Secretary of State Jesse White will be the grand marshal of the State Fair Twilight Parade, fair officials announced Friday. The parade kicks off the fair, which runs from Aug. 11 through Aug. 21. The parade is at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11.  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) tweeted photos of the late Chicago Police Officer Ella French and wrote “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9) A child of God she was, and remains. And she will never be forgotten.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Heading back home from a busy weekend of learning about policy  around housing, community health & safety and environmental protection. Im going to repeat that the STAR program has responded to 5,517 calls for mental health emergencies and no police back up has been needed.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Almost 8 million Americans rely on insulin each month to survive diabetes. I couldn’t imagine her not having insulin to combat that disease. My grandmother lost her battle with diabetes. Senate Republicans just blocked a provision to cap insulin prices at $35/month.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “We are two weeks away from our Re-election Campaign Kickoff! Join us Saturday, August 20th from 1-3pm at Black Sheep (2535 N Peterson) for a chance to get plugged in and meet some candidates for the ECPS District Council seats as well!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Please join State Representative Kelly Cassidy and I on Saturday, August 13, as Jarvis Square Tavern puts on their first annual Pierogi Fiesta! If you bring school supplies, for each item donated, you'll get a raffle ticket for a chance to win a number of prizes. See you there!” 

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services opened applications on Friday for $230,000 in Community Services Block Grant scholarships in financial aid for higher education. The grant program offers financial aid ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for income-eligible residents of the City of Chicago who demonstrate academic achievement, career potential, and educational motivation. Income requirements can be found on the aforementioned website. Displaced and under-employed workers, high school graduates (or equivalent), and those aspiring to higher education and employment are encouraged to apply. Application information is available online. 

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “Illinois passed a law in 2017 to designate President Barack Obama’s birthday each Aug. 4 as a holiday to celebrate the 44th president, who began his career serving the People of Illinois in the Land of Lincoln. Happy #BarackObamaDay!”  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today, Gov. JB Pritzker announced an increase in Medicaid rates for abortion and abortion-related services as well as a new competitive grant program to expand Title X resources to health care providers.”  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This week I’m in Denver, Co for @NCSLorg National Summit. I joined my State Representative & Senate colleagues from around the country to discuss issues. Within NCSL I serve on the executive committee and the State and Local Taxation Task Force.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “One month since the July 4th mass shooting tore us apart, but also revealed so many heroes in our community. We are, and will be, #HPStrong" 

The Illinois Department of Transportation released the first study of the state’s airports in 25 years Thursday. The Aviation System Plan analyzed 85 airports and how the airports can support the state. The study found 81 percent of residents live within a half hour of an airport.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted, “On an annual basis, my office submits a "State of the Ward" document outlining zoning decisions and land use policy trends in 1st Ward and the City of Chicago. The new document is available at the 1st Ward Zoning website: the1stward.com/zoning”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “It’s painful to know that the Mayor is ready to protect the feelings of racist groups who are committed to celebrating colonization and genocide instead of honoring the pain and the resilience of those who have suffered and continue fighting to exist.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted, “Great to see a @cta electric bus on the road. I passed a resolution that requires @chicago electrify their fleet by 2035 and CTA by 2040. We have only one chance to protect our environment, we need to take that seriously.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) wrote in his latest newsletter, “One of my areas of focus is one that's shared by many of you: addressing homelessness. What we know today is that the City of Chicago saves money when we provide rapid rehousing for people who are living on the streets due to increased costs related to their intensive health care needs. I am pleased that we're on the right track with budgeting $82M of ARP funds for purchasing motels to convert into shelters, remodeling many of our existing shelters to allow for private rooms, and creating a program to stabilize our high utilizers of resources  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted, “Check out a map of recent (and upcoming) pedestrian safety improvements in the 47th Ward! Aldermanmartin.com/bikes"  

Cook County Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) wrote in a statement that he introduced a resolution calling for a public hearing that “will allow for the public to hear directly from Cook County Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and community organizations on their response to the Monkeypox outbreak.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office announced 10 new public plazas will “create spaces for recreation, performances, pop-up shops, gardening, and other neighborhood activities” at “strategic locations across the South, West, and North sides.” These projects will be supported with funding from the Chicago Recovery Plan. Selected through a Request for Proposals issued this spring through the Department of Planning and Development’s Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program, each plaza will be constructed and managed by community organizations using up to $500,000 in Chicago Recovery Plan funding. 

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Today, I joined @GovPritzker, the @ILEPA and Metro East officials to announce a $9.9 million investment to improve the sewer collection system in Cahokia Heights.”  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “It's been great to work alongside legislators from across the country at the @NCSLorg Conference this week. I especially enjoyed speaking with representatives from Harley-Davidson, and getting to check out their first-ever electric motorcycle: the LiveWire.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We’ve spent too much time chasing a standard of SURVIVABILITY in Chicago. We survive. We’re tough. We’re strong. But we need to start pursuing a standard of LIVABILITY. Making our city livable for every person here. That’s the mark. It’s what great cities do. Better is possible.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Maybe @LoriLightfoot was still high on those NASCAR exhaust fumes when she said violent crimes and homicides were down in Chicago. Because since she and JB took office, they’ve done nothing but accelerate faster than Ricky Bobby with a live cougar in the car. #twill"  

Rep. Cyril Nichols (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Day 2 of the @ncslorg conference included the Denver Marketplace and the State’s Night Dinner. This city and its view is beautiful. #wedothework"  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Huge shoutout to @CityHPIL Police Department for hosting #NationalNightOut ! My office had a great time talking to constituents, handing out candy, and meeting community members and organizations that help residents!”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “In the House, we believe in uplifting Illinois families. As part of our inflation relief package, we created a back-to-school sales tax holiday, from Aug. 5-Aug. 14. Taxes will be cut to help ease the burden on families. So mark your calendars as we prepare for back-to-school" 

Illinois will join other Great Lakes states and establish a Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit Tour that will give drivers a route to take a road trip around the lake with the necessary amount of electric vehicle charging stations. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Sylvia Garcia and Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman both signed onto the agreement with officials from Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.   

Gov. JB Pritzker approved a disaster proclamation for St. Claire and Washington Counties after two rounds of record rainfall last week the led to flooding. The flooding has displaced over 100 residents.  

Ald. Monique Scott (24) tweeted, “The school year is just around the corner and we’re providing resources to our youth for the new year! Join me in partnership with Rep. Collins and Commissioner Deer at our Back to School Bookbag Giveaway.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “I’m grateful to the cyclists and folks who got this opportunity on our radar so that our office could push for this here, with the larger goal of connecting the river to the lake along Berwyn!”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) shared a Sun-Times article headlined “Not so fast? Alderpersons seek to wave the caution flag on mayor’s NASCAR plan”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted, “The movie industry started in Uptown, so it's fitting that we continue to have movie sets in the neighborhood. Tonight, Pancake House will have its windows shot out (it's all fake glass with no bullets).” 

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership won an $18.5 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, city officials announced Wednesday. It won with a proposal for what it called “Good Jobs Chicago,” an “employer-led, community driven initiative to promote economic resiliency and growth for Chicago and Cook County,” according to the announcement.

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “#NationalNightOut is an annual campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.”  

Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) tweeted, “Thank you @ElginIL for hosting the 22nd annual New Citizens Recognition Ceremony! It was an honor to help welcome 45 new U.S. citizens to the Elgin community. This is an event I look forward to being a part of every year and it was so nice to be back after the 2 year hiatus.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Illinoisans are struggling due to inflation. JB’s failed policies and doubling of the gas tax is making it worse. Your family budget is shrinking because Springfield’s budget is out of control. We must demand a zero-based budget, prioritize spending, & provide REAL relief. #twill"  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Illinois is committed to being the most welcoming state in the nation, and I am eager to work with our partners to address these needs and build a strong support system for Muslim residents of Illinois.” 

Attorney General Kwame Raoul will join a national Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force with the other attorney generals around the country to investigate and pursue legal action against companies responsible for foreign robocalls in the United States.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted, “Can't believe it's Back-to-School fest time! Come out this Saturday to get ready for the first day of CPS classes on August 22. I'm also hosting a flu/COVID-19 vaccine clinic, Mobile City Hall w/the Clerk & many more events featured in my Aug. newsletter conta.cc/3BAnWDz”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted, “The 22nd District (Chicago Police Department) will host “National Night Out” today at Ridge Park, 4:00-7:00pm. Bring the family up for a great time and thank a police officer.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “Please join me for my re-election fundraiser on Wednesday, August 17 from 6pm to 8pm at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance” 

Cook County Comm. Stanely Moore (D-4) has been named First Vice President of the National Association of Black County Officials, he announced on Monday. Founded in 1975, the association is a “networking forum that provides research sharing and information advocating on behalf of African American both appointed and elected County officials nationwide.” 

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thanks @GovPritzker for this declaration that mobilizes all of government and makes additional resources available to help providers across Illinois to address MPV. Hopefully the Feds will follow suit so we can increase vaccine supplies and make TPOXX more easily available!”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “GOOD NEWS: $1.5 billion in economic development and 700+ jobs are on the way to Pawnee thanks to the Illinois EPA giving the green light to build a new natural gas-fueled power plant in the area. Welcome @EmberClear to Central Illinois.”  

Rep. Cyril Nichols (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My team won the first place trophy at the Illinois Black Caucus Foundation 2022 Annual Scholarship and Golf Outing. It was fun supporting a worthy cause. Congratulations to all of the scholarship winners.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “When people blame a bill that hasn’t gone into effect then that tells me everything about their obsession with the failing “tough on crime” status quo. Public safety for all isn’t doubling down on failure but actually providing people with a good life.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “Great to be in Denver for @NCSLorg Summit on this Colorado Statehood Day. Illinois is well represented at the Centennial State's Capitol Building! Abe, of course. And Logan. HBD 146 Colorado!” 

Gov. JB Pritzker issued a public health emergency declaration Monday over concerns about the increasing spread of the monkeypox virus. The public health emergency allows the state to prioritize resources and coordination to fight the virus and is in effect for 30 days. Illinois is still under a public health emergency for COVID-19. As of Monday, Illinois had 520 cases of monkeypox, according to the governor’s office.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted, “Join the Chicago Police Department, Alderman King (4), Alderman Dowell (3), and State Senator Mattie Hunter (3rd Senate District) for National Night Out tomorrow, August 2 from 4-7 PM at 35th and Prairie.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) put out a news release on Monday that “decried the failed training methods of the Chicago Police Department which could have avoided officers going on trial that starts today against two of the police officers that entered Anjanette Young’s home in 2019.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted, “Tomorrow, @HeartNeighbors is celebrating 65 new affordable homes in Lincoln Square — at 4715 N Western Ave. If you’re in Lincoln Square, stop by to connect with neighbors and to support expanding affordability!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “Tonight is our in-person, outdoor meeting about the proposal for a men's shelter at Clark and Birchwood. Join us at Pottawattomie Park, 7340 N. Rogers, 6pm for updates and survey results. You can also register for the virtual meeting 6pm on Wed, Aug. 3.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted, “The annual 50th Ward Back to School Fair was a tremendous success yesterday! We were able to give away nearly 300 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to children from throughout the neighborhood!” 

Cook County Comm. Stanely Moore (D-4) has been named First Vice President of the National Association of Black County Officials, he announced on Monday. Founded in 1975, the association is a “networking forum that provides research sharing and information advocating on behalf of African American both appointed and elected County officials nationwide.”

Rep. Bob Morgan (R-Deerfield) tweeted, “Come out to #TeddyObrians in Highwood this afternoon for some great music, and all proceeds go towards [the Highland park Community Foundation] and their July 4th Fund!  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Enjoying a great #summertimeChi Saturday with my friends in the Calumet Heights community in the 8th Ward of Chicago part of my district. #runwiththerep Start or reenergize your block club or local community organization to stay connected, share information and have fun.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I’m old enough to remember the ancient yr of 2019 when Candidate Lightfoot promised dedicated funds to deal w/ housing insecurity. The Chicago classic “Cha Cha Slide” sums up all the broken promises. To the LEFT. To the RIGHT. Take it back now y'all. Cross Cross. Reverse…”  

Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-) shared a statement from the U.S. House Freedom Caucus on assault weapons bans and tweeted, “It’s easy for Democrats to just say, no guns….if that solved the problem we’d have no handgun violence in Chicago.”