Stephanie Schmitz Bechteler, the Chicago Urban League’s executive director of research and policy, wrote Monday on LinkedIn she will be stepping down from her position to take a job as the director of special projects and program services with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. She will begin her new job Nov. 1.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Today I am please to join Ald. Burke & others in demanding a continuation of medical coverage for employee dependents during this vaccine mandate fiasco.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “MAGA hats on the first floor on City hall. Signs that read  23&Me and other gems. So disturbing.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “There's a QAnon rally happening right now at Chicago City Hall. People in fake military fatigues. Some guy with a weird trumpet. Lots of disinfo about vaccines. Wild.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Public Safety Update: Our office has been made aware by the 20th District of a shooting incident on the 5600 block of N Western Ave at approximately 5am. Police are actively investigating and do not have additional details for public release at this time.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted a video of herself recapping Monday’s City Council meeting. “We’re back on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 10am,” she wrote.

Chicago Department of Planning and Development Deputy Comm. James Harbin will join the next virtual meeting of the Neighborhood Building Owners’ Alliance at noon Tuesday to provide an “overview of opportunities in and around the South and West sides through Mayor Lightfoot's INVEST South West program,” according to an announcement. Online registration is required. 

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago announced a series of webinars planned for November, including a four-part and two-part “homebuyer education” webinar. Other events include a “financial fresh start” webinar at 6 p.m. on Nov. 9, a “foreclosure prevention” webinar at 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 and a “financial self-defense" webinar at noon on Nov. 18. 

Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago) tweeted about a breast cancer awareness event she is hosting on Monday.  

Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) tweeted “At the Grundy County Drug Take Back this afternoon in Morris. It’s so important that we keep these out of the hands of our youth and safety dispose of them.”  

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted “Are you working on your kids' Halloween costume? Costume masks are not substitutes for masks designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A safer option is finding an outfit that incorporates a well-fitting mask or adding your own to an outfit without a mask.” 

Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) issued a statement about the Illinois Commerce Commission’s efforts to implement the recently enacted omnibus energy law.  

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is hosting two sessions this week to provide information about filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The first session, which will take place on Monday, will be in Spanish. The second session, which will take place on Tuesday, will be in English. Registration is required for both. 

Ald. Sophia King (4) posted photos in her latest newsletter of the dedication of DuSable Lake Shore Drive and wrote, “As our city and our nation continue to celebrate and document the diverse histories that make our country great, it was a pleasure to see the signs finally go up renaming Lake Shore Drive.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Stop asking: I co-sponsored @AldermanTabares ordinance two days ago” 

Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16) will join Cook County Comm. Dennis Deer (D-2) to host a “virtual domestic violence forum” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, they announced. Online registration is required. 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) included a clip in her latest newsletter of herself talking about her proposal to repeal the city’s vaccination mandate. “If police are pulled off the street, firefighters are not at the firehouse, or garbage is not being picked up, are we going to tell our residents that we fought for them for answers or sat on the sidelines?” she wrote. 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted a list of “demands won” and wrote, “Feeling grateful for my colleagues: @AldMattMartin, @Mariafor49,@rodriguezfor22, @AldermanLaSpata, @5thWardChicago, @King4thWard, @RoderickTSawyer, @RossanaFor33, @CDRosa, @J1Ramann, @SSadlowskiGarza and @SigchoFor25. Regardless of how folks vote, we worked together. #Budget 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that he “co-hosted Recycle-Palooza, alongside the Northcenter Neighborhood Association (NNA), State Rep. Ann Williams, State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen, and MWRD Commissioner Kim du Buclet.” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted, “have shared in my weekly newsletter today and want to share publicly: I support canceling the contract for ShotSpotter immediately.”

The Chicago Department of Public Health will begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots at pop-up clinics and events starting Monday. Those eligible for the booster shot include people over 65 and all adults who live in long-term care settings, have underlying medical conditions or “live in high-risk settings.” The full calendar of mobile and pop-up vaccination events is available online. 

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection on Friday rolled out a new $20 million grant program for “small business and nonprofit relief,” as well as a new $2 million “Outdoor Dining Grant Program to provide for grants to support equipment for outdoor dining.” The programs will offer grants of $5,000 to $10,000 each. The department will host five “informational webinars” on the grant program this week, and the deadline to apply is Nov. 12. More information on the program is available online. 

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted “I was honored and learned a lot down in Bloomington at the Heartland Community College training facility that has partnered with Rivian to start training workers for great paying jobs of the future.” 

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted “One of the highlights of my time in Springfield has been General Assembly Night at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. Thank you to the library staff for arranging this fascinating visit.”  

Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) tweeted about an Oct. 25 “burglary prevention seminar” he is hosting along with Rep. Fran Hurley (D-Chicago).   

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted a link to a news story, adding, “Don’t miss out on one of the scariest homes in the 6th District in #RavenswoodManor.” 

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) wrote on Facebook “Yesterday, I participated in rally for Senate Bill 2333, a plan that seeks to reform the current parole system. Senate Bill 2333 would give individuals who have been incarcerated for 20 years or more the opportunity to be reviewed for Earned Reentry. This is about giving people hope in what may seem to be a hopeless situation. Our corrections system is meant to rehabilitate people. There are people who spend their time behind bars trying to better themselves, and the systems needs to recognize that.”

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Riverwoods), Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) are scheduled to host a “health and wellness resource and activity fair” on Oct. 24 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted, “Yesterday our office partnered with Centers for New Horizons and Partnership for a Healthier America in their Good Food for All program to send fresh produce to the seniors at Oakwood Shores. Shout out to Black United Fund of Illinois for helping us transport the delivery!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Yes folks, it is about trust. Here are the vague categories Lightfoot is using to justify $660 Million in spending with no answer to how it will be distributed to the wards or areas of need. Just “trust us.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) posted on Facebook, “It’s truly shameful that on the anniversary of Laquan McDonalds murder, the Senate is considering confirmation of the man who covered it up.  We said it last fall and we’re saying it again: there should be no place for Rahm Emanuel in the Biden administration.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) wrote in his latest newsletter that he is “excited to announce that Nettelhorst Elementary School is a Chicago Community Works (CCW) semi-finalist for a $1.5 million dollar grant to fund improvements of its playlot!”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted, “I went to Uplift's open house today and was amazed at what this high school has to offer our students, especially in the fields of technology, arts, and communications; all things that will help prepare students to be very successful as adults in the job market.” 

Cook County Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) tweeted, “Today, I’m wearing purple for #SpiritDay to stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ youth. I’m proud to be the first openly LGBTQ Cook County commissioner – and I will always fight to make sure LGBTQ kids feel safe.”

Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia announced the last three days of her office’s Mobile City Hall, which brings City Hall services to different parts of the city. Clerk’s Office officials will be in Mann Park on Saturday, Priotrowski Park next Tuesday and Sauganash Park on Wednesday. The full calendar is available online. 

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Riverwoods) issued a statement after a bill she sponsored related to flag flying was approved.   

Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) issued a statement after a bill he sponsored to create the Veterans’ Accountability Unit was approved.  

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted “The DuPage County Division of Transportation is seeking input from members of the public as a plan for the County’s regional trail network is developed. Those who use the County’s trails are asked to share their opinions via a survey at http://dupageco.org/bikeways  

Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) tweeted about an Oct. 25 discussion she is hosting in her district on senior issues.  

Officials from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday the availability of up to $2 million in grants for energy efficiency upgrades at low-income single or multi-family homes. Eligible applicants include public housing authorities, local governments and nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects include window replacement, heating and cooling equipment retrofits and lighting upgrades. Applications for the grants are due by Jan. 12, 2022. 

Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) tweeted “Last time I checked I’m still a member of the Black caucus. Rahm Emanuel (@RahmEmanuel) still closed schools in Black and brown neighborhoods, closed public mental health clinics and covered up the murder of a child. He does not have my support.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted a copy of a letter signed by nine aldermen, one Cook County Board commissioner, two state representatives and one state senator opposing former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and wrote “On the anniversary of the murder of Laquan McDonald by a CPD officer, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is holding a hearing on Rahm Emmanuel’s appointment to US Ambassador in Japan. Some of us elected officials in Chicago decided to make our voices heard on the matter.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted a photo from a news conference held outside City Hall on Wednesday and wrote “The Citywide Progressive Budget Coalition is outside of City Hall this morning pushing for a progressive budget that puts neighborhoods and working families first.” 

Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) wrote in his latest newsletter that his office will co-host a Property Tax Appeal Seminar with Cook County Board of Review Comm. Michael Cabonargi at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 at Taft High School.  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted tips for celebrating Halloween safely. 

Pace Suburban Bus system Executive Director Rocky Donahue will retire at the end of this year, the transit agency announced on Wednesday. He will retire at the end of this year, having worked for Pace since its inception in 1984. “As an organization, Pace is as healthy, strong and stable as I’ve ever seen it,” Donahue wrote in a news release regarding his decision.

The group Economic Security for Illinois, including former Ald. Ameya Pawar, will host a rally outside City Hall at 9:45 a.m. Thursday in support of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's proposed guaranteed basic income pilot program.

Rep. Eva Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) tweeted “Before settling in to the State Capitol for the week, I stopped in Marion and Clinton Counties. I learned about regenerative farming, harvest time, dairy farms and the technology that helps make it all possible. @ILFarmBureau 

Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) tweeted out her district office hours for Thursday and Friday.  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted “The Princeton Gerrymandering Project grades congressional maps and gave Illinois the overall grade of an “F.” 

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) released a summary of grant opportunities available in her district and the state.

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted “First picture is as I was going into Walmart in Springfield at 6:45am. Second picture is me coming out of Walmart in Springfield at 8:15am. I was #2 in line for my Jackson County Shotgun Season Deer Permit! WhooooHoooo! Can’t let Veto Session keep me from the [deer image]! 

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) and Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) are hosting a virtual town hall on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Registration is required.  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) wrote in his latest newsletter that a “proposal to improve and enhance the Chicago Park District green space at 116th & Oakley Ave. was recently announced as a semi-finalist for the Chicago Works Community Challenge Grant. If selected, this grant will provide a $1.5 million investment for a walking path, enhanced lighting and other great amenities in this public space.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted, “Honored and humbled to be recognized by the Illinois Firefighters Association @AFFI1935 for our work in passing the 10 year battery smoke detector mandate. They also made me an honorary Chief, pretty cool.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “Even though Lightfoot pledged to cooperate fully with the inspector general’s report, the mayor did not fulfill that promise, Ferguson said.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted, “This past Friday, Oct. 15 was the deadline for City Employees to report vaccination status. Ald. Osterman and the 48th Ward team are proudly vaccinated in an effort to keep ourselves and our community healthy & safe. Please get vaccinated!” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) invited constituents to submit answers to a budget survey in advance of a town hall event she plans to host Wednesday evening. 

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted that a “local project has been chosen as a semi-finalist in the Chicago Works Community Challenge... The local project is for multigenerational recreation enhancements at Warren Park. The Chicago Works Community Challenge will provide funding of up to $1.5M for infrastructure investments across the city.” 

Florida, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. have been removed from the city’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory list because they have maintained new caseloads below 15 per 100,000 residents for at least two weeks, the Chicago Department of Public Health announced Tuesday. Forty-five states and two territories remain on the list, meaning unvaccinated travelers to Chicago from those states are asked to quarantine or get tested. And health officials noted a “potentially concerning for development for Chicago:” that a “handful of Midwest states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan,” now have among the highest caseloads in the country.  

The Origami Works Foundation will host a webinar at 1 p.m. on Nov. 2 to celebrate the launch of its Talent Solutions Connector, a free tool connecting employers to potential new hires. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will lead off the event with a keynote speech, and other speakers will include Irene Sherr, deputy chief for the county’s Bureau of Economic Development. Online registration is required. 

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted “I recently had the awesome opportunity to tour the Boys & Girls Club of Dundee Township’s (@bgcdt) Impact Center in Carpentersville! The Impact Center is an innovative facility that provides after-school workforce training for D300 High School Students.”  

Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) tweeted “This morning Illinois legislators gathered together to dedicate a portion of Route 53 in honor of late State Trooper Richard Warner, a WW2 Veteran who was killed In line of duty on April 21, 1969. Though his watch ended 51 years ago, Trooper Warner’s dedication to the community.” 

Rep. Lamont Robison (D-Chicago) tweeted “A sincere thank you to all of our partners and everyone who joined us Friday for our Senior Appreciation Fair. We take seriously our role as public servants and will continue to help meet needs in our community.” 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) and Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) issued a statement after Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed a measure into law that allows the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to designate cultural districts throughout the state.