The Democratic Party of Illinois announced new interim hires to fill roles ahead of Election Day. U.S. Rep. Marie Newman’s chief of staff Ben Hardin was hired as interim executive director. Public affairs specialist Kiera Ellis was named spokesperson and senior advisor to Chair Lisa Hernandez. Democratic Governors Association Illinois spokesperson Yael Sheinfeld was named interim communications director. The Kauffman Group consultant Shannon Rice was hired as interim finance director. FieldWorks executive director Chris McDonald was named interim organizing director of the coordinated Organize Illinois 2022 campaign. Shedd Aquarium government affairs director Nick Ramos was named interim get-out-the-vote director of the coordinated Organize Illinois 2022 campaign.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “I am pleased to announce that the bond inducement ordinances for Teachers Village passed City Council. Another 50 units of affordable housing coming to our neighborhood! Thank you to @ChicagoDOH and our neighbors who have continued to support this project.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Today Ald.Sposato took out a knife during debate opposing a police misconduct law settlement, voted against our Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary city Ordinance and in favor of leasing CHA land to a sports team owned by a billionaire. It’s been a long council meeting.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Right-wing alderperson Nicholas Sposato brandished a knife on the floor of the Chicago City Council. He wanted us to vote against a police misconduct settlement.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Congrats to 43rd Ward Ald. Timmy Knudsen (@TimmyKnudsen) who took his oath of office this morning. He is the 7th LGBTQ alder in City Council, and he joins @AldTomTunney and myself as being 3 neighboring LGBTQ alders.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Proud to stand with @peopleslobbyusa, @gig_chicago, @DanielLaSpata, @Andrefor40th, and @CDRosa in support of gig workers who are fighting for a fair wage and just working conditions. If Uber can afford to pay their CEO $20M, they can afford to pay their workers a living wage.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “I'm proud to have stood alongside my colleagues in City Council today to co-sponsor the Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary City Ordinance, reaffirming Chicago's commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming and reproductive healthcare.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “My vote and position will remain the same: selling off the land would be a travesty. I instead want to see the land fulfill its initial vow: to redevelop the property with more than 2,400 units of improved affordable and mixed-use housing, partially for displaced residents.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot will go before the City Council to give her annual budget address Oct. 3, the mayor confirmed during Wednesday’s City Council meeting. A schedule for departmental budget hearing has not yet been posted, but they are expected to follow Lightfoot’s budget address. 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As someone who has experienced food insecurity, I spoke at the 50th anniversary celebration & encouraged folx in our district to not shy away from visiting Care For Real or our other pantries when in need.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but here’s the truth: Bail reform gives judges more power to hold dangerous offenders in jail because they’ll be making decisions based on a public safety assessment-not the defendant’s access to cash.” 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This morning, myself and The Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago held a press conference calling for more visibility, resources, and aid for Puerto Rico”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Risk assessment, to increase safety for the public, is at the center of the process replacing cash bail. As usual, critics of this reform deliberately frighten voters by claiming the opposite of what the new law is all about.” 

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will host their annual conference at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Chicago on Oct. 13-16. Topics will include equity in the cannabis industry and the caucus’ four pillars from the end of the 101st General Assembly. More information and registration can be found online. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The 1st Ward Office received notice that Armitage between Milwaukee and Kedzie will be fully repaved, beginning as early as September 27, 2022 (weather & any other contingencies permitting). Work should be concluded by November 30, 2022.”  

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Important proposed adult use cannabis dispensary community meeting information, Bronzeville 5K sign up, CPS Job Fair, and more in today's eblast”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “The great thing about visiting so many wards is being able to support #SmallBusiness in our communities. I was excited to go to Kristoffer’s Cakes located at 1735 W. 35th St. in #McKinleyPark. They make the best tres leches cakes. EVER!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Since I took office I’ve wondered how anyone does this job part time. They must have a lot of staff. Happy to co-sponsor this ordinance.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Wow, a victory for equity and justice. Kudos to the 7 alderpersons on the Zoning Committee who voted down Mayor Lightfoot's proposal to turn over CHA land for public housing to a billionaire sports team owner. Public land for the public good! People over profit!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The response to the upcoming Catalytic Converter Marking at Warren Park has been tremendous. Unfortunately, the event is now at capacity and the Sheriff's Office is unable to accept more registrations. If you registered before it filled, you should receive an email confirmation.” 

The Chicago Department of Transportation announced on Tuesday they have so far distributed 250 free bicycles via the city’s Bike Chicago program meant to give away 5,000 bikes, helmets and locks during the next four years. The transportation department plans to give away another batch of bikes Wednesday afternoon and will hold weekly events for program recipients to pick up bikes until 500 bikes have been distributed this year. 

The Illinois State Fair reported record attendance in 2022, with over 636,700 people attending the fair this year. Attendance on the weekend was also 95,000 people higher than in 2021. The fair brough in $6.4 million in revenue, just short of the $6.5 million record in 2019. The 2023 State Fair will run Aug. 11-21.  

Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Dr. Steven Isoye as chair of the State Board of Education. Isoye will take over for Darren Reisberg. Isoye was most recently superintendent of Niles Township High School District 219.   

Illinois joined Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky in forming the Midwest Hydrogen Coalition that will focus on decarbonization.   

The Illinois Municipal League announced a series of new office holders on Monday. River Forest Village President Catherine Adduci was elected president, taking over for Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe at the end of her term. Fairview Heights Mayor Mark Kupsky was elected first vice president and Hazel Crest Village President Vernard Alsberry was elected second vice president.

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I voted to pass the SAFE-T Act to ensure that suspected murders don't get out of jail on bail before court date. Jan 1 2023 this Act will give courts more discretion on whether someone poses a threat to the community & should remain behind bars”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Tomorrow, I will be speaking with the Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago, Senator Aquino, Representative Ramirez, and Alderpeople Maldonado and Rodriguez to discuss the current status of damages on the island, and the next steps to provide relief to residents.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “I had the greatest privilege of welcoming Vice President Kamala Harris to Chicago at the UIC rally. VP Harris recognizes the great work that Illinois Democrats are doing to protect reproductive rights. She is blazing a trail for female lawmakers & lawmakers of color everywhere.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “In case you missed it, the State’s Attorneys from Will and Kankakee Counties filed separate lawsuits challenging the legality of the SAFE-T Act on Friday.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I’m old enough to remember when @Chicago_Police said before budget hearings they NEVER code out 911 calls. Good times, three years back.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “On Wednesday, 9/28, my office & St Barnabas School will host a donation drive in support of the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry (11030 S Longwood Dr). Please consider helping families in need with a food or monetary donation.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I used to work for Taller Salud and I can’t say enough about the incredible work they do. This is one way to support Puerto Rico right now. Donate if you can.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Shout out to @sickfisher1 and Music House for partnering up to deliver this amazing mural to The Diplomat Motel wall as part of the Lincoln Avenue North Arts District! We were able to get this done through our 40th Ward Microgrant program!! 5230 N Lincoln!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Last week's storms remind us how vital it is that Chicago be guided by a bold climate action plan — and that we build up a Department of Environment to execute on it.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Chicago has begun to temporarily house migrants at the High Ridge YMCA. Red Cross and Salvation Army are on site to provide meals and basic needs to the new arrivals. The National Guard is providing shelter staffing support.” 

The city’s Department of Planning and Development will hold a webinar at 3 p.m. Wednesday on two of the department's  grant programs — the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and the Small Business Improvement Fund. Attendees will also receive information on  community development grants — as a part of the Chicago Recovery Plan — for Chicago entrepreneurs. Those interested can find additional information and register online. 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Yesterday I had a fantastic tour of Betts Precision in Alsip. We had a great discussion about labor issues, tax burdens, business, and quality of life issues. All over Illinois, we are talking solutions to these issues with the people on the ground facing them.”  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “To see our state step up to the plate to make these asylum seekers feel at peace, makes me proud to serve in Illinois. . I will continue to do my part to ensure the safety and well-being of all of the refugees who will now call Chicago home.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “So far this year, 141 officers have been shot across the country. As more cops retire or quit the profession altogether, recruitment and retention is the biggest challenge for departments statewide.” 

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported demand for the new COVID-19 booster was strong, with 188,800 having received the booster since they were made available earlier this month. The department reports daily vaccination numbers are at the highest point since February when people were seeking out boosters during the Omicron wave, with about 21,000 doses of the new booster being administered each day.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Congratulations on your grand re-opening @volumesbooks!! Gorgeous lounge-y space to read and relax! 1375 N Milwaukee: come check it out!”  

Ald. Nicole Lee (11) tweeted “Great day for a Bocce Tourney. Special Olympics teams from across the city are here today at Armour Square Park. Shout out to the 11th Ward Volunteers making sure everyone is well fed! Come join us!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Glad to join my colleagues @AldSColeman16 @MooreforIL @J1Ramann and @RoderickTSawyer (in spirit) for the annual Englewood Music Festival. Great job by my Alderneighbor as always”  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) in a thread tweeted “As a proud Mexican-American, I’m outraged by the lawlessness & mayhem caused by people ‘celebrating’ Mexican Independence Day in recent days.  We lost control of the streets downtown & in our neighborhoods.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Check out the new mural at the Diplomat Motel 5230 N Lincoln, brought to you by @sickfisher1, @musichouseinc and our 40th Ward Arts & Access Microgrants!” 

The Northwest Side Progressive Coalition will host a Progressive Mayoral Forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, 2614 N. Kedzie Ave. In addition to being held as an in-person event, the forum will be livestreamed on Facebook. Those interested in attending can find additional information online. 

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Politicians are spreading misinformation about our criminal justice reforms, to distract from talking about their positions on reproductive rights and gun control. Don't let them get away with it.”  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “You may soon receive a rebate! Thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan, one-time individual income and property tax rebates will be issued to taxpayers who meet certain requirements.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “Misinformation is spreading on social media surrounding the SAFE-T Act. The law does not create “non-detainable offenses.” Defendants will be eligible for pretrial release based on their risk to public safety, not their bank accounts”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This morning our office was attacked. Security footage shows a brick was thrown through one of our windows around 5 am by an individual who then fled northbound towards Bryn Mawr. Police are investigating. Board up is on the way and we will still be here to help our constituents.” 

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced Wednesday that 1,200 municipalities will receive 371 million from the second round of funding from the American Rescue Plan. The funding is designed to go to non-entitlement units.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Great evening of canvassing! Such wonderful neighbors coming into the 1st ward in Logan Square! See you again tomorrow”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “The mass shooting in Washington Park last night is horrific and further erodes our sense of safety. This gun violence must stop. Stakeholders need to collaborate to uplift what’s working and to add and implement innovative solutions to end these senseless acts of violence.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “I'm proud to partner with local organizations like @NBranchWorks and local leaders like @RossanaFor33 to support businesses in Avondale and across the existing and new boundaries of the 35th Ward. Thank you, @ROCKWELL_OTR 

and @MetropolisCoCo, for hosting us yesterday.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Here at the 40th Ward Office we have leaders at every level!  Shout out to our Director of Development Morgan Madderom for getting on Public Comment to speak about Ghost Buses and improving our Public Transportation System. Pay attention, CTA!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “ATTN Chicagoland students: We want to work with YOU! Our campaign is hiring paid campaign interns to help us build up the progressive movement on the North Side! Apply here today http://bit.ly/apply47”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Early this morning, someone threw a brick through the window of our office. Police are investigating the incident. Our office is still open today until 5pm for constituents who need help.” 

City of Chicago leaders are scheduled at 10 a.m. Thursday to announce additional ways for Chicagoans to acquire security devices at no cost through the city’s Home and Business Protection Program and will give an update on rebate applications. The announcement is scheduled to take place at the West Chicago Avenue Public Library. 

The city’s new Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability will hold its first public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Malcom X College. Meeting attendees will be able to hear from the seven interim commissioners that Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed last month and will get to discuss public safety issues.