The Illinois Department of Human Services is now accepting applications for up to $25,000 in rental assistance, officials announced Monday. Applicants must be residents of Illinois and must have experienced a change in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords are also eligible for financial assistance if their tenants are behind on rent. Applications will be open until Jan. 9, 2022. Assistance is also available through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Department of Human Services. 

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association announced the appointment of Gregg Webb as the new chair of the association’s Board of Directors. Webb is vice president for state government relations at Archer Daniels Midland Company, a Chicago-based food processing and commodities trading corporation. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Whether you've lost someone to COVID-19, violence, or other causes - or if you simply have questions about death and loss - we welcome you to join the 1st Ward Peace & Health Commission's Good Mourning series, tomorrow, Dec. 7 & Wednesday, Dec. 8”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Join your community in reimagining Commercial Avenue in South Chicago! The second virtual public meeting regarding corridor improvements for Commercial Avenue is scheduled for December 14th from 6 to 7:30 PM.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Gang violence isn’t limited to the streets. Last week a student was attacked by a student/gang banger inside Back of the College Prep. The attacks are growing in frequency. It’s foolish to think it is contained in the building. These Instagram posts show students’ reality.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “The City of #Chicago today announced it will acquire more than six acres of a vacant lot at the intersection of 18th and Peoria streets, the largest single parcel of developable vacant land in #Pilsen.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Congratulations to the Minoso family for this great recognition. Mr. Minoso was the first Black Cuban in the major leagues and the first black player in White Sox history.” 

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “To be clear: 100% of 43rdWard staff is vaccinated and reported their status to the City.” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today I shared my priority to bring a 100% Affordable Development to 5853 N. Broadway in the 48th Ward. This project - as well as other investments in affordable housing - will provide needed quality, stable housing for families, aging adults and working people.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a Rogers Edge Reporter story and tweeted “The city's commitment to mental health services and homelessness is the first of many necessary changes needed following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. And with funding, we can eventually launch a pilot for the Crisis Response Team in Rogers Park.” 

The Chicago Department of Human Resources reported on Monday that about 94.7 percent of city employees had complied with the city’s vaccination policy, about 81.5 percent of whom are fully vaccinated. About 89.3 percent of Chicago Police Department employees, more than 99 percent of Fire Department employees and 84.2 percent of City Council employees were in compliance with the policy. 

The Metropolitan Planning Council will host a virtual event at noon on Dec. 16 called “Past, Present and Future: the MPC legacy.” The event will include a panel of Metropolitan Planning Council leaders and feature Melissa Washington, ComEd’s vice president for governmental and external affairs, as its keynote speaker. Online registration is required. 

Rep. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Last month, Illinois Republicans were asked to file their proposed remedy with the court. Their remedial maps fix the flaws in the Democrats’ politician-drawn maps by creating more districts with minority voting-age populations above 50 percent that will better provide voters the ability to elect candidates of their choice.” 

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) wrote in a news release that “Members of Illinois’ Child Sexual and Physical Abuse Task Force met virtually for the first time Friday to discuss changes to the state’s Sexual Assault Survivor’s Emergency Treatment Act, under the leadership of” Crowe.  

Sen. Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) tweeted, “On this day in 1969, #FredHampton was killed by police in the early morning hours as he slept. As the IL Black Panther Party chairman, he sought to overcome the oppression of Black people. We continue to his fight today by seeking justice, equity and an end to systemic racism.”  

Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) wrote in his latest newsletter that House Republicans “propose a one-time, limited tax credit of $200 for single tax filers making less than $75,000 and $400 for joint filers making up to $150,000. We believe that taxpayers would rather have an extra $200 in their pocket than continue to give it to free-spending politicians in Springfield. 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Had a great time yesterday evening at the Pop up shop with JS Social networking Café Downtown. It was great to meet local entrepreneurs. Janene Stephenson, samantha Jane treatz & treasures, Travel-nista Boutique, Ebony Chanel Boutique, jazzy styles & creations, Sheilnina Thompson”

S&P Global Ratings affirmed Illinois State University’s bond rating at A- and upgraded its credit outlook from “stable” to “positive.” The change reflects the university’s “ability to consistently generate full accrual surpluses despite the pressures of the pandemic and even state funding challenges prior to that as well as its growth in financial resources, which we expect to continue," S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Sean Wiley wrote in a statement. 

Ald. Raymond (15) tweeted, “Why does @chicagosmayor & politicians like her always give cover to criminals by equalizing them against thousands of good people? Saw it w/ Welcoming City debate, saw it w/ “righteous protest”-turned-looting, and we are seeing it again now. Good and bad are not equals. Enough!”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) wrote in his latest newsletter that his office will “co-host a telephone town hall meeting at 7:00pm along with Senator Bill Cunningham and Representative Fran Hurley. The call will include Dr. Jennifer Seo from the Chicago Department of Public Health and Commander Sean Joyce from the 22nd District Chicago Police Department to discuss their department's ongoing work in our community.” Online registration is required. 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “My abortion was one of the most important health care interventions I had in my life. I’m grateful I was able to have access at that time and I’m committed to fighting like hell for the right of EVERYONE to have an abortion when they need it.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “Hear me out: The Ashland Bus Rapit Transit (BRT) proposal gave BRT a bad name in Chicago. Much of North Ashland Avenue is just a 10 minute walk from a train. For many Chicagoans, it felt like a proposal to make transit rich neighborhoods on the northside even richer.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “Today I canvassed the the block where a homicide and robbery attempt occurred this past Wednesday morning. I was joined by [Ex-Cons For Community & Social Change], a violence prevention group, to show our neighbors that our community comes together to build presence in the neighborhood! 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “While it's possible that voters may be asked to choose between revised versions of both maps during the primary election next June, I'm hopeful that the City Council will come together and agree on a single map that includes Chicago's first ever majority Asian-American ward and that is consistent with the federal Voting Rights Act.”

The Chicago Board of Local Improvements, overseen by the Chicago Department of Transportation, will host meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday to discuss special tax assessments in the Lakeshore East area. The application set for consideration in the meeting is “necessary in order to divide the parcel into separate real estate parcels and allow for development and sale of residential apartments,” according to a Friday announcement. The meeting will be held in City Hall room 1103. 

Rep. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) posted on Facebook, “Exciting new projects were announced for several Southern Illinois Airports! Reviving our airports is another key piece to making Southern Illinois a premiere destination which is why I’m thrilled to report that the Cairo Regional Airport, Southern Illinois Airport and Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois were awarded more than $2.5 million in funding to begin making capital improvements.”  

Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) tweeted, “Second win for today! I am proud to announce that after presenting and passing HB 1063, the bill has been included in the 2021 NBCL National Model Legislation. #endhivstigma” 

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) retweeted a tweet from Illinois Manufacturing Association president Mark Denzler thanking him and Rep. Jim Durkin (D-Western Springs) for “for joining the  [Illinois Manufacting Association] to discuss manufacturing issues. We appreciate [ADM] - a global leader - for hosting the discussion with manufacturing leaders from across Illinois.”  

Sen. Don Dewitte (R-St. Charles) posted on Facebook, “I was happy to meet with Family Service Association of Greater Elgin yesterday to hear about their plans for the future.”  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Join me in the fight against COVID-19 by getting your vaccine. The CTU is offering all doses of the vaccine tomorrow between 3 and 7pm.”

The Illinois Commerce Commission on Thursday authorized the use of $3.1 million from the Multi-Modal Transportation Bond Fund to pay for grade separation at the West Grand Avenue highway-rail crossing in Elmwood Park. A Metra train struck cars on the tracks at the site in 2005, injuring 16 people, according to state officials.

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Midway International Airport is hosting a hiring event on Wednesday, December 8th, from 10-12 pm! This event will take place at the airport on the 2nd floor mezzanine.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “The Coalition Map keeps communities together. It is not designed for the sole purpose of incumbent protection. Voters will not be duped by their back room map!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We will fight for our humanity and the right to control our reproduction. We will protect each other.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) posted on Facebook that his chief of staff Jessica Peters and Director of Policy and Economic Development Geoffrey Cubbage will step down from their roles at the end of the year. Lindsay Tillman, who previously oversaw communications for Vasquez, will take over as chief of staff.  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted a link to the Rules Committee’s ward map proposal and wrote “For all those who were grumping about the grainy printed Rules Committee Map yesterday - here’s what you were waiting for”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Thank you to @cbschicago for highlighting #WorldAIDSDay yesterday and the essential work of AIDS Garden Chicago to mark the history of the early HIV/AIDS epidemic”

Chicago Public Schools will host two virtual public forums this month to review the district’s finances and budgetmaking process. “The sessions will provide an overview of CPS' current funding methodologies and other aspects of the current FY2022 budget, and an opportunity to participate in facilitated small group discussions,” according to a Wednesday announcement. The forums will take place at 6 p.m. next Tuesday and 4 p.m. Thursday. Online registration is required. 

Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) wrote in his latest newsletter that “on a global scale, we could not ignore how parental notification is an important tool to combat the rise of human trafficking, which is the fastest growing criminal trade in the world. Parental notification serves as an extra layer of protection against those who would exploit children.” 

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Thank you to the community members who donated to our Love Purse drive benefitting  @MetroFamChicago. Because of your generosity, we were able provide over 325 purses to survivors of domestic violence!”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) announced via a statement that he will seek reelection next year, writing that he has “worked hard to develop beneficial and respectful working relationships with both Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate, and have always taken a collaborative approach to passing legislation.” 

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted, “In case you missed it, IDPH adopted federal guidance for long-term care facility visits 12 days after the federal government put out the guidance and just one day before Thanksgiving.”  

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “I am happy to announce a $4.5 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Rockford Airport. The Rockford Airport is a strong economic driver of our region that provides hundreds of jobs to our community.” 

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on Wednesday announced the “Accelerate Illinois Broadband Infrastructure Planning Program” to “help Illinois communities leverage historic broadband infrastructure funding for community-driven broadband expansion.” The Illinois Office of Broadband is “calling on local units of government – particularly cities, counties, and multi-county regions – to apply to receive expert support offered as part of an intensive 14-week community engagement program designed to turn available public broadband funding into sustainable broadband access,” according to the announcement. 

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “This morning I joined my Latino Caucus collegues to call for transparency in the City's redistricting process. Our Coalition Map protects and brings together Black, White, Latino and Asian communities, preserves communities of interests and satifies progressive and moderates” 

Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson (11) tweeted a lengthy statement about the remap, saying that “dividing areas or neighborhoods based on race is indeed racism.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted a picture of the Rules Committee ward map introduced on Wednesday and wrote “Uh, no thanks” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Public Safety Update: Our office has been made aware by the 20th District of a homicide on the 2600 block of W Catalpa on Dec. 1st at roughly 7am. Police are actively investigating and do not have additional details for public release at this time.” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “This #WorldAidsDay2021 let’s recommit to ‘Getting to Zero’ new HIV infections! Thank you to AIDS Garden Chicago Board chair Yoni Pizer, @AIDSChicago President John Peller, and @ChiPublicHealth’s Antonio King for joining me in supporting HIV prevention” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “And so the mapping process continues!” 

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I am very upset to report that there were 3 carjackings in our neighborhood over the last few days. The police are investigating, but we must all remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911.”

Rep. Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) announced on Tuesday that he would retire from his House district at the end of the day. “I said from the beginning that my goal was to get things done and do what’s right for the people of the 99th District,” he wrote in the release. “To me, that’s always meant standing up to bad policy when I had to, but also finding ways to work across the aisle when there was an opportunity to benefit the constituents I was elected to serve. This mentality is why I voted for the 2019 capital bill and 2019 state budget.”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) posted on Facebook, “It was a cold but wonderful night celebrating Hanukkah! Thank you to Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky and the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights for putting on such a great event. I hope all who celebrate have a great Hanukkah”  

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) posted on Facebook, “I joined University of Illinois President Killeen and State Senator Scott Bennett to cheer on a Fighting Illini Basketball win last night! Thank you for having me, University of Illinois System.”  

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted that mounting support for federal legislation to allow banking for cannabis businesses is “A big deal. Would allow FDIC backed banks to accept cannabis $$” 

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “I have been impressed with @SenPacioneZayas as well and have enjoyed working with her on the Senate Education Committee.” 

The Illinois Department of Transportation will host seven free virtual workshops between Wednesday and Dec. 16 as part of its “Building Blocks of Success” series for firms interested in participating in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, according to a Tuesday announcement. The full list of workshops is listed online.  

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will host the first-ever Illinois Product Holiday Market, officials announced Tuesday. The market will be held Saturday and Sunday on the “Y Block” north of the Governor’s Mansion and “will feature Illinois products for everyone on your shopping list this season,” according to the announcement. 

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Winter Overnight Parking Bans for many Chicago streets start Dec. 1. Even if there isn't snow, you can not park your car on an overnight parking ban street.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “People power, it's a beautiful thing. All respect to the Indigenous peoples of Bolivia who have taken their country back and are on the path to socialism and a more just and democratic society.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Here in the 40th Ward, we have winter parking restrictions on the following street sections: 

 - Clark St from Albion to Devon 

- Devon Ave from Clark to Greenview 

- Foster Ave from the North Shore Channel to Clark” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Our office is happy to provide gifts to 10 families this holiday season. But due to limited funding, we always have a list of additional families who need help. For #GivingTuesday consider donating to @HeartNeighbors to sponsor gifts for a local family.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Tomorrow! Wednesday December 1 at 6 PM, join Ald. Hadden via Zoom for the last virtual town hall of the year for City and Ward updates.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health removed California, North Carolina and Guam from its COVID-19 Travel Advisory, leaving 38 states whose unvaccinated travelers are asked to quarantine or get tested upon arrival in Chicago. Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington may be taken off the list next week if they can keep average new case counts below 15 per 100,000 residents, officials said. 

Rep. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) posted on Facebook, “Our team had a great Monday meeting with Team VoteMaura to get our petition process ready to go! January 13th is the first day we can circulate petitions and we would love your help”  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) posted on Facebook, “This afternoon I connected with President Billy Mitchell and my great NBCSL colleagues from around the country. #runwiththerep As the Illinois House of Representatives chief sponsor, co-author of the historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, I joined a panel during NBCSL’s pre conference to discuss state energy policy and this legislation with the Edison Electric Institute. I believe that reliability and affordability during the transition to clean energy is critical. Our Illinois policy stabilizes reliable nuclear power while strategically moving us toward clean energy, avoiding the clear dangers of failed energy delivery.” 

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) tweeted, “.@repgregharris is a trailblazer and true public servant who got into the weeds of the budget and fought for reform, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare expansion, & so much more. We will miss his presence in Springfield.  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “No map for you! Also, 36 hours? C'mon City Council! That's an eternity for IL Legislative Dems to gerrymander. It's more like 36 minutes for the public to review a legislative map.” 

The Illinois Commerce Commission on Monday announced the addition of a new 861 area code in Western Illinois, set to come online by early 2023. It will overlap with the 309 area code, which covers large portions of northwestern and northcentral Illinois. 

Farmers in Lake, Boone and McHenry counties are eligible for benefits following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s issuance of a disaster declaration for losses caused by freezing that occurred between May 5 and May 30 of this year, according to an announcement from the Illinois Department of Agriculture on Monday. A “Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide emergency loans to producers recovering from natural disasters,” according to the announcement. More information is available online.