The Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership will host its Dawn Clark Netsch Policy Forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday to “learn how we can combat public health disparities in Illinois.” Panelists will include Kathy Chan of Cook County Health, Illinois Department of Public Health director Ngozi Ezike and Dr. Vidya Sundareshan of Southern Illinois University Medicine to “discuss COVID-19, maternal health, the opioid crisis, and beyond.” Online registration is required. 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Bingo and pumpkin pie with my seniors. They are awesome and I love spending time with them during the holidays. #dontforgetourseniors”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “In his CPD resignation form, Catanzara once again shows he's a far-right extremist man-child unfit for leadership or public service. Chicago needs leaders that bring all neighborhoods together to act on our city's shared progressive values.”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “These past two weekends, schools in our ward, LaSalle Language Academy, Lincoln Elementary and Francis Parker School, hosted vaccine clinics. We are proud to report around 1,400 kids received their first dose of the COVID vaccine. A big thanks to our provider Instavaxx!” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Having 7 siblings with very different religious and political beliefs helped me accept others who are different from me. Vive la difference!” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a story from Chicago Magazine and tweeted “This Thursday we will start the Accelerated Housing Event, or Rapid Rehousing; where those that apply should have permanent homes within two to four weeks thanks to funds from the federal CARES Act.

The Metropolitan Planning Council’s Board of Governors announced their selection of Darlene Hightower as the organization’s new president and CEO. Hightower is currently vice president of community health equity at Rush University Medical Center. She will take over in January following the retirement of previous CEO Mary Sue Barrett. 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday nominated Kenneth Meyer to serve as the next permanent commissioner of the city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Meyer has worked for the city for more than 25 years and began serving as the department’s interim commissioner since former Comm. Rosa Escareño retired in July. Prior to being named interim commissioner, Meyer served as first deputy commissioner of the department since 2016. Meyer also served as chief of staff for the city’s Department of Buildings. His nomination is subject to City Council approval. 

Separately on Tuesday, Lightfoot officially nominated Erin Harkey as the next commissioner of the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. If confirmed by City Council, Harkey would replace former Comm. Mark Kelly, who retired this fall. Prior to her nomination, Harkey has worked for the city for five years beginning as projects administrator, then deputy commissioner for programming and finally, Kelly has served as first deputy commissioner of the department since 2021. 

Finally on Tuesday, Lighfoot nominated Andrea Kersten to serve as the next Chief Administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). Kersten has served as COPA’s interim chief administrator since former Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts resigned in the spring. Kersten has also served as deputy chief and chief of Investigative Operations. Lightfoot’s nomination is proving controversial though, as 19 aldermen sent a letter to Lightfoot on Tuesday saying they are “dismayed, disheartened and outraged” over a report recently released by COPA recommending a three-day suspension for the late police officer Ella French who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year. The report was released under Kersten and aldermen wrote in the letter that they are “vehemently opposed” to her nomination as COPA chief administrator. 

Sen. Dale Fowler (R- Harrisburg) posted on Facebook: "Over the weekend I had the pleasure of helping to host several members of the Illinois Black Caucus on a tour of Cairo, Illinois. We had a full schedule and were able to discuss several topics that are important to revitalizing Cairo."

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, "Illinois will receive $17 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. With this critical funding paired with the work already done in the state legislature, Illinois remains a leader for the nation in a clean energy economy."

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, "Had the opportunity to represent [the National Conference of State Legislatures] at the White House for the official signing of the federal infrastructure bill. Our state is expected to get at least $17 billion for projects."

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, "Marijuana has been a huge revenue generator for Illinois, already surpassing liquor tax revenue this year. Proud to cut the ribbon at Sunnyside Dispensary in #Wrigleyville this morning which will be a huge tourism attraction just blocks from Wrigley Field. #cannabis"

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, "Forcing Illinoisans to choose between the vaccine or lose their job is a fundamental attack on our families and our liberties. If you agree Illinois should join other states and sue the Feds, sign our petition! #governmentoverreach"

Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) will host a virtual town hall event at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The event will "feature expert mental health advocates representing The Kennedy Forum, NAMI DuPage and NAMI Chicago, and serve as an opportunity for residents to become more understanding and knowledgeable on how to identify and care for those going through anxiety," according to an announcement. Online registration is required.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted, "Congratulations to John Catanzara on his retirement. I don’t know if you did the most to discredit and bring shame on your profession, but you certainly tried!"

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza shared a news release that noted her "praising the results of the Illinois Solar for All Program (ILSFA) that scored a proposed solar generation project in South Deering as the highest among all Low-Income Community Solar applicants for the 2021-22 program year."

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, "Chicago’s hearts and prayers should join all @cta employees after seeing the horrific stabbing attack unfold on video. We must make sure our public infrastructure is safe for users & employees."

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33)shared a Tribune article about Fraternal Order of Police president John Catanzara retiring and tweeted, "It’s amazing that this man gets to retire without any accountability for all the harm he has caused. It’s disgraceful."

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, "Congratulations to the first cohort of @BlackBenchChi Excited for your continued leadership!"

As of Tuesday, about 90.9 percent of city employees had reported their vaccination status, and 80.3 percent of those reported being fully vaccinated, the Chicago Department of Human Resources announced on Monday. The Chicago Police Department reported 81.6 percent compliance with the city's reporting requirements, and the Chicago Fire Department 94.9 percent, both representing steady upticks from recent weeks.

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) wrote in a press release that he is launching a new campaign called “#ChildrenCarryOn” that is “aimed at supporting parents and Chicago Public School children that will celebrate their resilience and provide resources to support the vaccination campaign in local schools.” 

Rep. Micheal Zalewski (D-Riverside) quoted an editorial saying “But if he’s re-elected, Pritzker will almost certainly ask legislators for a big increase, probably from 4.95 to roughly 7 percent” and then added, “Uh, why is this almost certain? It’s almost certain it won’t happen.”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) posted on Facebook, “We just wrapped up a very successful senior fair in Crystal Lake....The line for booster shots and flu shots was steady throughout the event. Thanks to Walgreens and IEMA for making these vaccinations available this morning.” 

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) posted on Facebook, “I had the opportunity to tour RJF Ceramics in Mounds Illinois. The company produces ceramic and resin lamps and lighting fixtures....Southern Illinois Made!!They are in great need of employees, anyone interested in their company can visit RJFCeramics.com for more information.”  

Sen. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) shared a Wall Street Journal article about President Joe Biden picking former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to oversee spending of federal infrastructure dollars and tweeted, “Stellar move by @POTUS. @MitchLandrieu knows about recovery & rebuilding. Great choice to help the country #BuildBackBetter”

Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) will join Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) and Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) for a town hall event at Elgin Community College at 6 p.m. on Wednesday to “provide a short summary on key issues, and then open up the event to questions from the audience.” 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter that “Including Officer French in the recently released report from COPA was unnecessary salt in the wounds felt by those who served with her. The message that COPA is sending to officers is that even in death your reputation is not safe. It’s outrageous and does not represent the values of Chicagoans. Anybody who has an excuse for an agency that recommends a three day suspension to an officer killed in the line of duty needs a reality check.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted, “Join me in making a contribution to re-elect a champion of the working class and a devoted servant to his constituents - Commissioner Brandon Johnson”  

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) wrote in his latest newsletter, “It is appropriate that the Board President, Avis LaVelle, resigned from the board, but we still need to work for justice for these young women -- victims of abuse and harassment that goes back decades. The Cook County States Att orne y must fully investigate and prosecute on behalf of the victims. We still need accountability throughout the Park District, new leadership, new supervisors, as well as real changes to policies and procedures that ensure the safety of all lifeguards, and all workers within the Park District system.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) shared a Tribune article on Fraternal Order of Police president John Catanzara facing a termination hearing and tweeted, “Chicago has been ready for this man to resign.” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted a statement about how to help “someone stuck in the cycle of chronic homelessness.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that he last week “held the first of several CPS mental health listening sessions with administrators and mental health professionals from our local CPS schools..In addition to continuing this conversation with local educators, I will be working with my aldermanic colleagues and CPS officials to identify and secure additional mental health resources.

The Chicago Department of Public Health released its “hyperlocal vaccine event calendar” for this week, including dozens of pop-up vaccination clinics at local health clinics and Chicago Public Schools around the city. The full list of sites is available online.

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) wrote in a news release that the soon-to-be-signed federal infrastructure package is set to deliver $17 billion in funding to Illinois. “"t is the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and will boost our economy by creating millions of jobs,” Welch wrote. “This bill is also a major step forward in the fight against climate change, and paired with the work already done in the state legislature, Illinois remains a leader for the nation in a clean energy economy." 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, Did you know that we have the @NVAMChicago in the 20th District??? In observance of #VeteransDay, I had the honor presenting a certificate of recognition from the Senate & taking in the artistic expressions of veterans processing their experiences & who served in combat. 

Sen. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted about a virtual job fair he will host next Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. 

Senate Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted, “For Veteran's Day - a pic of the Senate Republican Caucus veterans! From the left Sen. @jasonbarickman staffers Jon Wygant, Noah Finley, Gabby Garza, Sens. @JasonPlummerUSA, Craig Wilcox and then me down in front. Thank you for your service! 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Had a great meeting with the new pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Pastor Williams! I truly believe the great legacy of Pilgrim is in good hands! Looking forward to his installation service on December 12th.”

Health News Illinois will host an in-person panel event at 8:30 a.m. next Tuesday at MATTER in the Merchandise Mart to discuss “health care workforce challenges” and how the industry can address worker shortages. The panel will include Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview), Edward Hospital CEO Joe Dart, LeadingAge Illinois CEO Angela Schnepf and Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois CEO Marvin Lindsey. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted a WGN story about calls for the city to hire more Black police officers and added, “Yes please - but from Chicago neighborhoods!” 

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) tweeted, “It is appropriate that Ms. LaVelle resigned from the board but we still need to work for justice for these young women -- victims of assault, abuse and harassment that goes back decades. The States Atty must fully investigate and prosecute on behalf of the victims.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) posted on Facebook about a free vaccination clinic set to be hosted in Albany Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted a photo of himself with Ald. Walter Burnett (27) “after emerging from the Chicago Map Room. We are trying to ensure that there is fair representation from our respective communities. The camaraderie amongst colleagues is priceless. Photo credit to Homero Tristan.  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “In the #40thWard we take an undeveloped eyesore and make it an opportunity for are in the Lincoln Avenue North Arts District! Here’s more of the latest work! #LANA” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted, “The Urban Land Institute strongly backs the creation of ADUs. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to create more naturally occurring affordable housing, and it allows more multigenerational families to live in one building.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared an article she co-wrote about how “more Americans deserve some basic income, specifically our LGBTQ brothers & sisters–where 1 in 4 live in poverty.” 

Friends of the Parks and Preservation Chicago will host a virtual workshop at 12 p.m. Friday titled “Reimagining Our Relationship with the Lakefront: What’s it to You?” The event is described as an opportunity to “engage to think about whether and how the lakefront matters to us and what we should be prioritizing.” Online registration is required.

Sen. Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted “Where should Representative Ness grab coffee with constituents next? Vote for your favorite location at the link below! #CoffeeinYourCommunity Vote Here: https://forms.gle/LMJ1nEPUMx1wCJix8 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted a link to a news story about voters rejecting a casino in Richmond, saying, “This would have been the only Black-owned casino in the US, in the frmr capt'l of the Confederacy. Voters rejected the referendum, but wouldn't it be cool if as we consider a Chicago casino we had a group with minority and women representation at the helm?” 

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted “Free legal aid for IL Armed Forces https://ilaflan.org  

Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted “I will be hosting a Senior Health Fair along with Senator Don DeWitte and Senator Craig Wilcox at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake this Friday from 9:00AM-11:00AM. Join us to learn about alternative ways to lead a happier and healthier lifestyle.”  

Officials at the Illinois Department of Agriculture said Wednesday they plan to award $783,000 in specialty grants over a three-year period to expand the availability of fresh, locally grown produce, strengthen the competitiveness of Illinois’ specialty crop industry and support organizations who assist farmworkers and food businesses. The funding comes from the federal House Resolution 133. The agency will continue to accept applications for the specialty crop block grants through Nov. 29. To be eligible, all projects must begin in calendar year 2022.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Weapons of war do NOT  belong in civilian hands - especially children.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “This is unacceptable. Enough of these racist and dehumanizing practices in CPD. @chicagosmayor release the Anjanette Young IG report immediately and let’s pass legislation to end these racists practices. Stop this racist violence against Chicagoans.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Message testing is very good. More socialist, progressive, and leftist candidates should engage in message testing.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Today, I celebrate my 2nd birthday of the year, the USMC birthday. In 1988,I was an 18 year old young man that was about to take on the greatest challenge that I had ever faced at that time. I still have that same sense of pride and commitment that I am one of the few,the proud” 

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “Ms. LaVelle's resignation is a welcome step in this investigation. We will continue to work to ensure that each victim has a voice and that the new management will end this ongoing, unacceptable behavior and implement safeguards to ensure this decades-long culture changes.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Join the Park Advisory Council on Saturday, November 13, from 11:30 am to 2 pm for a groundbreaking of the nature play area at Leone Beach. The event will also include a nature play pop-up to give the community an introduction to the goals of the nature play.” 

The Board of Directors for the Pace suburban bus system on Wednesday voted to appoint Melinda Metzger as the system’s interim executive director following the retirement of agency head Rocky Donahue on Jan. 1. Metzger is currently the transit agency’s general manager and chief operating officer. The board also voted on Wednesday to approve Pace’s $458 million operating budget for 2022, as well as a $300 million five-year capital plan. 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted “Tonight I held my 2nd Youth People's Legislative Council at @uplift_high which provides curriculum focused on social justice. We talked about violence in Uptown, mental health access, & potential ways to create more affordable housing. These young people are my policy advisors!” 

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued a statement about the launch of a new app allowing students to apply for college. 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted “I am proud to have co-sponsored this important piece of legislation that just got signed which updates the decades old Health Care Right of Conscience Act. Thank you @GovPritzker “ 

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted her district office hours for the week.  

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted “Would you like to have 16th District news and events delivered to your inbox? Sign up to subscribe to our district newsletters! Email your request to [email protected] or click here to request your subscription through our website: https://repdenysewangstoneback.com/contact-us"