Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “The Department of Water Management has installed a new water main and will be resurfacing the street on the alley east of Drexel Blvd from 42nd Place to 43rd Street, and on Ellis Ave from 41st Place to 43rd Street. Contact our office if you have any questions.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “We demand that the City use funding from the American Rescue Act to address systemic inequities in Chicago’s water bills.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Our Chicago Coalition Map is the only map drafted by alderpersons that follows the U.S. Census data and has been publicly released to help spur a transparent and open conversation on Chicago's next ward map.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) shared a Crain’s article and tweeted “With compromise and real discussions about redistricting, we can pass a map that will reflect the diversity of this great city.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) in a thread tweeted “Today, with the help of @ChicagoDFSS, @AllChicago_MHH and neighbors with Rogers Park Solidarity Network we helped match 19 houseless neighbors with homes.”  

Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) tweeted “Today, my colleagues and I unanimously voted to pass Cook County Government's 2022 Budget. This is not just a budget for today or for next year, it is a budget that sets the stage for tangible change for years to come. I am proud to be an aye vote.” 

Cook County Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) tweeted “We just passed a balanced 2022 Cook County budget. We do not cut services or raise taxes or fees – and we make historic investments in mental health care, small businesses, and infrastructure.”

The Chicago Department of Transportation added new wayfinding signage to the underground Pedway system, officials announced Thursday. The “interim signage” is the “first step in a longer-term comprehensive wayfinding project to make it easier for people to navigate the Pedway,” according to a news release from the department.

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) will take over a DJ set for the “Spinning for a Cause” event at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Delilah’s bar in Lincoln Park to support the Wrightwood Neighbors Association, the they announced. 

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) shared photos of herself speaking at the new Cook County Health Center in Belmont Cragin and wrote, “This is a transformative project that will bring accessible health care to the Belmont-Cragin community and surrounding areas. @CookCtyHealth will serve any & all people who walk in the door, and provide one-stop health care services.” 

Rep. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted of a trail project at Sahara Woods State Recreation Area, “IDNR has assured me this project is still moving forward, and while there has been sort of a delay with funding sources, I look forward to seeing the construction move forward. Read my full update here: https://buff.ly/3oGPD5F”  

Rep. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As pandemic and economic woes continue, many Illinoisans live on the edge, choosing between necessities like food, rent or health care. This week is a time to examine the systems that allow too many to go without and focus on ending #HungerAndHomelessness” 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) shared Rep. Delia Ramirez’s (D-Chicago) profile in the Crain’s 40 under 40 and tweeted, “Can't think of a more deserving recipient (no offense to the other 39!). Proud to know @Delia4StateRep — she's taught me everything I know about housing, and has been a true progressive force for change in the House. #RootedAndReady”

Gov. JB Pritzker he will reappoint electrician Mark Chatham to continue to serve on the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board. And he will appoint Ryan Miller, who is Senior Vice President of PNC Bank in Peoria, and Paul Flynn, Business Manager and Financial Secretary for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union #34, to the Tri-County River Valley Development Authority.  

Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) tweeted “During November, we should all remember the great works and untimely death of our 1st Black Mayor, Harold Washington. This tie just jumped out at me this morning and I thought I would honor him and wear it at Council today.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Today I am introducing changes to the @ChicagoCOPA enabling ordinance requiring: 1) the dept to use @ILStatePolice investigatory standards; and 2) prevent the Chief Administrator from issuing decisions posthumously, as they did against Officer Ella French.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Delia Ramirez is a strong voice for our working families in Springfield. She's successfully fought to improve housing, healthcare, education. She's a proven progressive legislator, and I can't wait for her next move.” 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “It’s official: City Council just made dogs in taverns the law of the land.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The gang database has been so harmful and we need to see a clear and fair process laid out for the public before I vote to move this forward.”

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has opened a satellite office at St. Sabina Church in Auburn Gresham as part of her “Black Houses Matter” homeownership preservation campaign, her office announced Wednesday. Pappas’ “goal is to get properties off the Tax Sale list by helping homeowners search for $72 million in available property tax refunds going back 20 years and $43 million in missing exemptions going back four years,” according to the announcement. 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “I was honored to join Oxford Houses for a tour of their homes in Rockford. I am excited about their expanded efforts in growing supportive housing for those in recovery.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Pawnee) shared a tweet from U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) about meeting with leaders of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police and added, “Proud to have a member of Congress who supports and listens to law enforcement.”  

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Honored to have been included in tonight's #MpowerTheNight event and grateful for the support [Metropolitan Family Services] offered my family in its time of need, and for the great support it offers to families in need every day. Thank you for doing the work you do!  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) shared a clip of himself speaking at Gov. JB Pritzker’s bill signing on Tuesday and tweeted, “The Gov. signed the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in IL Act into law, sending a message that IL is ready to be the leader of EV manufacturing.” 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I am proud to support [Nabeela Syed] for IL-51. She is a skilled organizer and strategist who knows what it takes to win difficult elections. With her community roots and driven energy, Nabeela is exactly the candidate that Democrats need to win the 51st District.”

The Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership will host its Dawn Clark Netsch Policy Forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday to “learn how we can combat public health disparities in Illinois.” Panelists will include Kathy Chan of Cook County Health, Illinois Department of Public Health director Ngozi Ezike and Dr. Vidya Sundareshan of Southern Illinois University Medicine to “discuss COVID-19, maternal health, the opioid crisis, and beyond.” Online registration is required. 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Bingo and pumpkin pie with my seniors. They are awesome and I love spending time with them during the holidays. #dontforgetourseniors”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “In his CPD resignation form, Catanzara once again shows he's a far-right extremist man-child unfit for leadership or public service. Chicago needs leaders that bring all neighborhoods together to act on our city's shared progressive values.”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “These past two weekends, schools in our ward, LaSalle Language Academy, Lincoln Elementary and Francis Parker School, hosted vaccine clinics. We are proud to report around 1,400 kids received their first dose of the COVID vaccine. A big thanks to our provider Instavaxx!” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Having 7 siblings with very different religious and political beliefs helped me accept others who are different from me. Vive la difference!” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a story from Chicago Magazine and tweeted “This Thursday we will start the Accelerated Housing Event, or Rapid Rehousing; where those that apply should have permanent homes within two to four weeks thanks to funds from the federal CARES Act.

The Metropolitan Planning Council’s Board of Governors announced their selection of Darlene Hightower as the organization’s new president and CEO. Hightower is currently vice president of community health equity at Rush University Medical Center. She will take over in January following the retirement of previous CEO Mary Sue Barrett. 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday nominated Kenneth Meyer to serve as the next permanent commissioner of the city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Meyer has worked for the city for more than 25 years and began serving as the department’s interim commissioner since former Comm. Rosa Escareño retired in July. Prior to being named interim commissioner, Meyer served as first deputy commissioner of the department since 2016. Meyer also served as chief of staff for the city’s Department of Buildings. His nomination is subject to City Council approval. 

Separately on Tuesday, Lightfoot officially nominated Erin Harkey as the next commissioner of the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. If confirmed by City Council, Harkey would replace former Comm. Mark Kelly, who retired this fall. Prior to her nomination, Harkey has worked for the city for five years beginning as projects administrator, then deputy commissioner for programming and finally, Kelly has served as first deputy commissioner of the department since 2021. 

Finally on Tuesday, Lighfoot nominated Andrea Kersten to serve as the next Chief Administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). Kersten has served as COPA’s interim chief administrator since former Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts resigned in the spring. Kersten has also served as deputy chief and chief of Investigative Operations. Lightfoot’s nomination is proving controversial though, as 19 aldermen sent a letter to Lightfoot on Tuesday saying they are “dismayed, disheartened and outraged” over a report recently released by COPA recommending a three-day suspension for the late police officer Ella French who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year. The report was released under Kersten and aldermen wrote in the letter that they are “vehemently opposed” to her nomination as COPA chief administrator. 

Sen. Dale Fowler (R- Harrisburg) posted on Facebook: "Over the weekend I had the pleasure of helping to host several members of the Illinois Black Caucus on a tour of Cairo, Illinois. We had a full schedule and were able to discuss several topics that are important to revitalizing Cairo."

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, "Illinois will receive $17 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. With this critical funding paired with the work already done in the state legislature, Illinois remains a leader for the nation in a clean energy economy."

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, "Had the opportunity to represent [the National Conference of State Legislatures] at the White House for the official signing of the federal infrastructure bill. Our state is expected to get at least $17 billion for projects."

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, "Marijuana has been a huge revenue generator for Illinois, already surpassing liquor tax revenue this year. Proud to cut the ribbon at Sunnyside Dispensary in #Wrigleyville this morning which will be a huge tourism attraction just blocks from Wrigley Field. #cannabis"

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, "Forcing Illinoisans to choose between the vaccine or lose their job is a fundamental attack on our families and our liberties. If you agree Illinois should join other states and sue the Feds, sign our petition! #governmentoverreach"

Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) will host a virtual town hall event at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The event will "feature expert mental health advocates representing The Kennedy Forum, NAMI DuPage and NAMI Chicago, and serve as an opportunity for residents to become more understanding and knowledgeable on how to identify and care for those going through anxiety," according to an announcement. Online registration is required.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted, "Congratulations to John Catanzara on his retirement. I don’t know if you did the most to discredit and bring shame on your profession, but you certainly tried!"

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza shared a news release that noted her "praising the results of the Illinois Solar for All Program (ILSFA) that scored a proposed solar generation project in South Deering as the highest among all Low-Income Community Solar applicants for the 2021-22 program year."

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, "Chicago’s hearts and prayers should join all @cta employees after seeing the horrific stabbing attack unfold on video. We must make sure our public infrastructure is safe for users & employees."

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33)shared a Tribune article about Fraternal Order of Police president John Catanzara retiring and tweeted, "It’s amazing that this man gets to retire without any accountability for all the harm he has caused. It’s disgraceful."

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, "Congratulations to the first cohort of @BlackBenchChi Excited for your continued leadership!"

As of Tuesday, about 90.9 percent of city employees had reported their vaccination status, and 80.3 percent of those reported being fully vaccinated, the Chicago Department of Human Resources announced on Monday. The Chicago Police Department reported 81.6 percent compliance with the city's reporting requirements, and the Chicago Fire Department 94.9 percent, both representing steady upticks from recent weeks.

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) wrote in a press release that he is launching a new campaign called “#ChildrenCarryOn” that is “aimed at supporting parents and Chicago Public School children that will celebrate their resilience and provide resources to support the vaccination campaign in local schools.” 

Rep. Micheal Zalewski (D-Riverside) quoted an editorial saying “But if he’s re-elected, Pritzker will almost certainly ask legislators for a big increase, probably from 4.95 to roughly 7 percent” and then added, “Uh, why is this almost certain? It’s almost certain it won’t happen.”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) posted on Facebook, “We just wrapped up a very successful senior fair in Crystal Lake....The line for booster shots and flu shots was steady throughout the event. Thanks to Walgreens and IEMA for making these vaccinations available this morning.” 

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) posted on Facebook, “I had the opportunity to tour RJF Ceramics in Mounds Illinois. The company produces ceramic and resin lamps and lighting fixtures....Southern Illinois Made!!They are in great need of employees, anyone interested in their company can visit RJFCeramics.com for more information.”  

Sen. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) shared a Wall Street Journal article about President Joe Biden picking former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to oversee spending of federal infrastructure dollars and tweeted, “Stellar move by @POTUS. @MitchLandrieu knows about recovery & rebuilding. Great choice to help the country #BuildBackBetter”

Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) will join Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) and Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) for a town hall event at Elgin Community College at 6 p.m. on Wednesday to “provide a short summary on key issues, and then open up the event to questions from the audience.” 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter that “Including Officer French in the recently released report from COPA was unnecessary salt in the wounds felt by those who served with her. The message that COPA is sending to officers is that even in death your reputation is not safe. It’s outrageous and does not represent the values of Chicagoans. Anybody who has an excuse for an agency that recommends a three day suspension to an officer killed in the line of duty needs a reality check.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted, “Join me in making a contribution to re-elect a champion of the working class and a devoted servant to his constituents - Commissioner Brandon Johnson”  

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) wrote in his latest newsletter, “It is appropriate that the Board President, Avis LaVelle, resigned from the board, but we still need to work for justice for these young women -- victims of abuse and harassment that goes back decades. The Cook County States Att orne y must fully investigate and prosecute on behalf of the victims. We still need accountability throughout the Park District, new leadership, new supervisors, as well as real changes to policies and procedures that ensure the safety of all lifeguards, and all workers within the Park District system.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) shared a Tribune article on Fraternal Order of Police president John Catanzara facing a termination hearing and tweeted, “Chicago has been ready for this man to resign.” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted a statement about how to help “someone stuck in the cycle of chronic homelessness.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that he last week “held the first of several CPS mental health listening sessions with administrators and mental health professionals from our local CPS schools..In addition to continuing this conversation with local educators, I will be working with my aldermanic colleagues and CPS officials to identify and secure additional mental health resources.

The Chicago Department of Public Health released its “hyperlocal vaccine event calendar” for this week, including dozens of pop-up vaccination clinics at local health clinics and Chicago Public Schools around the city. The full list of sites is available online.

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) wrote in a news release that the soon-to-be-signed federal infrastructure package is set to deliver $17 billion in funding to Illinois. “"t is the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and will boost our economy by creating millions of jobs,” Welch wrote. “This bill is also a major step forward in the fight against climate change, and paired with the work already done in the state legislature, Illinois remains a leader for the nation in a clean energy economy." 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, Did you know that we have the @NVAMChicago in the 20th District??? In observance of #VeteransDay, I had the honor presenting a certificate of recognition from the Senate & taking in the artistic expressions of veterans processing their experiences & who served in combat. 

Sen. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted about a virtual job fair he will host next Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. 

Senate Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted, “For Veteran's Day - a pic of the Senate Republican Caucus veterans! From the left Sen. @jasonbarickman staffers Jon Wygant, Noah Finley, Gabby Garza, Sens. @JasonPlummerUSA, Craig Wilcox and then me down in front. Thank you for your service! 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Had a great meeting with the new pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Pastor Williams! I truly believe the great legacy of Pilgrim is in good hands! Looking forward to his installation service on December 12th.”

Health News Illinois will host an in-person panel event at 8:30 a.m. next Tuesday at MATTER in the Merchandise Mart to discuss “health care workforce challenges” and how the industry can address worker shortages. The panel will include Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview), Edward Hospital CEO Joe Dart, LeadingAge Illinois CEO Angela Schnepf and Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois CEO Marvin Lindsey.