The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Wednesday $105.97 million will be awarded to fund 99 projects that will “expand travel options and enhance quality of life in communities.” The newly announced funding derives from the 2019 Rebuild Illinois capital plan. Projects that will be funded include $2 million for the reconstruction of a pedestrian bridge in Chicago, $2 million for a bikeway in Decatur and $1.3 million for bike and pedestrian road improvements in Kankakee. A full list of projects that will be funded can be found here. The selected projects were among 270 applications that requested $293 million in funding from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The next round of funding for the program will be announced in fall 2022.  

Officials in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency said Wednesday three additional Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Survivor Assistance teams had arrived in Illinois. With the new teams, Illinois will have 11 of the federal teams located throughout the state. They are tasked with distributing information about COVID-19 vaccination sites, assisting residents with access to the vaccine and raising awareness about the federal agency’s funeral assistance program.  

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Wednesday it is expanding access to COVID-19 testing to elementary schools throughout the state. Schools will be given the ability to use the saliva-based covidSHIELD test, which was developed by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The tests will be free for schools in districts that are predominantly low-income and have experienced high rates of infection. Other schools will get access to the tests at discounted rates. The new announcement comes after the state health department expanded the covidSHIELD test to middle and high schools across the state last month.   

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) shared information about a Washington Park community meeting, a pet health event and a vaccine clinic in her latest ward newsletter.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “here is an idea for Public Safety Com: hold hearings into planned “emergency mobilization” plans drafted by CPD a month in advance requiring 12 hour shifts & no days off (again). My resolution R2021-643, cosponsored by @mattoshea19 @aldnapolitano41 & @AldermanTabares is waiting!” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted about a community cookout in her ward, writing “we love space activation in the 33rd ward and we absolutely love to see this! Please support these efforts and contribute to their drive. We need more of this kind of work to keep our city safe this summer!” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted, “thank you @RepDannyDavis for supporting the Chicago COVID-19 Plan for Recovery (CPR) as we pilot a Guaranteed Basic Income in Chicago.” 

Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) tweeted about a vandalized billboard memorializing a police officer who had died, writing “cowardly acts like this are perpetrated by those who devour the pride of our country on the backs of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Your constant brazen acts will never erase our memory of our fallen heroes who gave their lives so you can freely be an asshole.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted about the Empowering Communities for Public Safety Ordinance, writing “the presentation for the Mayor’s version of “police accountability” highlights why ECPS is a better version because it power in the hands of the people.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (50) tweeted a thread about changes to the City Ombudsman program, writing  “yesterday, we learned that, thanks to a joint effort with @RepKellyCassidy, and community advocates, 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.” 
 

Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook) highlighted his work on a bill restricting the use of prone restraint in schools and a resolution creating Holocaust Education Week in schools, among other initiatives, in his end-of-session update.   

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) retweeted a thread discussing the placement of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue on the Capitol grounds.  

Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted about a lawsuit Republicans are filing over newly drawn legislative districts, writing, “democracy is about representing the people and advocating for their priorities, not your own. We believe this is the best option to do just that on behalf of all the Illinoisans who have been denied an independent redistricting process for the legislative maps.” 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted a News-Gazette article discussing a new law allowing gambling on college athletics.  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted a slate of six bills she sponsored that are headed to the governor’s desk that include protections for sexual assault survivors and resources for special education students. 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted about bicycle infrastructure and the death of Kevin Clark: “A devastating tragedy, and a totally preventable one,” he wrote. “I've been riding past the ghost bike of Tyler Fabeck since I moved to this city 12 years ago - killed at the exact same intersection. WAY past time for action.” 

 Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted about ongoing energy bill negotiations and its implications for state power plants: “The Senate President indicted that he believes the energy bill has enough votes to pass & that the Senate may return next week to vote on it,” she wrote. “This is an critical step as we fight to keep our nuclear plants open & save thousands of good-paying jobs.”   

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted about recent reporting on the income tax payments of the wealthiest Americans, writing “working class and poor people hustle and grind everyday. It’s both financially and emotionally expensive to be poor in this country. Meanwhile, the wealthy are just skipping out on their taxes, monopolizing everything, and then lazily calling it “freedom.” This has to end.” 

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted about the recently passed ethics bill: “The most important change we can make to hold legislators accountable in Illinois is to make the LIG truly independent,” she wrote. “More jurisdiction, subpoena power, equal jurisdiction for the LEC, and supermajority votes to block publication of reports. None of that is in this bill.” 

Rep. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) posted to Facebook about the passage of Cal’s Law: This bill will ensure that kids with cancer have access to comprehensive testing that could help save their lives,” he wrote. “I’m proud we were able to come together to get this done.” 

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted about a special legislative session to take place next week: “Items such as the energy proposal, unemployment insurance, and an elected school board for Chicago will be at the top of our list. We were able to accomplish big things this legislative session, and I'm eager to keep that spirit alive in a quick special session next week.” 

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources on Tuesday announced the Illinois Caverns will reopen to the public starting June 16. The southern Illinois caverns have been closed for more than 10 years as a precaution against the spread of white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that affects bats. Once open, the caverns will operate from April through October, Wednesday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted about an event “to learn relevant and effective alternatives to 911 when you or someone you know is experience a mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, or other crisis. 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) posted to Facebook about the completion of the Chicago Smart Lighting Grid Program in his ward: “These better quality, more reliable LED light fixtures are being installed on streets, alleys and viaducts to increase safety, reduce energy costs and improve the environment,” he wrote . 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted about changing mask regulations. “If the @CDCgov says fully vaccinated people can walk around without masks & @POTUS repeated it, why was I confronted walking into City Hall for not having a mask?,” he wrote. 

Ald. Matthew O’Shea (19) retweeted a CBS article about train delays following Monday’s 43 minute train stop on the Southwest side.  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted, “we need High Speed Rail in the MidWest with Chicago as the main hub. Until trains are going 220+ mph we do not have true High Speed Rail in Illinois.” 

Chicago has extended its application deadline for its Emergency Rental Assistance Program to next Tuesday, June 15. Eligible applicants for rental assistance must have lost a job or experienced employment instability due to COVID-19 and be at risk of losing their housing without rental assistance. If an applicant meets those qualifications, the city will provide up to a year of unpaid rent and three months of future rent payments as grants. Landlords are also eligible for financial relief.  Details and application instructions are available online.

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted a CNN article about the recent passage of thee TEAACH Act, writing "I didn't see our community in our textbooks, and it was hard to understand who our community was in relation to everyone else. For Asian American students, [TEAACH] will be a chance to learn our history, the contributions our community has made." 

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) promoted the One Summer Chicago program for youth in a tweet. 

In a newsletter, Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) promoted legislation he supported that was approved this session that meant to cut back on over prescription of opioids (HB 3596). 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted about an upcoming town hall event to recap the legislative session: “Wondering what just happened (and didn't happen) in the hectic final days in Springfield?,” he wrote. “We've got a town hall for that!” 

On Facebook, Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) promoted a Daily Herald article discussing a labor shortage, writing “We have a workforce here in the Fox Valley that is second to none, with an equally talented and diverse small business community. They are facing new challenges as we emerge from the pandemic.” 

Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) posted to Facebook about population loss in Illinois, writing “It's time to prove to our residents that we are serious about making Illinois the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted about a street festival taking place alongside the Chicago Auto Show. 

Ald. Matthew O’Shea (19) tweeted about a train blocking a street crossing Monday morning, writing “I've tried to address these problems for 10+ years only to get finger pointing & excuses. When will public safety be the priority?” 

Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26) promoted in-home vaccination opportunities for people unable to make it to clinics in a tweet.  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) retweeted a Crain’s article spotlighting an upcoming facility on the Northwest Side that will house facilities for the Chicago Fire soccer team.  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted about his office’s used bike drive, inviting residents to drop one off until June 25.  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted about the Red Purple Modernization project and the beginnings of fiberoptic cable installation in his ward.  

Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) tweeted about the Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance, which took effect last week: “The #CookCoRTLO has created safeguards against illegal lockouts, protections against leases eliminating rights to termination notices & procedures for withholding rent until issues are fixed,” he wrote. 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a virtual conference titled “Holding Healing Spaces for Youth” to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. City Hall is working alongside health providers, community groups and social advocacy groups to provide a program centered on “a holistic understanding of what trauma is and how to approach the healing process,” per a Monday news release. In a statement, Lightfoot said “This past year has been difficult for all of us, but it has taken an especially hard toll on our young people who have been adjusting to the many challenges that the pandemic has presented.” The program is part of her My CHI, My Future initiative, which targets Chicago’s young people for engagement and connection. More information is available on the city’s website.  

Cook County Health announced that it will begin administering the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the Matteson mass vaccination site alongside the two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The two mass vaccination sites that remain open besides Matteson are Des Plaines and Forest Park, all of which are taking walk-ins.   

Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday appointed Tiffany Mathis to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Board of Trustees, Mona Noriega as chair of the Human Rights Commission, Henry “H.O.” Brownback to continue serving on the Mid-America Intermodal Authority Port District Board, Saul Morse as chair of the Quality Care Board and Liliana Dago to the Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission. All the appointments require confirmation by the state Senate.

The Chicago Department of Public Health is launching a door-to-door vaccination outreach campaign in 13 neighborhoods as part of the next phase of its Protect Chicago Plus program, officials announced Friday. Canvassers show up to homes wearing branded vests, buttons and masks to help residents sign up for appointments. The first round of neighborhoods targeted by “block by block canvassing” are Auburn Gresham, Austin, Chatham, East Garfield Park, Englewood, Hegewisch, Montclare, Riverdale, Roseland, South Deering, South Shore, West Englewood, and West Garfield Park.

Rep. Edgard Gonzalez (D-Chicago) tweeted an endorsement of Secretary of State candidate Alexi Giannoulias.  

Rep. Jamie Andrade (D-Chicago) similarly tweeted his endorsement for Giannoulias.  

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted about a pride event in his district.  

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Director John Shaw are scheduled to hold a discussion at 10 a.m. Friday on “the work of the comptroller's office, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Illinois' finances, and more.” The discussion will take place virtually over Zoom and registration is required. 

State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) are scheduled on June 10 to talk with David Orr of Good Government Illinois about the spring legislative session. The discussion is set to begin at 6 p.m. over Zoom and will include “big ticket items including the ethics package, a permanent expansion of voting access, adjustments to Illinois's cannabis licensing law, criminal justice reform bills, and more,” according to the event invitation. Registration is available online. 

Rep. Marty McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted “pension reform was virtually ignored in the 102nd General Assembly. Another lost opportunity to make a significant impact on Illinois’ $300 BILLION pension liability. But at least you can can [sic] a free beer with your Covid vax card.” 

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted images of a farmers market opening in her district.  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) on Twitter offered to have his office help people applying for state programs and benefits.  

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) will host a “free shred day” on June 5 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted images from a groundbreaking event of the AIDS Garden Chicago.  

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that applications are now open for the Chicago Works Community Challenge, an initiative which seeks out the “best public works projects in each of Chicago’s seven planning regions,” per a news release. The competition will award a total of $10 million to seven proposals as part of the city’s five-year capital plan, and all submitted projects will be retained by the city for future consideration. Any Chicago resident may apply for the competition, which will close on Aug. 30, and may attend an informational webinar on at 6 p.m. on June 9. The city will announce winners at the end of 2021.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) shared a raft of construction projects and reopening announcements in her ward newsletter, asking residents to be patient with construction projects over the summer. 

Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson (11) shared his observance of Memorial Day at the Canaryville Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony in his ward newsletter: “It is always such an honor to be standing amongst so many veterans commemorating the lives of those in the military who lost their lives in service to our Nation,” he wrote. 

Ald. Matthew O’Shea (19) tweeted about his “Help aa Hero” program for military veterans having mental health problems. 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) retweeted the Cook County Democrats’ statement congratulating “@robertmartwick and all the advocates who want families to have a voice in their children's education” following Senate approval of an elected school board bill. 

Ald. Michele Smith (43) shared an update on a shooting in the 43rd Ward, city and state ethics reforms and new AirBnB regulations in her ward newsletter. “I am gratified that the General Assembly heeded our urging that Chicago’s lobbying laws would not be superseded,” she wrote. “In many critical respects, our laws are stricter than the new state law.” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Thank you to all who came to the groundbreaking of the Chicago AIDS Garden today! This @ChicagoParks location will help teach the ongoing history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Chicago. It was a very exciting way to begin Pride Month and the rainbow hard hats were a nice touch.” 

Sen. Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) tweeted about the passage of SSB 2338, now headed to the governor’s desk. “Student-Athletes should be able to monetize off of their own Name, Image, and Likeness,” he wrote.” 

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) touted the extension of Illinois’ “cocktails to go” program in a news release. In a statement, she said, “Restaurants are the cornerstones of our neighborhoods. We should do all that we can to help them as we emerge from a global pandemic that put the economy into turmoil.” 

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Capital Township) responded to a tweet by Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside), writing, “Mr. Speaker, respectfully, we are not at war. Yes, we have major policy differences, we may have sharp debates, but my hope is that we as public officials can do our best to get away from using phrases such as this to describe our legislative process.” 

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “let’s get this done!” alongside a tweet about the time remaining for the Illinois legislature to pass clean energy legislation. 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted an article by POLITICO discussing Evanston’s new reparations initiative. 

Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday signed SB 104, which extends businesses’ ability to sell cocktails to-go until 2025 and lets restaurants and bars offer a free alcoholic beverage to residents who have received their COVID-19 vaccine. Under the bill, residents will have to show proof of their identity and vaccine to be eligible for either 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, five ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer. Bars and restaurants can only offer the free drinks between June 10 and July 10.

Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) tweeted, "it’s no secret that Illinois has needed reform for some time. Yesterday, we passed a comprehensive ethics package to address issues like lobbying and legislator salaries."   

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) tweeted about the bill to lower the cost of trailer license fees: "After receiving many phone calls from constituents complaining about the high cost of trailer fees, I was proud to be a Chief Co-sponsor of Senate Bill 58 which lowers the small trailer plate fees from $118 to $36," he wrote. 

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted at "1:05 am June 1, 2021" about "the FY 2022 budget," calling it "a tall stack of bloated pork that we still haven’t voted on."

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) joined the budget blast, writing "end of session and another last minute budget drop. ~3000 pages. There’s no way anyone here has read this. Ridiculous. So much for promises of transparency." 

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted her congratulations on the passage of SB 825 to Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford), calling the measure an " important effort to maximize voter engagement and participation." 

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, "a great way to end #AAPIHM! Congratulations to Rep. Gong-Gershowitz and the entire Asian American caucus on the passage of TEAACH, which requires every public school in Illinois to teach Asian American history!"