The Chicago Department of Public Health added five states and two territories to the city’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory, meaning unvaccinated travelers from every state except Vermont are now being asked to get a COVID test or quarantine for 10 days after arriving in Chicago. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, the District of Columbia and Guam were added to the list because their average daily new cases exceeded 15 per 100,000 residents. The U.S. average daily case rate per 100,000 residents is 39, an increase from 37.5 a week ago. 

The Metropolitan Planning Council will host its annual event, titled “Better//Together: Ingredients for an Equitable Recovery” at noon on Sept. 21. Online registration is required.  

Good Government Illinois’ virtual discussion of the Cook County Board of Review and the county’s tax system has been rescheduled to 7 p.m. next Thursday, Sept. 9. Good Government Illinois director David Orr and Alisa Kaplan of Reform for Illinois will moderate the panel discussion, which will feature former Cook County Board of Ethics member Juliet Sorensen, University of Chicago Center for Municipal Finance's Christopher Berr, and Blacks In Green's Naomi Davis. Online registration is required. 

Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) wrote in a Facebook post, “Gone but not forgotten: Fred Hampton was just 21 years old when he was assassinated during a police raid in 1969. However, his legacy of activism and working toward social change will live on forever.” 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) wrote in a Facebook post, “We were happy to join students and staff at John Palmer Elementary School in Chicago for a #BackToSchool bash today! Students had the opportunity to receive the supplies they need for a successful school year.” 

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted, “Another redistricting hearing. Another sham process. The politicians are in charge folks. The people be damned.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted. “Tonight's redistricting quotable: ‘He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.’” 

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) tweeted, “Constituents voiced their concern about kids having to walk in the street to get to and from school. Under a new measure signed into law today, @IDOT_Illinois will be required to provide funding to create additional infrastructure.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced he will send a “46-member Urban Search and Rescue Team” to Louisiana to “aid with water rescues” from flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The team left from Wheeling Monday morning. All costs incurred by the deployment will be paid for by Louisiana, officials said. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Biking is one of the cheapest, healthiest, and most sustainable ways to get around. My office and I use experience biking around to fight for better infrastructure, so that other residents can choose to bike around the 1st Ward & City, too.” 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “It’s the first day back at school! Wishing good luck to all our returning students, teachers and families.” 

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “ANNOUNCEMENT: The Latino Caucus is excited to open the 2022 CLCF Leadership Academy application process. Apply today for our leadership program intended to highlight Chicago’s Latinx rising stars. Applications are due 10/1/2021 by 11:59pm CST.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted a copy of a letter addressed to President Joe Biden signed by 17 aldermen saying they welcome Afghan refugees to Chicago. “As a Marine who fought in Desert Shield/Storm, it’s important to ensure that those that assisted the US Government not be left behind. We cannot turn our back on our allies. Chicago stands ready to assist with the relocation of Afghans seeking refuge in the US,” Villegas wrote.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Help us convince the [Chicago Park District] that Chicago residents deserve life rings and water safety signage at the lake. We’ve been demanding life rings for a couple of years and they keep telling us their lawyers say they’re concerned with liability. We’re concerned with saving lives.” Hadden also included a video explaining her efforts. 

Cook County Board Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) tweeted “I denounce Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara for his consistent, deplorable, and hateful remarks. Hate has no place in public discourse. Mr. Catanzara must resign.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health released its hyperlocal vaccine event calendar for the next week, with more than two dozen citywide locations through Friday — mostly at Chicago Public Schools buildings, City Colleges campuses or city health clinics. The full schedule of vaccine events is published online. As of Monday, just over 55 percent of Chicago residents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and about 61 percent had received at least one dose, according to the health department’s COVID dashboard.

Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is scheduled to host a webinar at 10 a.m. Tuesday on the Expedited Restaurant Licensing pilot program meant to help fill vacant restaurant space throughout the city more quickly. Registration for the one-hour webinar is available online.

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted “What a great back to school giveaway and celebration. Come on out to Blackhawk Boys & Girls club park. Thank you to our great community leaders for providing a great opportunity for our community. Come on out until 6 PM.” 

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted “Yep, a @Wallys_USA stop on the way home from Sunday morning House Redistricting Committee hearing in Aurora.” 

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted “Hey Batavia, it's cooler today with a nice breeze! Come on down to Windmill City Festival and visit with us! We're here again with our friends from MomsDemand talking safe gun storage and listening to some great live music! We'd love to see you! #BeSMART“ 

Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) tweeted her satellite office hours for the week.  

Gov. JB Pritzker’s office on Friday announced the home areas of the final winners of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery. The two $1 million winners were from Bloomington and Rolling Meadows, while $150,000 scholarships were awarded to 17 residents from Algonquin, Alton, Aurora, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Cook County, Douglas County, Franklin County, Hancock County, Joliet, Kendall County, two residents of Lake County, McHenry County, Peoria County and two Rockford residents.  

Pritzker on Friday ordered all agencies covered by the state’s Flag Display Act to fly flags at half-staff in honor of University of Illinois police officer Lt. Aaron Landers, who was killed in a traffic crash on Aug. 23. Flags will remain lowered until Aug. 31 at sunset.  

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted, "is there even one American today who is unaware that their government wants everyone to get vaccinated? Yet millions don’t fully understand the functional difference between a KN95 and a bandana over your mouth. Public health messaging is stuck, it’s failing us when we need it"

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) shared an article about improvements at Margaret Hie Ding Lin Park.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Great turnout this morning for @ChicagoREALTORS Foundation 5K! I miss running these events throughout the city.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted, “Calling on Chicago's working people to come show support with striking Nabisco workers! These courageous workers are confronting the corporate greed bankrupting our communities 24/7 at Kedzie and 73rd Street, Chicago. #ChicagoIsAUnionTown #NoContractNoSnacks” 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter that a “final status meeting” is scheduled for Wednesday on the city’s “public nuisance disciplinary case” against Eurostar Magnificent Mile Hotel at 660 N. State St.  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that he “met with several shared kitchens operators to discuss an ordinance I recently introduced aimed at preventing the traffic and parking problems our community has endured near Rockwell and Berteau from occurring at future shared kitchens locations.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) announced she will host a “free workshop on how to appeal your property tax assessment through the Board of Review” alongside Board of Review Comm. Michael Cabonargi (D-2), Cook County Comm. Larry Suffredin (D-13) and Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago). 

Chicago Public Schools released an announcement reminding parents that masks will be required for all students when classes resume on Monday. Parents will be asked to “run through these health questions” every morning before sending their kids to school. “Look for a form to come home with your students next week regarding your cooperation with this practice, which must be signed and returned to the school by Friday, September 3,” the announcement said. More information is available on CPS' back-to-school website.

Monday is the last day to apply for the Chicago Community Works Challenge, which is offering up to $1.5 million each for "neighborhood improvement projects involving libraries, parks, schools, vacant lots, and other public facilities." Any Chicago resident may submit an idea, which will be "evaluated based on feasibility, need and potential impact." More information is available online.

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted “I am devastated that 12 U.S. service members have been killed in a targeted attack in Kabul. The men and women of our armed forces put their lives in harms way to serve and protect our nation. We must always remember their commitment and sacrifice."

Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) wrote on Facebook “My heart goes out to the 12 U.S. service members who were killed in horrific bombings in Kabul. The men and women of our armed forces give up many of the luxuries that we take for granted in order to protect our nation’s freedom. We must never forget the sacrifices they make for all of us."

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) issued a statement after the Illinois Department of Employment Security recently said it would restart in-person services in his district.  

Officials from the Illinois Senate said Thursday anyone that planning to attend next week’s special session will need to take a PCR COVID-19 test 72 hours beforehand.  

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) and the Secretary of State’s office will offer services to residents at her Maryville district office on Sept. 14.  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) appointed Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) to the Illinois Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Yesterday our office assisted our Judge Green seniors in getting their food boxes with the Good Food For All program. Anyone can pickup a box of food every Wednesday.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Every day is #NationalDogDay for me!” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Proud to support the senior US Senator from Illinois, @SenatorDurbin, this morning on a zoom fundraiser. He is doing a great job in bringing resources back to Illinois.”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “I can't stay mute in the face of the comment by the head of the @FOP7Chicago. Apologize, retract the statement, and resign. You are not fit to represent the fine officers of the Chicago Police with whom we work everyday." 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “1 in 7 students in CPS experience homelessness. As students head back-to-school, we must ensure that all of our students have access to a high quality learning experience -- and that means ensuring families can find and keep a home in Chicago.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office is partnering with local aldermen to hold a virtual community town hall at 6 p.m. Wednesday “to discuss the co-responder alternative dispatch program that will be piloted in the 19th police district,” according to information in the latest newsletters from multiple aldermen. The 19th district covers the 1st, 2nd, 32nd, 40th, 43rd, 44th, 46th and 47th wards, according to the registration page for the virtual town hall. 

All September City Council committee meetings that had been scheduled to be held in-person in Council Chambers were changed to virtual meetings as of Thursday. Amended notices of the meeting changes were posted on Legistar where it appeared at least four committees had previously been scheduled to meet in-person next month.

Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez’s office took down its website for maintenance following “breach” earlier this month, officials announced Thursday. The county’s Bureau of Technology is making “software and other technology upgrades that will bring the website up-to-date for its software, security and technology,” officials said, adding that they expect the website “will be fully functional within the next few weeks.”

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted images after she toured Advocate Health’s new pediatric development center.  

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted “IDES, the unemployment office, announces today that they will begin the phased restoration of in-person, appointment-only meetings starting Thursday, August 26th… ABOUT TIME!!  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted “This week I met with Jacki Gomez, executive director for Hispanic American Construction Industry Association @HACIAworks and Juan Calahorrano to talk about serving minority own businesses in my district. Making sure everyone has opportunities will enrich the Illinois economy.” 

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) wrote on Facebook “Thanks to CL PAC for inviting me to their first ever golf outing! I may not be able to swing a golf club but with your support we can make sure we keep swinging our policies left. Thanks to everyone who came out in this hot sunny day. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) on Wednesday appointed former appellate court Judge Marcus Salone to serve on the Legislative Ethics Commission’s search committee to find Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope’s replacement.  

Officials from the Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Wednesday the department will begin returning to in-person operations through a phased in approach starting Aug. 26. In-person appointments will be available for the agency’s offices in Rockford, Harvey, Champaign and Mt. Vernon. To schedule an appointment, the public should call the IDES Scheduling Hotline at 217-558-0401. Officials said additional IDES offices are expected to reopen in the coming weeks.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted information about a “Back to School Celebration” his office is helping to host at 10 a.m. Saturday at 2300 W. Potomac Ave.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted a community alert about information on recent burglaries in the police department’s 2nd District. 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “The city renewed a contract with Shot spotter wasting millions of $ we could use towards violence prevention.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) in an email blast reminded residents that the 40th Ward budget survey is closing soon. “What are your biggest priorities for the City of Chicago's next annual budget? Which services do you use, and which do you want prioritized? How satisfied are you with city service response times?” Vasquez wrote. 

Cook County Board Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) tweeted “Everyone should have equal access to legal representation. I applaud Governor Pritzker for signing HB 2790 into law. The bill allows the Cook County Public Defender's office to represent non-citizens in immigration cases.”

Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) wrote in a news release that he tested positive for COVID-19 and "is experiencing mild symptoms" after having been vaccinated earlier this year. Morrison "is remaining quarantined at home but is continuing his duties remotely and is in regular communication with staff," according to the release.

In celebration of August’s designation as National Black Business Month, Chicago’s Department of Business Protection and Consumer Affairs is hosting a webinar, "Celebrating and Learning from Black-Owned Businesses," beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday. The webinar will be moderated by Kenya Merritt, the city’s chief small business officer. Panelists will include Kimberly Moore, president of KDM Engineering; Vincent William, president and CEO of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council and Trez V. Pugh III, founder and CEO of Sip & Savor Hospitality Group. Registration is available online. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health on Tuesday added four states to its COVID-19 Travel Advisory. Each of the states surpassed 15 new cases per day per 100,000 residents, making 43 states and two territories on the list. Unvaccinated travelers coming from Colorado, Maryland, Nebraska and South Dakota are now required to either quarantine for 10 days or obtain a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving in Chicago. The District of Columbia was moved off the city’s Travel Advisory list this week. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted that he would be at Division & Ashland at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to “chat in-person" about residents’ budget priorities. “It's budget season & I would love to hear from residents about what you would like to see the City's budget go toward,” he wrote. 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted “I’d like to see our public health officials explain how effective universal masking is, at a ratio of one mask message for every 10 reminders that we should get vaccinated if we haven’t yet. Let’s start there.” 

Ald. Michelle Harris (8) shared a CBS story about her “targeting” of “illegal parties” at a Calumet Heights location where a mass shooting occurred. 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Whatever happened to the children in cages at the border ?  This obsession with a country 7k miles away. The Afghan pull out was never going to be smooth, not when they see you as an ATM machine. Too many haters in that region. Who benefited? China, Russia and Irán.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Pass Just Cause! No one should be experiencing no fault evictions (or any evictions!) during this pandemic.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Ald.Sposato gets away with a lot in City Council. His hateful, racist, queer-phobic rhetoric way too many times passes as colorful harmless behavior. Im so tired of his clown act. It’s harmful and it needs to be called out by everyone who hears it.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday and officials from CoinFlip, a cryptocurrency ATM operator, announced the company was moving its 44,000 square-foot headquarters into the Old Post Office in downtown Chicago.  

Nikki Budzinski, a former senior adviser to Pritzker and labor activist, on Tuesday announced she was running for Illinois’ 13th congressional district. Budzinski, a Democrat, is looking to challenge U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.).