeela Syed] for IL-51. She is a skilled organizer and strategist who knows what it takes to win difficult elections. With her community roots and driven energy, Nabeela is exactly the candidate that Democrats need to win the 51st District.”