• Jordan Troy will depart her role as Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s press secretary after less than five months in the role, she told reporters on Thursday. She has been part of Lightfoot's press team since 2019 but became press secretary following Anel Ruiz's departure last December. Friday is Troy's last day as the mayor’s top spokesperson. 

• Chicago State University’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic is now offering drive-thru vaccinations using Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. every weekday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, per a press release from the mayor’s office. Vaccinations will be given on a walk-in basis. 

• City officials including Department of Planning and Development Comm. Maurice Cox and the city’s Chief Equity Officer Candace Moore will participate in a panel discussion on “We Will Chicago,” the city’s first citywide planning initiative in 65 years, beginning at noon Thursday. Attendees will “hear first-hand about the power of joining together to collectively identify, address, and plan for current and future challenges and opportunities,” according to a description of the event on the city’s website. The webinar is “at capacity,” but those interested can stream the discussion on YouTube.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, "There are no words. This state-sanctioned violence must stop" alongside a South Side Weekly Investigation of the Anthony Alvarez police killing. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) was skeptical of the recently floated vaccine passport concept, tweeting "Chicago can’t manage giving away its FREE Municipal ID card to everyone - how are we going to give them Vaxx Passports?" 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted: "I don’t understand why the mayor wants to keep oversight of the police so bad. She doesn’t seem to believe she’s responsible for anything at all."

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted: "Talks of reform appear more disingenuous when our Mayor obstructs the ONLY Police Accountability legislation by cancelling a chance to vote on it to “introduce” a piece of legislation that has yet to exist. It’s been months. #ECPSNow"

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted, "Thank you @UptownUnited for the very informative webinar on affordable housing last night. This is a must see for anyone interested in affordable housing!" 

Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) tweeted about his town hall covering sexual assault prevention from earlier this month. 

• The Illinois Department of Public Health will host a virtual discussion on Thursday at 2 p.m. as part of an effort to promote health equity to combat COVID-19. Participants in the event include agency director Ngozi Ezike. Registration is required.  

• Gov. JB Pritzker announced a $15 million investment to build two manufacturing training academies in Southern Illinois funded by the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan. The new facilities will be located at Heartland Community College in Normal and Southwestern Illinois College in Metro East. Heartland will receive a $7.5 million grant to develop an electric vehicle energy storage manufacturing training academy. Southwestern Illinois College will receive a $7.5 million grant to create the Advanced Manufacturing Center, a 31,100 square foot lab space, in Belleville.

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted a statement about the “Anthony Alvarez tragedy.” 

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted about Senate Republicans’ efforts to request Gov. JB Pritzker or someone in his office testify at a redistricting hearing, saying, “To date, his office has declined or not responded to all requests.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted an image and said “in a meeting with the governor’s administration to listen to their proposed energy legislation.” 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) thanked Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) on Twitter for holding a hearing on his bill to make daylight savings time permanent.  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted about the shutdown of Chicago conventions over the last year, writing, We cannot underestimate the importance of our tourism and hospitality industries to our overall economic picture. We must prioritize this as we consider Covid recovery measures. 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted a thread of bills he passed in Springfield, including HB 118, which "increases the interest rate from 2% to 5% on unpaid wages that employees can recover in a wage claim or lawsuit under the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act."  

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted about his environmental agenda, writing "Illinois residents deserve a brighter, greener future. I'm fighting to pass legislation to electrify our transportation industry, decarbonize our power grid, and make equitable investments in green technologies in communities of color." 

Sen. Donald DeWitte (R-St. Charles) is sponsoring a card drive for police officers during National Police Appreciation Week. In a statement, DeWitte added, "I would encourage people to display blue outdoor lights on their front porches during the week of May 9-15, and to personally thank members of law enforcement they encounter when out and about in town." 

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted about Workers' Memorial Week: "Not only do we have to pay our workers, we have to make sure they are safe," he wrote. 

Rep. Joyce Mason (D-Gurnee) tweeted her support for paid sick leave, writing "we continue to face an unprecedented health crisis...More than ever, families in Illinois deserve paid sick leave." 

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted about her op-ed in The Chicago Sun-Times in support of stronger gun regulation. 

Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) passed SB 1892, which strengthens child pornography laws by increasing penalties for offenders who exploit children in their household or family.

• Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted about the River Port Project, writing "we could not move forward with this project without the incredible local labor workforce of Southern Illinois spearheading its development."  

• Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted about recent legislation protecting foster children: "Last week, I passed SB2323 which bans DCFS from using restraints when transporting youth. This puts the safety of our kids first, and requires DCFS to develop individualized, trauma-sensitive transportation plans for youth." 

• Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) celebrated the signing of HB 158, the final pillar of the Black Legislative Caucus' plan to lessen the impact of systemic racism. In a statement, Hunter said, “the systems that bind and neglect people of color must be addressed, and grasped at the root, creating equity through investment.”  

• Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted about Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, writing "road builders keep commuters and our economy moving, so please give them the space they need as you drive through work zones."  

• Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted about honoring 959 Naperville high schoolers: "It’s no secret the last two school years have been tough," she wrote. "That is why I’m so proud of these students for earning this award. Not only did the students perform admirably, but they did it during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic."

• Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted about wrapping up his first 100 days as speaker, emphasizing legislation in criminal justice, term limits and the ongoing discussion over an elected school board in Chicago. "I'm proud of the work we have done to restore trust and confidence in Springfield, but we're not stopping here," he wrote. 

• Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-?) tweeted about legislation to prevent water contamination, writing “@chicagotribune revealed that more than 8 of every 10 Illinoisans live in a community where lead was found in the tap water of at least one home during the past six years. With HB3739, we have the opportunity to change that.”

• Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted about a hearing for utility companies, which one company did not attend. “Unfortunately, Ameren’s refusal to participate today has left us - and its downstate customers - in the dark as to their position on these critical issues. It’s time to have these conversations openly and transparently, and that’s what I’m hoping we can do today,” she wrote.

• The Democratic Party of Illinois on Tuesday announced Abby Witt will serve as its new executive director. Witt replaces Mary Morrissey, who has served as the party’s executive director since February 2019. 

• Illinois will begin partnering with community health organizations and other local bodies to administer COVID-19 vaccinations in all 102 counties through state-sponsored mobile clinics, Gov. JB Pritzker's office announced Tuesday. Clinics will use any of the three approved vaccines, although only the Pfizer vaccine is available for use in 16- and 17-year-olds. Any community able to provide space, parking, and 200 people who wish to be vaccinated will be eligible for a clinic. The opportunity to host a clinic comes as the number of vaccines given each day starts to level off. Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said, “we are starting to see a slowdown in the number of COVID-19 vaccines administered each day." Fifty-three percent of eligible Illinois adults have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, officials said.

• Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted about a forum he sponsored alongside other progressive alders discussing the Additional Dwelling Unit pilot program. 

• Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted about the Chicago Works Capital Plan with the hashtag #letsgettowork. 

• Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted about a community meeting for a developer to “solicit community feedback” from neighbors around a potential housing development in the ward.  

• Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) tweeted, “Join President @ToniPreckwinkle, @KBMorrison15 and me for a discussion about the Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance.”

• Chicago Public Schools is scheduled May 4 to hold the first of five virtual citywide community meetings to discuss and collect input on its “capital priorities” as the district develops its capital plan for fiscal year 2022, according to a CPS news release. All five of the meetings will be held next week with meetings in English set for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. May 4 and 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. May 6. A Spanish-language meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. May 7. Those interested in participating can register to attend online. The meetings will be livestreamed on the CPS YouTube channel.

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• Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the Pandemic Health Navigator Program Monday, which connects Illinois residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 with basic resources and services. The program, which the governor called “a crucial part of keeping our most vulnerable residents safe,” is already operating every Illinois region outside Cook County. The initiative partners with community health centers and civic organizations with the goal of drawing on preexisting connections to help vulnerable residents weather a COVID-19 diagnosis or extended isolation. Now that 56.8 percent of Illinois residents over the age of 18 have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Pritzker said Pandemic Health Navigators could also work to reduce vaccine hesitancy and help the state get closer to “herd immunity,” when 70 to 80 percent of the population is vaccinated.  

• Rep. Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) posted to Facebook about legislation’s progress through the Illinois House, writing, “Friday was the deadline to pass bills out of the Illinois House. House Democrats saw 333 of their bills pass (a few bills also failed), while House Republicans were allowed just 74 bills to the floor for a vote, all of which passed.” 
• House Majority Leader Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted “Today was Environmental Lobby Day in the General Assembly” while sharing an image of a screenshot.  
• Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) posted a legislative update on Facebook and Twitter.  
• Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted an image from a recent drug take back effort in her district.  
• Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted an image of a screenshot as she “met with a group of clean energy warriors.” 

• Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) wrote in his latest newsletter that he was “proud to see over 3,000 Pfizer vaccination shots administered” during a vaccination his office cohosted with Jewel-Osco Pharmacy in Old Town. 
• Ald. Michelle Harris (8) shared information about improvements to Chicago O’Hare airport, home repair resources and employment opportunities in her weekly newsletter. 
• Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) wrote in his latest newsletter that the 19th Ward Youth Foundation will host a community blood drive this Saturday at Marist High School. 
• Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33) tweeted an RSVP link to an event discussing the city’s new Additional Dwelling Unit program, writing, “We need housing for our working families!” 
• Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted about a “Meet the Commanders” event she will co-host with area police chiefs, writing “learn tips from the Chicago Police Department and local leaders like me about how to keep your business, employees and neighborhood safe.” 
• Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) promoted an information session on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund on Twitter.  

• Ald Patrick Daley Thompson (11) wrote in his most recent newsletter about the ordinance meant to curb drag racing that City Council approved last week. “The Mariano’s Parking lot in the 12th Ward has been a major center for the drag racing activity for our community. The property management company announced they will be installing swing gates. The security will be able to open and close the gates to allow for delivery trucks on the property after hours. The plan is to have them installed by May 1st.” 

• Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted a photo and wrote “20 minutes into our annual #CleanAndGreen and we find this gun. #EnoughIsEnough” 
• Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “instead of watching elon musk be "funny", why don't you take the bus?” 
• Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) in his most recent newsletter wrote about an ordinance he introduced last week that would make permanent the temporary caps on third-party delivery fees aldermen approved in November. “You may recall that 3rd party delivery fees were gouging consumers and damaging the reputation and bottom line of local restaurants as well, adding upwards of 30% fees to every bill,” Waguespack wrote. 
• Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Theres no reason why we can’t create, support and expand the structures of care to address intercommunal violence. We need to stop relying on policing and carceral systems. The role of government needs to be to care for people not break them.” 
• Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “I’m proud to join more than 1,200 fellow state and local elected officials from every state & DC calling on Congress to pass bold clean energy infrastructure package to enable us to fully recover while tackling the climate crisis.”

• Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted images after she hosted a weekend cleanup event with other elected officials in her district.  
• Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted images from his district, saying “Out enjoying another opportunity to appreciate the people, history and beauty of the 17th District.”  
• Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted images after she hosted a cell phone donation effort over the weekend.  
• Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted an image of an op-ed he wrote that was published in the Wall Street Journal over the weekend.  

• House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted images after he hosted a community shred event over the weekend.  
• Welch also tweeted images after he met with Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and others from the Rainbow Push Coalition over the weekend.

• The group of Black alderwomen who introduced the Anjanette Young ordinance, which would establish new search warrant standards for the Chicago Police Department, are scheduled to host a virtual town hall on the proposed ordinance beginning at 6 p.m. May 4. Attendees will also hear from “Chicagoans who have been harmed by these wrong raids,” including Young, according to the event invitation. Ald. Maria Hadden (49) is the lead sponsor of the ordinance that was introduced in February. Registration is available online. 

• Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) is set to host virtual “Environmental Justice Roundtable” discussion on Monday at 6 p.m. Registration is required.  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago) and Cook County Comm. Bridget Gainer (10) are hosting a park cleanup effort on April 25 at Kelly Park between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Volunteers are asked to sign up.  

Chicago is expanding vaccine access at city-owned sites to 16- and 17-year-old city residents, the city’s Department of Public Health announced Thursday. The teens “must have a parent or guardian present during their appointment” and may only receive the Pfizer vaccine, officials said. 

• Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) tweeted a link to a story about one of her bills, in which she is quoted saying, “My goal is to make sure that students from every (legislative) district in state have an opportunity to get to the University of Illinois if they are showing they are a good student.” 
• Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted appreciation to her colleagues after the House approved HB 155 which she said “would allow menstrual hygiene products & diapers in SNAP and WIC!” 
• Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted an image of the House voting board after lawmakers approved a bill placing term limits on legislative leaders, adding, “I am proud to have co-sponsored this long overdue measure to help restore Illinois.”  
• Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook) shared an image of the House voting board on Instagram, adding “Things have come full-circle. I worked to remove Mike Madigan as Speaker of the House and now I supported a ten-year term limit for leadership.” 
• Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted “New Day in IL.” 
• House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted “Promise made, promise kept! The House just passed HB 642 to enact term limits for House and Senate leadership, further cementing the term limits we adopted as House rules earlier this year. This is one way to restore confidence in Springfield and uplift new leaders.” 
• Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) tweeted “The only reason to block attempts at reform is to allow one party to produce a purely partisan map. Why else would they be hiding from this legislation now?” 
• Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) issued a statement after his bill seeking to create a journalism task force was approved by the Senate.  
• Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted “The Climate Union Jobs Act creates and protects thousands of well-paying jobs and preserves our state’s nuclear fleet all while reducing the state’s carbon energy footprint.”  
• Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted “Yesterday, my first bill was passed out of the Senate. SB 1861 would require the DOC to accept someone into the Impact Incarceration Program if it is part of the court’s sentencing order and the inmate meets the statutory eligibility requirements for the program.