The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issued five more Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Organization Licenses Friday, bringing the total number of licenses issued to 182. The department can issue up to 185 licenses.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “This election let us show Chicago how to be rivals without being enemies! #ChiMayor2023”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “Thanks to everyone who came out today to support Danny Golden. We ran out of merchandise today but will have more soon.”  

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) tweeted “There's a few weekends left to visit Chicago Farmers markets, like @LakeviewRoscoe mkt open to noon. One of the regulars: @southsidegrinds w great coffee and teas.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Let us know what you think about the proposed Catalpa Plaza in Andersonville! Fill out the survey here: https://bit.ly/CatalpaSurvey”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “Good to see CPD foot patrols roving River North this evening. Thanks to Commander Hein & @ChicagoCAPS18”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Grateful to the firefighters who came out to share their work with neighbors on Columbia at the block party. The kids had fun and so did I!”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that Beth Beatty will serve as her new Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs beginning Sept. 6. Beaty will replace Manuel Perez who has served in the role since September 2020. Beaty previously served as Managing Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Deputy Director of Financial Policy in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My team and I also gave out 50+ backpacks to get kids ready for the upcoming school year! Thank you to Ald. Hadden @ChiAlderwoman and to the local block club for joining in on the fun!”  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted, “6 - count em - credit upgrades and over $1B in our rainy day fund! IL continues to lead with fiscal responsibility”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I love ribbon cuttings. Today we officially celebrated the completion and opening of the Hub at Prairie Shores. Grateful for this investment in the community that I represent and that I get to call home. Thanks to @farpointdev, Golub & Co., Gensler & all the partners.”

Gov. JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for Madison and St. Clair Counties following a large warehouse fire in Madison Wednesday. The disaster proclamation allows the state to prioritize resources for the impacted area. As of Thursday afternoon, Metro East and St. Louis-area fire departments were still fighting the blaze at Interco, a recycling facility. The fire is expected to burn for two days. Officials in Madison issued a shelter-in place order for residents within one mile of the fire because of potentially toxic smoke from the fire. The order was later rescinded Thursday.   

Comptroller Susana Mendoza deposited $180 million into the state’s “rainy day” fund, bringing the total amount deposited into the account to over $1 billion—the highest funding level ever for the fund. State lawmakers passed legislation committing funds from Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 to the account to bring its total to $1 billion.

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “There will be a free vaccine and microchip event at Calumet Park on August 27th from 11AM-3PM. Tickets will be handed out at 10:30AM. 500 animals served or until supplies run out.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Not a single TIF dollar more to @ChicagoParks if @chicagosmayor chooses to defile our city’s tribute to those who served this country. Call your Alderman/Alderwoman. Tell them to stand strong in defense of our city’s values! Co-sponsor my order today”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Would people be game to create a vacation rental network to help with shelter for people seeking reproductive care in Chicago? With an abortion ban in Indiana we will see a lot of people coming to Chicago and we will need that kind of solidarity.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I am bringing the 50th Ward Office to you this summer! Meet me in the Ward this Monday (August 15) from 4-6 p.m. at the corner of Peterson & Drake. My staff and I will be ready to help you with any of your city service needs.” 

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will host a free webinar titled “Inside the Industry: Restaurant” beginning at 9:30 a.m. Friday. The monthly series focuses on different industries and provides attendees with information on industry trends, opportunities, how to handle challenges and an outlook on the industry. Those interested can register at Chicago.gov/BusinessEducation. 

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “With CHIPS Act, environmental investments, gun control and economic recovery -- the Federal Administration is following the models of Illinois legislation already passed. They're not quite up to Illinois standards yet, and have yet to do protections of reproductive rights.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “Earlier this summer, I cheered on nearly 500 racers at the @mundelein_il 2022 Grand Prix hosted by @TightHeadBrew. Congratulations to the participants, organizers and volunteers on a successful community event.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “It's always a joy getting to speak to new educators and principals as they prepare for the upcoming school year, eager to make a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you, Joliet Chamber of Commerce, for inviting me to the Annual New Educators Welcome Event.”

Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Abby Witt and Deputy Director Jake Lewis announced to party staff they will leave their positions with the party, NBC-5 reported. Lewis’s last day will be Friday while Witt will stay on through August. The changes come after the party’s State Central Committee unanimously selected Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) as party chair on July 30, ousting U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) from the job.   

The Civic Federation is seeking nominations for the Motorola Solutions Foundation Excellence in Public Service Award. The award is given out each year to a non-elected public official in state or local government “who has made an extraordinary impact on the quality of government services.” Past recipients include former Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike and Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady. Nominations that include the person’s name, title, government and email address, along with a couple of sentences that overview the nominee’s achievements and why they are deserving of the award can be sent to [email protected] by Sept. 19.   

The Department of Public Health will provide a million rapid COVID-19 tests to Illinois K-12 public schools outside Chicago for the upcoming school year. Schools can receive the tests for no cost. The state will continue to offer SHEILD testing for COVID-19. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “In @chicagosmayor first budget there were 3,100 vacant yet fully funded jobs in the her budget. In 2022 she was at 4,000. Taxpayers are asked to pay in advance for these job for services not being provided. Chicago doesn’t need a tax increase for jobs she has no desire filling!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “If you believe in the work we are doing in this city, please come thru. We have several volunteer orientations to support our campaign coming up! We can only do this together.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “On Saturday, 9am-4pm, CDPH will be offering over 2000 first doses of the monkeypox vax. The closest clinic to Lakeview with available appointments is Malcolm X College, 1900 W Jackson. To sign-up for an appointment visit http://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/xudqs/ and use the voucher code 813MPV”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Come join me at Koval, 4241 N. Ravenswood, next Thursday at 7PM, for our re-election kickoff!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The Rogers Park Metra station is slated for renovation. Join our office and reps from Metra to learn more about the scope of the project, timeline, and how to provide feedback. Zoom meeting is Mon, Aug. 15, at 6p. Register: http://buff.ly/3P8DwJK. Spanish translation available.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I joined many of my neighbors today for "Coffee With the Commander" at Bond Coffee Collective. Thank you to Commander Joseph Brennan and the 24th District police for hosting this important event.”

Chicago Announcements: (Tag; NL-CHI-ANN) 

Chicagoans can now apply to vote by mail for the Nov. 8 General Election. The application is available online, and voters can choose to receive their ballots in the following languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean and Tagalog. Ballots will begin to be sent to voters on Sept. 29.  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “In not so shocking news it turns out both factions within the Illinois GOP are offensively incapable of leading the state.”  

Rep. Jonathan Carrol (D-Northbrook) tweeted, “Fool me once, shame on you…fool me twice…@DarrenBaileyIL doubling down and using my people to do it is special… Signed, Proud Member of the Tribe”  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As a member of the Social Media and Online Extremism Working Group, I will work collaboratively with my colleagues to solve the hard issues this group is taking on. I look forward to working towards a better online experience for future generations.”  

Rep. Cyril Nichols (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I love baseball and I have the pleasure of representing the great state of Illinois in the Bi-State Softball Showdown. I met the Speaker of the House Rep @DeanPlocher and my colleagues in Missouri. We’re bringing back a W! Let’s play ball!”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Pritzker wants to put more criminals on the streets. We need to repeal the SAFE-T Act and no cash bail. We need to support law enforcement and provide safer communities for EVERY Illinoisan. #twill"  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Hi - “Member of the Jewish Community” here. No, @DarrenBaileyIL, you’re not “right” to belittle the deaths of 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust, including my great-grandparents. More clear for you?”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “Had a great time representing Illinois in the @greaterstlinc Bi-State Softball Showdown against Missouri's legislators yesterday. Enjoyed playing with my teammate @P_Windhorst" 

The Multi-Agency Resource Center assisted about 500 families at East St. Louis High School last weekend from St. Clair and Washington Counties, according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. The center opened after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a disaster proclamation on Aug. 1 for the counties following record rainfall in the area during the last week of July.   

The Illinois State Fair announced that Sunrun will sponsor a charging station for electric vehicles at the fair. The charging station will be able to charge two cars at a time and will be located in Lot 21. The State Fair will also unveil the Butter Cow at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Dairy Building on the fairgrounds.  

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Fall CPS preschool enrollment is available now! If you have a pre-K child, there are many no-cost or low-cost options. More information at: https://conta.cc/3BVQw2q”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “I would like to congratulate the workers at the Howard Brown Health on their decision to form a union with the Illinois Nurses Association.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “How can @Chicago_Police say they care about officer’s mental health when they don’t allow them time to seek help, expecting them to do it on their days off (which are routinely cancelled). If you had this experience, I want to hear from you! Call 773-823-1539 & share your story.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Public health and social services in this country have been consistently defunded while police budgets have ballooned steadily. We need to re-imagine, build, expand and refund the structures of care needed to heal and support our communities.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa stopped by Spicy Taco at 2825 N Milwaukee Avenue – one of the newest businesses to open up along Milwaukee Avenue in the 35th Ward! Please join us in welcoming Spicy Taco to Avondale."  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “More monkeypox vaccine appointments with the Chicago Department of Public Health are now available in Lakeview. To see eligibility criteria and to sign-up read the thread below.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “There’s still time to share your feedback for what you want to see on Devon Avenue between Broadway and Clark. Fill out this form to make sure your feedback is included for future developments in this corridor!” 

The Civic Federation is seeking nominations for its 31st Annual Motorola Solutions Foundation Excellence in Public Service Award. The Civic Federation gives out the award annually to a “non-elected state or local government employee in Illinois who has made an extraordinary impact on the quality of government services,” according to a Tuesday news release. The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 19 and submissions must include the nominee’s name, title, government and email address and an overview of their achievements. Nominations should be submitted to [email protected]. Additional information can be found online.  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today, @chicagosmayor committed to purchasing 100% clean, renewable energy beginning in 2025. With CEJA implementation continuing across Illinois, Chicago is making strides to protect our communities and our climate.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Hey Hoosiers! You can still find safe, affordable and accessible healthcare in Illinois. We trust everyone to make their own private medical decisions here.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “More Taxes, More Spending & More Pain on all Americans. Dems pass new $739 billion spending bill. When will they wake up and realize more spending and money creation only causes more inflation and rising costs on all Americans-hurting middle class & low income families the most?”  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today is Assyrian Remembrance Day, where we honor and remember Assyrians lost to persecution, displacement, and violence. We have a great many Assyrians living in our district who’ve called it home for a long time. So proud to represent them and to honor those we’ve lost.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Capital Development Board announced $1 billion from Rebuild Illinois will go toward construction and renovations at 24/7 state facilities such as veterans’ homes and correctional centers that provide around the clock care for residents. There are over 180 projects on tap for the state’s 24/7 care facilities.   

Illinois Republican Party spokesperson Joe Hackler has taken a new position as account manager at Arena LLC— a firm that crafts digital and mail ads for Republican candidates. Hackler unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the Illinois House in the June primary.   

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Bud Billiken Day Parade This Saturday 8/13: Volunteers Wanted”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Join us as we kick-off the beginning of a new school year with our 4th Annual Back to School Block Party taking place THIS SATURDAY, August 13th from 10am-12pm at 10500 S Ewing Avenue!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Thank you to everyone that came out Saturday to celebrate India’s 75th Annual Independence Day Parade organized by the Federation of Indian Associations Chicago!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Congratulations @Intelligentsia Coffee workers for winning their union and joining @IBEW Local 1220!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Cities are vital in promoting climate justice and taking bold action to combat climate change. I am glad to see Chicago commit to transitioning our municipal buildings to 100% renewable energy and to using our purchasing power to invest in clean energy jobs.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday announced an agreement with electric supply company Constellation and Swift Current Energy to buy renewable energy to partially power O’Hare and Midway airports, Harold Washington Library Center and Jardine Water Purification Plant with renewable, solar energy beginning in 2025, according to a news release from Lightfoot’s office. The renewable energy will come from a solar installation that is being developed by Swift Current Energy in Sangamon and Morgan counties in downstate Illinois. The agreement will help meet Lightfoot’s goal to purchase renewable energy for all the city’s buildings and operations by 2025. The agreement’s initial five-year term begins in January 2023.

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “So many economists and politicians have been so entranced, for so long, by supply-side economic promises, that they really cannot comprehend a demand-side recovery.”  

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) tweeted, “More so than most other states, Illinois has projects on tap that are more than shovel-ready and primed for federal dollars.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “Earlier this week at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, I had the opportunity to watch the @ChicagoBears prepare for the upcoming season. Thank you for the invitation, @VisitLakeCounty.”  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As an educator, I understand the importance of making sure kids have all the tools they need to be successful. I remember my mom buying back to school supplies every year for me and her students. I know that is where I get my sense of giving from.”  

Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) tweeted, “Small business is the lifeblood of the middle class. JB Pritzker & the Democrats are crushing them in IL.”