The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association has added Jeff Ahrstrom from Ingersoll Machine Tools and Matt DiGeronimo from International Paper to its board of directors. Gabriela Garza has also been hired by the manufacturers’ association director of government affairs. Garza is an Illinois Army National Guard veteran who was previously a policy analyst for the state Senate.

The Chicago Board of Elections on Wednesday published a list titled 2023 Alderperson Candidate Eligibility detailing which wards aldermanic candidates can run in next year under the new ward map based on which ward they currently live in. Under state law, in the election after a ward remap, “a candidate for alderperson may be elected from any ward containing a part of the ward in which he or she resided for at least one year next preceding the election that follows the redistricting, and, if elected, that person may be reelected from the new ward he or she represents if he or she resides in that ward for at least one year next preceding the reelection.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) shared a Sun-Times article reporting that the mayor’s allies want her to abandon a pre-election property tax increase and said “What a load of pandering bullsh*t! Even if @chicagosmayor refuses to raises taxes in the budget, she can (and will) seek an adjustment to the property tax levy next year to cover any faux concession she makes in her budget. Don’t fall for the financial rope-a-dope Chicago!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) shared a Crain’s Chicago Business article on Twitter headlined “Ahead of Hurricane Ian, private jets whisk wealthy from Florida to Chicago.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) shared a Block Club Chicago piece about a proposal to close a portion of Catalpa Avenue and make it a public plaza and said “What began as a vision for a public space during COVID is now becoming a permanent space?” The article reports Vasquez has previously shown support for the proposal.  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Please keep the people of Florida in your thoughts as they prepare for the impact of Hurricane Ian.”   

Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) shared a tweet from U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery which talks about a case in which alleged traffickers were using candy packaging to smuggle fentanyl into Connecticut and said “Parents be aware! This is extremely unsettling! We must address our border Crisis. The Biden Administrations securing our border has proven to be an abject Failure.” 

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “I was honored to accept an Honorary President award from @ILPharmacists at their annual conference over the weekend. I'm always proud to work alongside them to advance the standards of pharmacy practice across Illinois.”  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We had the pleasure of welcoming Mexican Senator Israel Zamora Guzmán to Little Village, Chicago. In gathering with officials of the Mexican Congress and the Illinois General Assembly we were able to discuss the importance of supporting the Mexican Communities in the U.S.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “While it is always good for the state of Illinois to make down payments on its outstanding debt, today’s announcement comes on the verge of the largest tax increase on businesses in Illinois history and does little to nothing to prevent it.” 

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Airport of the Year awards Tuesday. Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington was named primary airport of the year, DuPage Airport in West Chicago was named reliever airport of the year, and Greater Kankakee Airport and Dixon Municipal Airport were named airport of the year in their respective runway length categories. 

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “On 9/27/82 Martin E. Darcy, Jr. was shot & killed while in pursuit of an armed assailant who shot and wounded three people in Beverly. Officer Darcy will always be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.  @ChicagoCAPS22 @Chicago_Police @cpdmemorial @BevRevNews”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33) tweeted a short thread criticizing Mayor Lori Lightfoot for remarks she made regarding the selection of committee chairs and assignments. “I’m ready to legislate and I know many of my colleagues are too. I’m tired of MLL blocking everything she doesn’t want. She told Chicago she was about ‘good governance’ and here we are getting to the end of this term and this is what she’s saying about our broken system: ‘There’s a process by which we do that, and the process is the mayor makes the final picks,’ Lightfoot said... ‘I don’t see any reason to break from that longstanding precedent’ … Weren’t we trying to transform the way we govern?” Rodriguez shared a Sun-Times editorial which favored the city council deciding on committee assignments and chairs.  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted an article from Block Club Chicago which details salaries for each elected city council member, plus who will see a pay raise this January. Villegas shared the article and added “I made a conscious decision to not take any pay raises until we recovered from this pandemic. The community I represent is home to 1000’s of essential workers that didn’t have the privilege of working from home. #sharedsacrifice #truerepresentationmatters”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) shared a tweet from Streetsblog Chicago, which noted CTA Pres. Dorval Carter Jr. appeared to skip a City Hall hearing to instead speak on an infrastructure panel broadcast by The Hill. Vasquez said “Getting paid $360,000 a yr to not show up to a hearing so he could be on TV. That’s a lack of respect for the council, for the taxpayers, and for the city. Unless they needed an expert on *ghosting*, I don’t see it.”  

Cook County Comm. Bridget Degnen (D-12) tweeted out a link for constituents to get information about applying to a basic income pilot program. “Cook County believes in initiatives like its Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot. Providing a guaranteed income reduces stress, helps people find new jobs and gives some much-needed relief in paying monthly bills. Visit http://engagecookcounty.com/promise to see if you are eligible.” 

Chicago’s Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will hold its first-ever meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Malcolm X College, Conference Hall A. The City Council last summer approved an ordinance creating the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability as a new form of police oversight. An agenda for Thursday’s meeting is posted online.   

The Chicago Mobility Collaborative will hold its second meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday. The public forum, including residents, community organizations and the Chicago Department of Transportation, meets quarterly to discuss topics related to walking, biking, transit, public space, mobility justice and accessibility. Those interested can RSVP online. An agenda for the meeting is not yet posted. 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Illinois is poised to lead the way for offshore wind in the Great Lakes. If passed, this legislation would bring hundreds of good-paying clean jobs to Illinois through an offshore wind pilot project.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “HBD to my intern, Mac Johnston! You've been an excellent addition to our team! We hope you have a fantastic week filled with fun, laughter, and friends!”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Cindy and I joined in the pregame tailgates at Soldier Field! What an awesome crowd of Bears fans and Illinoisans who were excited to communicate their needs and issues with state government. We especially loved the Stadium Monument to our Defenders of Liberty.”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “As people become more frightened about the economy, they are vulnerable to other frightening political messages, and this can devolve into widespread fear of others, distrust of government, and diving for cover under a right-wing government. We see it happening around the world.” 

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation announced multiple Illinois news organizations will receive $7.5 million of grants. Block Club Chicago will receive grants to build an investigative team and expand coverage on Chicago’s South and West sides. Injustice Watch will receive grants to add reporters, editors, and staff to build the publication’s audience and fundraising efforts. Capitol News Illinois will also receive grants to add print and broadcast reporters. Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism will also receive grants.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) asked residents to fill out a survey to gather feedback on a zoning proposal in his ward. He tweeted “The 1st Ward Office is collecting zoning feedback for additional dwelling unit zoning change concepts at 1746 North California. This zoning proposal will include a rehab of the existing multi-unit residence.”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Happy Rosh HaShanah, Jewish New Year, to those celebrating. We are wishing you a year filled with prosperity, happiness, and excellent health.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “My colleagues @aldnapolitano41 @AldermanTabares @mattoshea19 and I want answers regarding the SAFE-T Act. If City Council won’t hold hearings, we will hold them ourselves inviting its sponsors to explain its potential impact on Chicago.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) invited constituents to a Sept. 27 event on the intersection of local government and cryptocurrency and tweeted “Join me tomorrow as we discuss Cryptocurrency with subject matter experts and the role that local government plays in incorporating this form of currency. Chicago is home to over 70 firms associated with this industry.” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Catalpa Community Plaza Update - I firmly believe that a community plaza on Catalpa will be a positive benefit to our community and that it needs to be designed as a welcoming place with the safety of all in mind,” and included a link to the update.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a Chicago Tribune article on a Chicago Coalition for the Homeless report which estimated 65,611 people in Chicago experienced homelessness in 2020 and tweeted “We need real solutions now which is why I'm a proud sponsor of the #BringChicagoHome Ordinance, along with @MattMartinChi.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday named Jaye Stapleton as the City of Chicago’s Deputy Mayor for Education and Human Services. Prior to being named to her new role, Stapleton worked as Senior Director of Social Service Policy and Director of Social Services Policy in the mayor’s administration   

Lightfoot on Monday also named Nubia Willman as the city’s Chief Engagement Officer for Community Engagement. Willman has also served as Director of the Office of New Americans and as First Deputy of the Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement. 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “While on our Bus Tour this week we dedicated some time to meeting in Chicago’s South Side with Pastor Corey Brooks and Project HOOD Rooftop Ministry. I had the honor to spend a night with him earlier this year on the rooftop. His ministry is a blessing!”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It's time to think about running for local office - school boards, library boards, etc...the right-wing extremists are organized and are training and preparing candidates to run for local office at all levels, even in Illinois. We can't let hate win.”  

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Anyone who is fortunate enough to live & raise kids in our community already knows how great our local schools are. Congratulations to Elmwood, Highlands, & Steeple Run Elementary Schools on being selected as 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools!”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “What an amazing turnout in Lake Bluff last night for the Moms Demand Action Pass the Ban March! Together, we WILL stop gun violence. Our kids deserve better- we ALL deserve better- and there is no better partner in this fight” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Sept. 23-Oct. 2 will be Electric Vehicle Week in Illinois. The state also launched EV.Illinois.gov as a website to highlight Illinois’ electric vehicle economy.   

The Department of Public Health announced more than 137,000 Illinoisans have received updated COVID-19 booster shots since they were made available at the beginning of the month. The state is continuing to see the highest daily vaccination rate since February. “This is an encouraging sign as we head into the fall season and face a potential increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Illinois is fortunate to have a significant supply of bivalent boosters,” public health Director Sameer Vohra said in a news release.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Honored to join the 39th Annual Memorial Service & Roll Call of the Deceased Fire Fighters.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “The 2nd Annual Finley Fest was a huge success. Honoring the memory of a beautiful little girl and providing hope, support & financial assistance to families affected by cancer.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I’m ready to elect @AldMattMartin as Chair of the Committee on Ethics and to be done with the toxic and corrupt culture of mayoral appointments that continuously blocks the work of the city council. Matt will be an exceptional chair for our committee.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) shared a statement about an Amazon Fresh that will not be coming to his ward.  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) tweeted “Grateful to Mayor Lightfoot for coming to the 43rd Ward to shop at the Lincoln Park Farmers Market and help get me on the ballot! Happy Fall”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “ATTN Chicago students: Want to get involved in the progressive movement? Don’t forget to apply for our paid campaign internship. We’ll be organizing for progressive candidates and causes across the northside. Apply here today http://bit.ly/apply47”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted a photo from three years ago and wrote “We’ve hit the 1,500 signature mark! To celebrate, I want to share this memory from three years ago: I will never forget what it felt like to carry this petition stack into the Board of Elections three years ago. This was possible because of all of you! When we work together”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Shana Tova! Wishing a happy and healthy New Year to all of my friends and neighbors in the 50th Ward!” 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) and other county officials on Saturday officially raised the county’s new "I Will" flag on Daley Plaza. Cook County’s new official flag was designed by Drew Duffy under the mentorship of Martin Burciaga. 

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We stand together to demand the aid owed to the Puerto Rican people, an investigation into LUMA's mismanagement of Puerto Rico's power grid, and the right of the Puerto Rican people to self determine how they will be governed”  

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, “In the last several years, four members of the Senate Democratic Caucus have been indicted and/or convicted of federal corruption”  

Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) tweeted, “Since 2019, Barbara Hernandez has represented Aurora & fought for reproductive rights, gun safety, & mental health parity. She was recognized by the Respiratory Health Association for her work maintaining clean air while serving on the House Energy & Environment Committee.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “There's been a lot of misinformation out there regarding the SAFE-T Act. The cash bail reforms made under the law will make communities safer by allowing courts to hold violent offenders who would ordinarily be able to bail out”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Hastings should have resigned long ago. Sad it took bad headlines and poll numbers for J.B. to finally issue a statement. Pritzker is soft on crime and corruption. We need real reforms to clean house in Springfield & we need to repeal the SAFE-T Act & clean up our streets.” 

Illinois received a $6.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for addressing equity gaps in the state’s unemployment insurance system, the Department of Employment Security announced Thursday. The department will use the funds to improve equity in the unemployment process, including by making the system easier to navigate and understand.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “There is so much to be proud of in how we’ve made the ward safer for all users of our roads! Join me on October 7th for a bike tour of the ward! RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/1stWardRide”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Thank you @AldermanTabares for inviting me to join you in support of today’s officer-led wellness efforts at Area 1. Great work by all taking care of each other during these strenuous times in our city.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We have a vision for a city that includes, uplifts and supports all of us. Our city government needs to be a place where our Trans siblings can feel safe & welcomed and thrive. We are here to start the conversations needed to make that happen.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) in a thread tweeted “Democracy is a beautiful thing. Last night, northwestsiders, their progressive elected officials, and area grassroots independent political organizations (IPOs) came together for the first mayoral forum of the February 2023 municipal election.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “True story. Alderman O’Shea and I have an ordinance that would create a new hiring and retention package for CPD. It would also pay a bonus to suburban cops who shift to the City. Unfortunately, the Administration has decided that ordinance needs to remain stuck in committee.”  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) shared a Sun-Times article and tweeted “It’s Timmy — well, Alderman Timmy. Read why that’s important to me.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “While Ron DeSantis wants use government to demonize and erase trans people, Chicago should lead in creating a trans-inclusive city - starting with our own hiring and HR practices. That's why @Ward33Chicago and I are calling for hearings on Chicago's trans hiring practices.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced on Thursday that she and a delegation of 34 city officials and business leaders will travel to Mexico City from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 to reaffirm Chicago’s partnership with Mexico City as a sister city and promote Chicago’s economy. During the trip, Lightfoot will meet with business leaders and city officials to discuss economic recovery and inclusive economic development, according to a news release from Lightfoot’s office. 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Senator Jones should step down, but sadly this is just another day for JB and his corrupt friends in Springfield. I’ll hold politicians accountable & ban red light cameras in Illinois. It’s time to end the pay to play politics destroying our state.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Black women are paid 58 cents for every dollar paid to white men. In 2022, Black women would have to work until Sept. 21 to catch up to white men. It is important that we bring awareness to the pay gap disparity that effects working black women across America every day.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Six million Illinois residents are now set to receive income and property tax rebates as part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan that Democrats pushed into law. Starting this month, taxpayers and their families will begin receiving checks in the mail”  

Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) tweeted, “Another day. Another Democrat facing bribery charges. It is time to wake up and stop the corrupt one-party rule in IL.”