Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) included an appreciation in her latest newsletter for the Archer Heights Civic Association’s “graffiti patrol.” 

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) wrote in his latest newsletter that he wants “to see a comprehensive review and revision of the Park District sexual harassment policy, and will review all City of Chicago and Chicago sister agency policies.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted that employer-required vaccination “needs to occur ASAP. Put away the COVID-shot carrots. It's time for some sticks.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) wrote in his latest newsletter that a civilian police oversight commission “represents a much-needed official commitment to police oversight in a city that has been scarred by generations of segregation, racial abuse, police torture and corruption, and the loss of innocent lives to police violence. For Chicago taxpayers, oversight is also a path towards ending the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in police wrongdoing settlements paid out by the City every year.” 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) in his latest newsletter explained his “no” vote for a civilian police oversight commission, writing that he “believes this legislation was well-intended, and thinks there are many opportunities for reform in the Chicago Police Department. However, there are already existing agencies which are tasked with Police oversight, and the Alderman believes those agencies should be improved before adding a new layer of bureaucracy, with significant added expense to taxpayers.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that after standing up the police oversight commission, “we must rapidly ramp up our compliance with the consent decree, expand support for violence-reduction organizations, and stand up a pilot in which crisis workers will be paired with paramedics in responding to mental health calls for service. We're not yet where we want to be, but this oversight board is a critical step in the right direction.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted that she is “Looking forward to reading [a new regional climate action] plan, Chicago will be key in any successful plan which is why I introduced an Order for the City to tell us what funding is necessary to reconstitute a meaningful Dept. of Environment. Chicago can't wait.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health released its “hyperlocal vaccine event” schedule for the coming week, with multiple pop-up vaccination opportunities around the city each day through Friday. The full list of sites is available online. Vaccination appointments can be made online or by calling (312) 746-4835. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted images of him meeting with summer interns from the Maywood Police Department in his district office.  

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) and Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) are set to host a virtual meeting on social justice on July 27 at 5 p.m. Registration is required.   

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) issued a statement Thursday after Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law bill that will expand telehealth in Illinois.  

Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) similarly issued a statement about the new telehealth expansion law.  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted images from Pritzker’s bill signing of a emasure that will allow pharmacists to dispense hormonal contraception in Illinois. 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday more than 1,250 small cities, towns and villages across the state that have not already received aid from the American Rescue Plan Act can apply for their share of $742 million in federal funding available. Municipalities interested in applying for funding from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund must use the money to cover costs incurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first payments are expected to be made in August. Eligible local governments include cities, towns and villages serving populations of less than 50,000 that did not receive direct aid from the American Rescue Plan Act. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted information about a “summer kickback party” with BUILD Chicago scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday near the corner of Division Street and Western Avenue. 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Violence needs to be addressed as the public health crisis it is. We have precious lives to protect. We are fighting for a Public Health approach to safety and we need meaningful investment to make it happen. Let’s fund jobs, social services, #PeaceBook  & #TreatmentNotTrauma” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted information about his birthday fundraiser he is hosting on Aug. 3 on Pilsen Yards’ outdoor patio. 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his most recent newsletter wrote about his vote on Wednesday to support civilian oversight of the Chicago Police Department, writing “Police work is often hurt by lack of community trust, and if residents do not trust the Police, then they will not call CPD when issues arise or not cooperate with investigations. By having dedicated elected officials working to build trust and a new commission that includes more civilian voices, I believe ECPS will have a positive impact to make policing in Chicago more effective and safe for everyone.”   

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted photos of himself at the ribbon cutting for the new pHlour Diner at 1100 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) and Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) will host a “roundtable discussion” at 6 p.m. Tuesday to “discuss the important role an ombudsman plays in overseeing our nursing homes and long-term care facilities.”  Online registration is required. 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted images from his first of several “legislative council meetings” adding he plans on hosting “8 people’s legislative councils, meeting with people who have systemically been silenced in policy-making, such as single moms, longtime residents risk of displacements, those who are differently-abled & more to build a policy agenda that centers their needs.”  

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted he will hold a grand opening for his new district office on July 24.  

Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) tweeted a video of his “latest whiteboard legislative breakdown” about the state’s “crisis in retirement security.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted images from a recent groundbreaking ceremony for a road extension in her district.  

The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program announced Wednesday it will hold a statewide virtual town hall meeting on July 28 to discuss the challenges facing residents living in long-term care facilities in Illinois. Officials from the Illinois Department of Public Health and state long-term care ombudsman Kelly Richards will participate in the town hall. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the forum via Zoom. 

The House Health Care Availability & Accessibility Committee is set to host a subject matter hearing on COVID-19 vaccinations and the Delta variant on Aug. 9 at 10:30 a.m.   

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted two pages of “remarks” on the ordinance establishing civilian oversight of the Chicago Police Department and wrote “Today I voted in SUPPORT of the Civilian Oversight Ord. As a strong supporter of police keeping Chicago safe, it’s imperative that we restore their legitimacy in our communities & end the second-guessing of our officers. I believe this is the best vehicle to accomplish that.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted a “group photo of the #ECPSNow Coalition negotiating team after we reached an agreement with the mayor's office. We were happy.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “We urge Congress to immediately pass an Infrastructure Bill. Let’s Build back better.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “So after we passed Civilian oversight, before the press conference with the Mayor, I had to de-escalate a situation where police officers were screaming at a black man who was protesting. The work isn’t done. The struggle isn’t over. And we aren’t going anywhere but forward.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Today in City Council I was proud to vote for the Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) ordinance, which creates civilian oversight of CPD. ECPS is years in the making and it is the most sweeping ordinance of its kind in the country.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) in a Twitter thread wrote “It took two years longer than I expected, but today the Chicago City Council passed the strongest civilian oversight law in the country”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted a document of carjacking prevention tips and wrote, “There have been several carjackings in the area over the past few days, including in the 50th Ward. The police are investigating and increasing patrols throughout the community to keep us all safe.” 

Members of the City Council Latino Caucus and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights will host a virtual news conference to call on Congress and President Joe Biden to include protections for immigrants into their planned budget reconciliation bill. Their demands include a pathway to citizenship, cutting immigration enforcement spending and a reduction in deportations. The event will be broadcast on the coalition’s Facebook Live page. 

The city's "Meet Me on the Mile" event series will kick off with separate events Thursday afternoon, officials announced. Brian Patti and the Dixieland Dudes will peform from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the 875 North Michigan Avenue’s Garden Plaza, and Mariachi Ameca will perform from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pioneer Court at 401 N. Michigan Ave. The pop-up concerts will take place every other Thursday through Sept. 30.

Max Bever was hired as the new director of public information for the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. Bever was previously deputy director of communications for ACLU of Illinois. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted “I was honored to join @Healthy_ILL today, as they announced their program which will expand healthcare to immigrant seniors, regardless of status.”   

Rep. Jonathan Caroll (D-Northbrook) tweeted “I WAS a huge fan of @benandjerrys until they decided to make unfounded and historically inaccurate comments about Israel. If we want to keep things real, who’s land was their headquarters built on? I’m guessing it wasn’t originally Ben and/or Jerry’s...” 

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted she is hosting a “menstrual product donation drive” between July 26 and Aug. 6.  

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted a video encouraging participation in his July 24  
“Super Shredder Day.” 

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Riverwoods) tweeted images from the “Mundelein Grand Prix.”  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted a reminder to RSVP for a July 29 town hall he is hosting with House Majority Leader Greg Harris (D-Chicago).  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) tweeted images after he recently provided a keynote speech at “Cahokia School District’s Vision and Mission Council Meeting.”  

The Illinois Department of Agriculture on Tuesday announced the winners of two commodity board elections. Jon Rosenstiel, Art Bunting, Ross E. Pauli, Wayne Rosenthal and Dale Handrich were elected to the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and Steve Pitstick, Elliott Uphoff, Matthew J. Murray, L. Brad Daughtery, Brian Atterberry and Nick Harre were elected to the Illinois Soybean Program Operating Board.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Many alds have been begging to be a part of the solution to help vaccinate residents only to be shut out by bureaucrats that know better. Here are their results.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted a thread about Tuesday’s public safety committee meeting and the vote on an ordinance establishing community oversight of the police department and wrote “This is a fundamental step towards transparency and accountability at every level of government. We will urge all council members to vote in favor of this proposal and prioritize allocation of federal funds to address the public health & public safety crisis in our communities.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “The conclusions some of my colleagues are getting to on Police oversight are so wild.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) wrote in a news release that he “filed an ordinance with City Council on Monday that calls for a review of the City’s 311 system, including ‘technical improvements to the system, consultation with members of the City Council, improving accuracy of response times, and creating more transparency for the public users.’” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a Block Club article on Twitter and wrote, “The zoning change for the northernmost 3 acres on St. Scholastica's campus passed the Committee on Zoning today. It will head to the full City Council tomorrow for a final vote. This zoning change will allow the Benedictine Sisters to age in place.” 

Cook County Comm. Dennis Deer (D-2) wrote in his latest newsletter, “If you’re looking for ways to grow your mental health, you might not have to go very far. An ever-growing amount of research has been revealing what humans have known intuitively for years: nature has an incredibly healing effect on our mental health.” 

Comm. Bridget Degnen (D-12) in her latest newsletter shared a video of a “Climate Action Conversation with the Consulate General of Ireland where I shared information on what we are doing at the County to fight climate change.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health added Florida, Louisiana and Nevada to its Travel Advisory on Tuesday, meaning unvaccinated visitors from those states are required to quarantine or seek out COVID-19 tests upon arrival to Chicago. The states were upgraded because their rates of daily new cases exceeded 15 per 100,000 residents. They join Missouri and Arkansas, whose new case rates as of Tuesday were 33.8 and 27.4 out of 100,000, respectively. 

The Cook County Department of Public Health will host three virtual “Ask the Doctor” question-and-answer sessions on COVID-19 and vaccinations during the next week, including two Spanish-language events. The Spanish language session will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday and 6 p.m. Thursday, and health officials will host an English-language session at 7 p.m. next Wednesday, July 28. The sessions will be broadcast on the Cook County Department of Public Health’s Facebook and YouTube pages. 

House Majority Leader Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted a link to Gov. JB Pritzker’s re-election campaign video announcement, saying “Good news! @GovPritzker announces start of his re-election campaign. He strengthened Illinois finances, expanded healthcare, support our immigrant communities, our small businesses and our LGBTQ families. I’m proud to stand with JB!” 

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) tweeted “Save the date for my 12th Annual Back to School event at the Brookfield Zoo on Sunday, Aug. 8.”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted a reminder to her constituents that they can read her newsletters and contact her district office.  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) issued a statement Monday after the recent federal court decision blocking of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program from accepting new applicants.  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) encouraged his constituents on Twitter to join his office for “coffee and conversation” on Saturday.  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted a reminder about a town hall she is hosting on Thursday with Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights).  

Gov. JB Pritzker’s office on Monday announced the hometowns of latest winners for the state’s COVID-19 vaccination lottery. The selected winners, who will receive $100,000 cash prizes, were from Berwyn, Chicago and Joliet, according to a news release from the governor’s office. 

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Participate in the beautification of our community! Ald. [Sophia] King, CDOT and I are co-hosting a virtual community meeting to discuss improvements to major corridors across Bronzeville, including along 43rd St., 47th St. and Cottage Grove Ave.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “$25 Mil paid out in settlements, verdicts, judgements & fees by the City of Chicago. In June. Yes [the Chicago Police Department] has its share but so does [Streets and Sanitation], [the Chicago Water Department] & [Chicago Department of Transportation] for motor vehicle accidents & damage to private party. Tax dollars flying out the door!” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “After a weekend of productive negotiations, we have reached an agreement on a historic, transformative, and balanced civilian oversight ordinance.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) retweeted a statement on the agreement between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Empowering Communities for Public Safety coalition on an ordinance for civilian oversight of the Chicago Police Department and wrote “It took much work and negotiation, but where we have landed is thoughtful, transformative, and does much to improve public safety through policy at the hands of the people.” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Very sad to announce the passing of former 44th Ward Alderman Bernie Hansen yesterday.  Bernie served as Alderman from 1983 until 2003. He oversaw transformational changes in our neighborhood and helped build the thriving community we share today.”

The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association will host a hiring event at Swissotel from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the group announced. The event “will feature opportunities for entry, mid, and senior level workers throughout the industry.”

The Metropolitan Planning Council announced that it will hold its Annual Event virtually this year at 12 p.m. on Sept. 21. The event “will spotlight innovators guiding transformative, equitable, community-centered recovery,” including Vistria Group CEO Martin Nesbitt, according to an event description. Online registration is required. 

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted a photo of a wreath his office placed in honor of Nelson Mandela’s birthday.  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted images of himself at the Chicago Auto Show.  

Rep. Edgard Gonzalez Jr (D-Chicago) tweeted images from an event he attended over the weekend in his district.  

Gov. JB Pritzker announced on Friday the U.S. Small Business Administration’s approval of the state’s request for assistance for people and businesses in DuPage County who were affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred in June. The newly approved declaration by the feds will allow eligible residents and businesses to apply for low-interest, long-term loans. The Pritzker administration said assistance will be available to residents and businesses in DuPage County, as well as those in Cook, Kane, Kendall and Will counties.  

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority on Friday announced the recipients of 21 grants totaling $3.5 million to organizations focused on reducing violence. The grants are funded by revenue generated from the state’s cannabis sales. Recipients include the Bethel Family Resource Center, Boxing Out Negativity, BUILD Incorporated, CircEsteem, Community Assistance Programs, CS Plus X Foundation, Community Development Sustainable Solutions, Free Lunch Academy, GAP Community Center, K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center, Lawndale Christian Legal Center, Lights of Zion Ministries, Quad County Urban League, Reflections Foundation, Restoring the Path, Rincon Family Services, Saving Lives Inc, South Shore Drill Team & Performing Arts Ensemble, Southwest Organizing Project, The Outlet and Youth With a Positive Direction.