Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted “gun control measures have passed the Illinois House and now head to the Governor’s desk!” 

Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) tweeted a video from the House floor.  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted “Well, the Speaker reconvened the House in Springfield today to consider an energy bill & we are all here waiting and no bill.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted an image of the vote board on the elected school board bill, adding, “I can’t tell you how much effort and organizing and fight I’ve put into this over the last 10 years. So ready to see this happen!!” 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted a video of him speaking on the House floor about the elected school board bill.  

Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Wednesday that would make June 19, known as Juneteenth, a state holiday. Under HB 3922, which takes effect Jan. 1, Juneteenth will be a paid holiday for state workers and public education employees. The first paid holiday for Juneteenth will be in 2023.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “So all water projects have stopped because of ‘litigation;’ however, the state statute says [The Chicago Department of Water Management] could have continued under these exemptions. As a result, thousands of families have had to live & drive on incomplete & unsurfaced roads collapsing onto the previous work.” 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “To those believing the false narrative Chicago has done “nothing” to properly honor DuSable, a friendly reminder: a High School, Museum, City Harbor, Park & Michigan Ave. Bridge have all been named in his honor. The site where he first settled is also a National Historic Landmark” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) shared a Sun-Times story on the Illinois House passing the bill for a fully elected Chicago school board and tweeted, “Finally.” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) retweeted a tweet from Senn High School about its first Pride Walk and wrote, “Love to see it! Happy Pride to [Senn High School] and other students in the community.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “We need Community Oversight of the police - if you agree as well, sign up to speak or submit public comment for the Committee Meeting on Public Safety where there will be a vote this week. #ECPSNow” 

The Cook County Forest Preserve District will host a Juneteenth celebration at the Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The event will include storytelling, “migration stories,” “Dances of West Africa” and a history lesson on Chicago’s Black history by TikTok historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas. 

The Chicago Department of Planning and Development selected developer The Community Builders as the winner of its C40 Reinventing Cities competition to redevelop a city-owned property at the corner of Van Buren Street and Plymouth Court. The developer will build a 20-story, 207-unit affordable apartment building on the site, becoming the “first net-zero, all-affordable high-rise" in the city’s history, according to a Tuesday announcement. The Community Builders will buy the site from the city for $1 before undertaking the $102 million development. Designed by Studio Gang, the building will achieve LEED Zero Energy Certification. 

COVID-19 cases per capita dropped by half or more in most Midwest states between June 1 and June 15, the Chicago Department of Public Health announced Tuesday. New cases fell in Indiana from 7.9 per 100,000 residents to 4.8 during the two-week period. At the same time, the metric fell from 7.9 to 2.6 per 100,000 in Michigan, 7.3 to 2.7 in Illinois, from 4.3 to 1.8 in Wisconsin and from 3.7 to 2.5 in Iowa. The health department dropped all remaining states from its Emergency Travel Order earlier this month. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) wrote in his most recent newsletter that he continues “to grieve the loss of Kevin Clark, a beloved actor, musician, and neighbor who was killed while cycling in a tragic crash at Western and Logan.” La Spata said hopes "years of inaction begin to end this week with an intergovernmental meeting...with the 32nd ward, as well as Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago), Sen. Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) and [Cook County] Commissioner Bridget Degnen (D-12).” 

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted in a thread “Today, as Chairwoman of the Committee on Workforce Development, I presided over sending the Worker Protection Ordinance and the Hotel Worker Right to Return to Work Ordinance to the floor of the City Council. These ordinances represent huge wins for Chicago workers...”

Ald. George Cardenas (12) shared a WBEZ article about Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s criticism of Chicago police for arresting people in possession of guns. “So if you are a felon with a previous gun rap does that count?” Cardenas tweeted. “Cause that’s what they been arresting. Possession of a weapon with a prior record of weapon use.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “You don’t get to complain about the cost of changing signs for DuSable Drive yet stay silent on the $800,000,000 we have paid out in police misconduct settlements. #ECPSNow” 

Cook County Comm. Dennis Deer (D-2) wrote in his latest newsletter that he and his colleagues “have schedule events all week long, Virtual and In-Person, at Malcolm X College” in honor of Juneteenth. The schedule of events is on Juneteenth Illinois’ website. 

Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) announced he will host a virtual news conference at 11 a.m. next Monday, June 21 alongside Virginia state legislator Danica Roem to advocate Morrison’s proposed ordinance (21-2215) requiring gender-inclusive language to be printed on county documents.

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) said Tuesday he had promoted Tiffany Moy to be his new chief of staff. Moy, who is the first person of color in her new post, most recently worked as Welch’s issues development director. Moy takes over for Jessica Basham, who served as former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s final chief of staff. 

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted a video update about the omnibus energy bill.  

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) shared a video update on Facebook about the energy bill.  

Bryant also tweeted “As I entered the Capitol this morning there were 4 adult tourists trying to enter the north entrance. They were stopped by security and told admittance to the public will not be permitted until next Monday. Hello, we are in Phase 5.” 

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Riverwoods) tweeted an image from a Flag Day event she attended. 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted images from a tour she did of a school in her district.  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted images from a clean energy rally outside the Capitol.  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted a poll asking people whether he should support “clean energy legislation” on Wednesday.

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted images from over the weekend when she participated in an exhibition with the Japanese Culture Center.  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted images after he visited Uplift High School in his district.  

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) tweeted images after she participated in a Juneteenth flag raising in Chicago.  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted “mark your calendars” for Friday at 1 p.m., when a subject matter hearing on a bill to let undocumented parents vote in school board elections. 

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) responded to a tweet by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, saying “Everyday gun violence is a public health crisis. We must work together for strong, comprehensive, and meaningful policy change.”

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted “the fact that many opponents of #CriticalRaceTheory are just in 2021 finding out that #CriticalRaceTheory even exists, legitimizes the existence of #CriticalRaceTheory.”  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “This week the Illinois legislature has the opportunity to pass a historic energy bill that prioritizes climate & equity for communities like mine, putting IL at the forefront of renewable energy generation. The time has come to move our state forward.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) retweeted a Sun-Times story about a proposal for the city to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday next year and wrote, “City Council approves official city holidays, not the mayor.” 

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted a photo of himself with two 22nd Ward residents in Daley Plaza celebrating Juneteenth.  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted That feeling when the Red Line [CTA] sits idle for 35 minutes as a baseball game lets out. Total incompetence two nights in a row. Pathetic and wrong. Figure it out.” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) in his most recent newsletter wrote that his ward office will resume in-person work June 21.  “We will be in person Monday through Thursday the week of the 21st, and begin in-person work Monday through Friday starting June 28th,” Cappleman wrote. 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted a video of the Juneteenth Flag that was raised in Daley Plaza on Monday.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events on Monday announced a slew of new cultural events scheduled for this summer around the city. Included in the new events is a nine-part series called “House City” to celebrate the neighborhoods in which House music was created. Also on tap is one week’s worth of “Taste of Chicago To-Go” pop-up events, more than 25 “community meals,” and two celebrations for Latinx and World Music. Also set for this summer is “a unique mash-up of public art and dance at Lurie Garden in Millennium Park.” According to Lightfoot’s office, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is lifting capacity restrictions for programs and advance registration will no longer be required. The full announcement is online.

The Shriver Center on Poverty Law will host a virtual roundtable discussion at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the city's COVID-19 recovery and a proposed guaranteed income pilot program. The panel will be moderated by Shriver Center CEO Audra Wilson and will feature Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36), Equity and Transformation director Richard Wallace, Heartland Alliance president Evelyn Diaz and Economic Security for Illinois director Harish Patel. Viewers can access the Zoom meeting via this link.

The Chicago Community Trust has issued an "open call" for "ideas that can advance public policies to address systemic inequities contributing to the racial and ethnic wealth gap in the Chicago region." The "ongoing idea solicitation program," with no posted deadline, is looking for pitches that "build public knowledge and public will," "bolster the policy ecosystem" or "advance policy and systems change." Winning applicants could receive grants of between $25,000 and $75,000. Applications instructions and other information on the open call are listed on the Chicago Community Trust's website.

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted an image after he attended an event hosted by U.S. Rep. Danny Davis. 

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted images from a Sunday ceremony honoring a World War I veteran who was lost at sea.  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted images from a new market in her district.  

The state Capitol and Stratton office building will be open to the public beginning June 21. Public tours will resume that day as well. Members of the public who have not been vaccinated will be required to wear masks or maintain social distancing in the building while vaccinated individuals can be unmasked and gather normally.

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted at Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) regarding a poll that found a lack of support for renaming Lake Shore Drive: "At first you were only opposed because your constituents would have to change their addresses. Now that that’s not the case you come up with some paid survey to tell you what you want to hear. Common Brian."

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted about MALDEF's lawsuit against the state's new legislative maps: "MALDEF has a track record. Much to be said about the process."

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) shared photos in her latest newsletter of a "cleanup with West Eldson residents on #WorldEnvironmentDay2021."

Ald. Walter Burnett (27) shared photos in his latest newsletter from the groundbreaking ceremony for the 500-car Plumbers Local 130 UA Union Parking Garage at 1341 W. Randolph St.

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) shared a petition calling on the Chicago Park District to add "life rings" at beaches, tweeting, "There shouldn’t have to be a petition for this but here we are."

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted an excerpt from an article in The Daily Line with his quotes on police oversight.

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter that developer Pacific Reach Properties incorporated his feedback into its proposal to build a pair of apartment towers combining for 1,053 new units at 601 W. Monroe St.

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that his office is "focusing on maintaining and expanding pedestrian and bike safety at intersections that have experienced the highest number of crashes and complaints."

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) wrote in her latest newsletter that "the Illinois Department of Aging has secured additional funds to fully staff our City Ombudsman program AND has agreed to cease their plans to privatize it."

Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) used his latest newsletter to promote a virtual conversation he had with county board President Toni Preckwinkle and Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) about the county's Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance, which went into effect on June 1.

City leaders announced they will host a concert event with hip hop group SaveMoney at Chicago State University on July 1 as part of the Protect Chicago Music Series to encourage city residents to get vaccinated. Tickets will only become available to people who book vaccination appointments at the university between Monday and Thursday this week, and starting Friday tickets will become available to anyone else who can demonstrate they are fully vaccinated. Separately, the city will give away 1,200 free single-day Lollapalooza passes to people who sign up to get vaccinated at a city site.

The groups People for Community Recovery and Preservation Chicago will host a news conference and rally at 10 a.m. Monday at 839 E 132nd St. in opposition to "recently revealed plans from Chicago Public Schools to demolish an historic building in Altgeld Gardens at the end of this month." Residents are "concerned about environmental hazards during demolition, and want to see the building renovated for community use, especially for veterans programs or a much needed grocery store," according to a news release.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced The Central City Recovery Roadmap Thursday, meant to “activate streets for maximum citizen engagement” and encourage citizens to visit downtown now that the COVID-19 pandemic is receding. The map, in the works since late last year, emphasizes public transit, new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and planning for new traffic patterns. In a statement, Lightfoot said, "From introducing a new set of street activations to get residents outdoors and encourage them to support our businesses to working closely with scores of civic organizations and other stakeholders to ensure a solid recovery, our city is more than prepared to welcome residents and visitors alike back to a thriving downtown.” The city is also partnering with organizations like the Chicago Loop Alliance and the Magnificent Mile Association to sponsor a series of programs meant to invite citizens back to downtown — including “family activities, Instagrammable installations, dining, and shopping,” per a news release. 

The Metropolitan Planning Council is hosting a series of events titled Drinking 123 Academy, on water affordability, lead service lines and climate change planning. The series will take place between June 17 and July 17. The first event on June 17 covers water affordability including rate development and “identifying water burdened customers.” The second, titled “Accelerating Climate Action,” will focus on the launch of the Chicago Metropolitan Region’s Climate Action Plan and is slated for July 13. The final event, set to focus on lead service lines, will look at the prospects for replacing lead service lines in the city. It will take place July 17.  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted images from a recent tour he did of the Indian Ridge and Big Marsh River.  

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted an article about the Walker’s Bluff casino project advancing, saying it was “great news for Southern Illinois.” 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted an image of him “standing in solidarity” with union workers as they bargain with the University of Chicago Medicine.  

Sen. Sara Feigenhotlz (D-Chicago) tweeted images from an event she attended when she signed a pride mural. 

Rep. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) is set to host an event celebrating fathers on June 12 at 1 p.m. in her district. 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) and Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) engaged in an exchange on Twitter about the forthcoming energy legislation. Guzzardi said he would vote against a bill that provided a carve out for Prairie State Energy Campus. In response, Wilhour said “North Shore & Gold Coast leftists” like Guzzardi and Gov. JB Pritzker could “care less about working families.”  

Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Riverwoods) will hold a virtual job expo on June 17 that will feature 15 employers. Advance registration is required. 

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) and Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) will host a virtual town hall on June 12 at 6 p.m. to reflect on the legislature’s work during the 2021 session.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources on Thursday announced summer fishing clinics in Southern Illinois. The clinics will be held East St. Louis, Alton, Carbondale, Godfrey, Mt. Vernon, Collinsville, Wood River, Grafton, Centralia, Bethalto, Edwardsville and Jerseyville. The agency has more information about the summer programs, some of which continue through August, on its website.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) invited people to participate in ComEd's summer STEM Home Labs youth mentoring program.

Ald. Sophia King (4) posted a photos in her latest newsletter of a groundbreaking event for a new clubhouse and amenity center for the Prairie Shores housing complex.

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), Ald. Matt Martin (42) Ald. Maria Hadden (49) and Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) all tweeted that they were proud to be among nine aldermen who received 100 percent scores from the Illinois Environmental Council. 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) shared a Washington Post article about higher Uber surge prices, tweeting, "While you’re getting gouged by Uber 'surge pricing' chew on this…"

Ald. Michele Smith (43) promoted the kickoff of Lincoln Park Summer Sundaes on Clark Street starting this Sunday.

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) shared a schedule of community meetings he plans to host over the weekend related to local projects.

Certain Chicago museums will be open Friday evening to celebrate the city’s transition into Phase Five of its coronavirus response. In a statement, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, "one of the best ways we can celebrate our city's reopening is by spending time at our renowned museums, which have undergone so many challenges over the course of this past year." The Field Museum, The Shedd Aquarium, The Museum of Science and Industry, The DuSable Museum and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture will all be open for extended hours on Friday. Under Phase Five, all museums will be able to operate without capacity limits.