The Chicago Department of Public Health removed Connecticut from its COVID-19 Travel Advisory because its average daily new caseload dropped below 15 cases per 100,000 residents, officials announced Tuesday. Connecticut joins California and Puerto Rico, which were previously removed from the advisory, leaving 47 states whose unvaccinated travelers are now required to quarantine for 10 days or get tested upon arrival in Chicago. Officials said Washington, D.C., Louisiana and Massachusetts are next poised for removal from the watch list, as their case averages hover just above the 15 per 100,000 mark. 

Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin will host a virtual Financial Services Career Fair, when participants will join “private or video chats with financial service employers,” starting 9 a.m. next Thursday, Oct. 14. The event will include “job readiness workshops” all morning and a “virtual career fair” from noon to 4 p.m. Online registration is required. 

Rep. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) tweeted a link to a statement she recently issued about opportunities for low-income residents to heat their home in the fall and winter.  

Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) tweeted a reminder about her Tuesday “coffee & conversations” event in her district.   

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted about a “community canvassing” event she is hosting with Planned Parenthood on Oct. 16.  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted about her recent appointment to the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Task Force.  

Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) tweeted images from a recent property tax appeal event she co-hosted.

Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago) is set to host a webinar on the state’s back to business grant program on Oct. 7. Registration is required. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Yes, it is true: I have an agenda. It is to keep Chicago safe. I’m not here to carry Lightfoot’s water or pretend we are not a city walking off a cliff. That is too much for truth for some to handle. I was elected to defend the interests of 15th Ward. I will not waiver from that.” 

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted, “Congratulations to Alderman Tabares and the great people of the 23rd Ward for another successful event to support the men and women of the CPD and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted, “Looking at the cost-benefit analysis of having a billionaire like Ken Griffin spending dozens of millions of dollars last year to avoid paying his fair share of taxes & defeat the fair tax amendment, the cost of violence & fiscal issues all suggest we are better off without him.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “@aldcardenas just threatened me in city hall for commenting on his brother’s contract with CPS. He yelled at me outside the chambers and said to me ‘there are consequences for what you are doing.’ Thought I’d let y’all know.” Rodriguez-Sanchez and Cardenas had earlier engaged in a public tiff on Twitter.  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) shared a Block Club article about efforts to overturn a Cook County tax break offered to vacant storefronts.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) invited people to participate in a virtual budget town hall at 6 p.m. Thursday, when she will “share updates on the 2022 budget proposal and hear feedback from residents.”

The Chicago Department of Assets, Information and Services opened a Request for Qualifications on Monday for “food, beverage, retail, arts” and other businesses to operate on the Chicago Riverwalk during the 2022 season. Applications are available online and due on Nov. 8. The assets department will host a “pre-submittal seminar” at 2 p.m. on Oct. 13, when city officials will “explain the application process, describe the Community Marketplace program, and answer questions,” according to an announcement. 

The Illinois Housing Development Authority has disbursed more than $443 million in rental assistance across 49,100 households through the Illinois Rental Payment Program, state officials announced Friday. The program, launched in May, provides emergency rental assistance to cover up to 12 months of past due rent and up to three months of future rent payments for tenants "suffering a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic," according to the announcement. Payments are made directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant, but only if the landlord does not pursue eviction. The recipients represent about half of the almost 99,000 people who applied for rent relief through the program.

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) posted to Facebook about a recent decision of the Kendall County Court, writing, "you cannot strip state recognition away from nonpublic schools without providing due process."

Sen. Jil Tracey (R-Quincy) shared a Senate Week in Review that highlighted Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Sept. 24 signing of the new legislative maps. 

Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago) tweeted about her cryptocurrency bill: "I'm proud to lead the effort to pass HB3968 and establish Illinois as a leader in the financial technology industry, bringing new jobs and opportunity to our state," she wrote.  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted about a ribbon cutting he attended at the YWCA in Evanston. "I was able to prioritize and release $700,000 for the family support center in the capital bill," he wrote "Thank you to the YWCA/Northshore for supporting women and working to eliminate racism!"

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted​, "addressing the climate crisis will require sustained and aggressive action at all levels of government" along with a link to the federal proposal known as the The Clean Electricity Performance Program.

Ald. Matt O'Shea (19) included information in his latest newsletter of a recent robbery and burglary in his ward and wrote, "Since these incidents occurred, I have spoken to Superintendent Brown and been in regular communication with Commander Joyce of the 22nd District. The Commander has requested and received additional police resources to address this uptick in criminal activity."

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that he plans on Thursday to host a "budget town hall," when he "will provide an overview of the Mayor’s proposed budget and spotlight a number of important areas about which we regularly hear from residents, including gender-based violence, affordable housing, and tree trimming and planting."

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) shared WBEZ's reporting on the timeline of the Chicago Park District lifeguard sexual harassment scandal and tweeted, "The Meg Linehan quote "what is rotten, what needs to go?" re #NWSL is spot on. In Chicago Parks, it means they fire the investigator. #Backwards"

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) shared a tweet about Ald. George Cardenas' (12) brother benefitting from parking fees near RiotFest and wrote, "Wow. I never cease to be amazed by some of my colleagues." Cardenas replied in a tweet, writing, "Not sure what your are suggesting here but I suggest you get facts straight here. Call the principals! Smear campaigns are just that"

Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) wrote in a statement that he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He is "currently undergoing treatment with a prognosis for a full recovery" and plans to return to attending meetings in person by the end of this year.

Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) promoted a column he cowrote in the Daily Herald about public investments in mental health, tweeting, "Now more than ever, we need to make transformative investments in mental health care."

Mayor Lori Lightfoot's office sent a notice on Friday urging renters to take advantage of city and nonprofit resources following Sunday's expiration of the statewide eviction moratorium. People can apply through the Department of Housing's website for inclusion in the next round of the city's Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or they can call the free "Rentervention" legal assistance line operated by the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing at 312-347-7600.

The #CancelShotSpotter Coalition will hold a news conference on the third floor of City Hall at 8:30 a.m. Monday morning, before the Chicago Police Department budget hearing, to call on the City Council to end the department's contract with ShotSpotter.

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted a Tribune article about the Chicago Bears’ move to Arlington, in which she was quoted as saying “I have a hard time finding my way to state funding for a sports facility when we have so many other issues we need to address with state funds that I think are more impactful to people’s lives and deliver more in the way of jobs.

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) also tweeted about Soldier Field: “Public funds paid by residents made it possible for the Bears to expand the [Chicago] stadium. Everyday taxpayers foot the bill for the Bears only for them to turn their backs on the very people who stood by them year after year, even when they failed on the field.”

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted about a potential repeal of parental notification requirements in Illinois law, writing, “keeping abortion legal is necessary, but legality alone is not & has never been enough.”

Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) tweeted about shipping problems on the West Coast, writing, "this is fascinating - but very scary. Stock up now on important items!"

Gov. JB Pritzker's office on Thursday announced the first round of recipients for Back 2 Business small business grants, but applications will remain open until October 13. The program, an extension of the Business interruption Grants launched in 2020, is available through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Grants are targeted at businesses whose 2019 revenues came in below $20 million and saw declines during the pandemic, officials said. The program prioritizes firms in sectors that have been hardest hit by COVID restrictions, like hospitality. Eligible businesses can apply before the deadline on the department's website.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted at the North Park University alumni Twitter account that “I’m having the wonderful moment of serving as alderman during Chicago budget hearings while fellow Viking and COPA interim chief administrator Andrea Kersten presents the work of her department. That’s significance and service right there!” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, ““independently elected & do not report to the mayor” #Amen” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “One of my colleagues doesn’t understand structural racism so we are discussing it at a CDPH budget hearing... He expressed a lot of outrage at the existence of structural racism. He wasn’t aware of it and it just came to his attention that it’s a thing. He demands that it stops right now.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “City Council's COVID seating arrangement has given me a full view of Council Chambers, and I can now say: man, this room is ugly. Chambers would be well served by wall-to-ceiling murals on either side of the rostrum. Realist murals depicting the history and grandeur of our city.” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted information in his latest newsletter about Chicago Pride Fest, which will take over Northalsted this weekend. 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) shared Block Club’s coverage of Monday’s budget hearing with the Department of Family and Support Services and tweeted, “We’re in the middle of a crisis. We should be expanding the shelter system. Read about @ChiFamSupport Budget Hearing & the critical need to support unhoused individuals & develop a robust plan to address a possible rise in homelessness throughout our City.”  

Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) will host a “virtual panel discussion on domestic abuse victim support services and solutions” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, he announced. The panel will be accessible via Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook. 

Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) tweeted about a spike in Chicago homicides and wrote, “Sadly “most” of the local Media outlets allow Intentional deceptive narratives From SA FOXX’s office to go unchallenged.”

Chicago Public Schools is “in the process of doubling the number of contact tracers” to track down COVID-19 cases in its schools, district officials announced Thursday. The district has also updated its COVID-19 dashboard and webpage, which will now “provide updates on all reported cases of COVID-19 among District staff and students within 24-hours of report, and will include self-reports and positive COVID-19 results found through the CPS screening testing program,” according to the announcement. 

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, "honored to join Rep Mike Murphy today in celebrating 75 years of @cmtengineering and being a part of their annual employee recognition program. Proud to have spent my college summers working for this awesome firm founded in Springfield!"

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, "today I joined @RepAndrade40 in Ravenswood Manor to talk with neighbors about the recent uptick in violence and concerns about public safety in the area and citywide."

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted about efforts to build bridges between upstate and downstate.  "Remember Rep. Mike Marron from the 104th and how he came to our district? Well today I went to his and learned a lot about farming! There are so many similarities between city life and rural life," he wrote."He and I are committed in figuring out ways to unite all of Illinois, no matter our differences in opinion! #BiPartisan #MyRepublicanFriend"

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted about President Joe Biden's agenda: "Whether it’s the north side, south side, or west side — we need the entire Build Back Better agenda to lift up all of our communities," he wrote.

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted about Chicago's declining COVID-19 caseload, writing "This doesn’t mean let down your guard and do whatever you want. It means wearing masks and being thoughtful about where we go and what we do is working."

Friday is the deadline for small cities, towns and villages in Illinois to apply for relief money designated for them in the American Rescue Plan Act. The federal package made $742 million available to these communities, some of whom had not claimed funds, officials said Wednesday. Communities may put money from the American Rescue Plan toward infrastructure, covering backlogged costs for small businesses or revenue losses, among other uses. Eligible municipalities may apply through the NEU Allocation Portal​.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) released a statement saying he was "disheartened by some of the baseless rhetoric that continues to be perpetuated to our constituents" about the causes of crime during a series of community meetings called to discuss a rise in carjackings.

Ald. George Cardenas (12) shared a Crain's article about political ramifications of the Bears move and tweeted, "A couple of observations here. First, the land is a great buy from a business standpoint notwithstanding the Bears. So with that, it’s a land deal plain a simple. To get to a stadium it’s like Chicago trying to get a casino. You do and you don’t."

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Anyone have the over/under on when quorum will be achieved today at Budget Committee?” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) shared a statement on the Illinois Supreme Court agreeing to take up an appeal of his complaint against his predecessor Danny Solis for using campaign funds to pay legal fees.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Let the Bears help the good people of Arlington Heights, just like the Fire once helped Bridgeview. Our Museum Campus / South Loop will be fine without the Bears. Surrounding area does not live or die by the Bears. Soldier Field will get plenty of use with concerts and the Fire.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “This is hilarious. IT Department doesn’t even have a Twitter account. Maybe they have a MySpace page…”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted about Wednesday’s budget hearings and wrote “Day 2 of meetings starting over an hour late because we don’t have virtual options!” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted information about a budget town hall scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6 and wrote, “Learn about Chicago's 2022 budget proposal (which includes a $2B investment of federal pandemic relief funds) at our upcoming budget town hall.”  

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is issuing $25.4 million in refunds this month to nearly 11,500 property owners who overpaid their First Installment property taxes earlier this year, Pappas announced in a news release on Wednesday. Property owners who paid their property taxes online will see the money automatically credited to their bank or credit card accounts. Pappas’ office has delivered about $82 million in total property tax refunds to 121,000 property owners since launching the automatic refund program in July 2018, according to the office. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health will join Ald. Jason Ervin (28) and Ald. Michael Scott (24) to host two public “planning sessions” for the Altenheim Line, a two-mile section of elevated rail that runs between Taylor Street and Fillmore Street from California Avenue to Kostner Avenue. The first session is planned for 5 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the DRW College Prep Main Hall, and the second session will be held virtually at 5 p.m. on Oct. 14. Online registration is required for the virtual session. 

Chicago Department of Transportation Comm. Gia Biagi will join Ald. Harry Osterman (48) and Deputy Mayor Samir Mayekar at 5:30 p.m. Thursday to cut the ribbon on a "Chicago Alfresco" site that "provides expanded car-free space for outdoor dining and other community activities" at Argyle Street and Sheridan Road.

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted about the first meeting fo the Future of Work Task force, which he is co-chairing.

Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago) introduced the Protecting Heartbeats Act, a bill targeting gun violence. In a press release, Croke said, “In its ruling in Texas, the Supreme Court allowed citizens to take civil action against anyone in violation of the law. Our state has the opportunity to employ this same logic to hold gun manufacturers, importers, and dealers accountable for their actions.“

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) tweeted about new grants for local libraries in his district. In a statement, Essex said ”after a difficult year for our students, these grants couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) posted to Facebook about a trip to Chicago for a dinner with the Taiwanese business community. “I had the opportunity to speak about the importance of developing training programs and utilizing the workforce here in Southern Illinois to expand business opportunities in the region,” she wrote.

Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) posted to Facebook about a town hall in Huntley, IL, writing “No matter what part of the district I am in, or the age group I’m speaking to, the frustration is the same. Topics of concern include:  how crime is out of control; taxes are increasing, and seeing nothing for it; outmigration of jobs and people; COVID and constant changing of the rules; and the impact of open boarders.”

The Illinois House and Senate Redistricting Committees have made their online map-drawing service available again as the congressional redistricting process approaches. The service is the same one members of the public could use during the legislative redistricting process, which wrapped up earlier in September with a contentious party-line vote. Citizens can submit suggestions for this round of redistricting to [email protected] and [email protected].

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) in his latest newsletter wrote that his ward is scheduled on Wednesday to “host a no-contact donation drive benefitting the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry (11030 S. Longwood Drive), 12:00 - 3:00 pm. The food pantry serves more than 1500 families per month from the communities of Beverly, Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood, Washington Heights, and West Pullman.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I’ll keep talking about this in hopes that we can take this conversation seriously. White supremacy, systemic racism and exclusion are at the root of the issue of violence. If we want it to end we have to commit to dismantling white supremacist structures and fight for equity.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted a video from the council chamber Tuesday morning during a delay in the beginning of budget hearings due to a lack of quorum and wrote “Here’s what happens when you don’t provide virtual options at Government meetings.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) shared a Time article on ranked-choice voting and tweeted “We’re hearing from the Board of Elections during budget hearings today. If Chicago implemented ranked choice voting, it could save the city money, save voters’ time, and make our elections more fair.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Our office is partnering with State Senator [Mike] Simmons to host a donation drive to create welcome kits for Afghan refugees. Items can be dropped off at State Senator Simmons's office at 5533 N. Broadway from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.”