The State Board of Education released the annual School Report card Thursday for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close in March 2020, offering the first look at how the pandemic impacted Illinois schools. The full report on the state and for individual schools can be viewed online at illinoisreportcard.com.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) shared a copy of a statement and tweeted “My statement on @40thforward proposed @cta Ordinance: I support holding regular hearings at City Council. I cannot tie crucial investments to these hearings: this could delay future projects like the California Blue Line ADA accessibility funding, and the Red Line Extension.”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “On Saturday, Ald. King joined residents and police at the Gap Public Safety Meeting at Public Headquarters to discuss safety concerns. Our office will continue to ensure everyone is safe in their home, school and work by partnering with the community block clubs and the police.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “.@chicagosmayor is making an excellent case for an ELECTED CTA Board.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “This afternoon, we hosted our annual Halloween Senior Citizen Luncheon. We had more than 500 seniors from Beverly, Morgan Park & Mt Greenwood in attendance. So proud to represent this great community!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “4 years ago at the Tree of Life Synagogue, 11 people were murdered and 6 injured in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in American history. 

As we see a rise in anti-Semitism, we owe it to those who lost their lives to call out hatred, bigotry and racism.#TreeOfLife”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “I am working with the City of Chicago to see what we can do to adopt the 7 principles outlined in the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness to address the needs of those living in encampments.”

The city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Chicago Department of Aviation at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 will host a webinar on opening a restaurant or retail shop at O'Hare and Midway Airports. Attendees will learn about the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and operating a business at the airport. Registration is available online. 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today I was honored to join @IMA_Today at @TrimtexDrywall in Lincolnwood to celebrate them receiving a grant through the Employer Training Investment Program. Congrats and thank you for all you do to provide opportunities to our community!”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Opponents of the SAFE-T Act support buying your way out of jail. Our current cash bail system allows anyone, regardless of the crime, to pay their way out of jail pre-trial. How does that ensure public safety?”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today @GPacIllinois awarded me an 'A' on their 2022 Gun Safety Report Card. Legislators are scored according to their voting record on five key bills from our most recent legislative session. I either voted for or cosponsored every single one.” 

Data from the State Board of Elections shows over 817,000 Illinois voters requested a ballot in the mail this year. Of those, 307,512 ballots have already been returned. Another 122,827 people have also voted in-person early about 2,000 have participated in grace period voting in which a voter much vote at the same time they registered. Chicago led the state with almost 18,000 people having participated in early in person voting.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Thank you to the ENTIRE City Council for sponsoring, and declaring by rising vote, our commitment to a hate-free city on the fourth anniversary of the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA four years ago.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “On Monday, October 31st, the Mt Greenwood Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Trick or Treat Safety Walk, 2:00-5:00pm.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “No Education Committee for James Cappleman. This is what happens when the Mayor believes she’s king and people decide to act.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Chicago City Council has voted down Mayor Lightfoot's attempt to appoint Ald. James Cappleman as Education Committee Chair. A diverse coalition, primarily made up of Progressive Caucus members, cast the 29 no votes. This is a historic defeat for a Chicago mayor.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “It is a shame that my colleagues Alders Waguespack and Ervin threw the CTA Quarterly Reporting ordinance into the rules committee. In a time when the public is concerned about the safety and reliability of @cta, transparency and accountability are minimum asks.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) shared an op-ed he wrote in the Sun-Times and tweeted “We talk about it every year. Now it’s time to act boldly with our budget by re-establishing the Department of Environment.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today, City Council recognized the distinguished work of Bart Moy, who is retiring from the City of Chicago. Bart has been a dedicated City employee who's been a leader on critical issues facing our city. We wish him well in his retirement.” 

As of Wednesday evening, 25,829 Chicagoans have cast their ballots at early voting locations for the Nov. 8 General Election, according to a news release from the Chicago Board of Elections. Additionally, 44,142 ballots have been mailed in for a total of 69,971 ballots cast in Chicago so far for the November election. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Another mass shooting with an AR-15. Weapons of war are not needed on our streets.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “My team and I had a great time working the Belmont train station platforms yesterday morning! We are connecting with voters in every place possible to Get Out The Vote!”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Improving our transportation network in a transparent, equitable way for all of our commuters is a top priority. This project will reduce congestion on our railways, make commutes for pedestrians safer and ensure the entire network is more efficient.”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Voters at the polls in decent numbers.”

WTTW, WBEZ, and the Sun-Times will co-host a televised forum between Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Republican challenger Kathy Salvi at 7 p.m. Thursday. The forum will be moderated by Sun-Times reporter Tina Sfondeles and WTTW reporter Paris Schutz. The forum will be available online as well as on public radio and TV stations around the state.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Today I was proud to support @AldReilly's Resolution to provide more transparency and notice for ordinances in City Council Committees. You deserve a government that provides ordinances with time to review, as much as Aldermen deserve that time to make more informed votes.”  

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted “this Rules Committee vote was a vote against transparency, good government, and public access. The League of Women Voters and @BetterGov tried their best, but in Chicago it’s hard to defeat the Machine.”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Tomorrow, join the Lakeside Alliance for a virtual outreach meeting for Chambers of Commerce and Contractor Associations to learn more about current and upcoming opportunities for businesses on the Obama Presidential Center.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “The mayor uses direct introductions to avoid having her items run the aldermanic gauntlet. That being the case: any mayor should, at minimum, be required to file the wording of any legislation being introduced this way so the public can read it in advance of consideration.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “It is a shame that the resolution @AldReilly introduced which would bring more transparency to the public regarding introductions was voted down by our colleagues. I am proud to have voted in support and stand with good government groups like @Leagueofwomenv1@BetterGov.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “Yeah, you can’t abstain in votes if present. And after the Rules Chair worried so much during the hearing ‘about there being serious consequences for violating Council Rules,’ it was all shoulder shrugs when the Council Rules were broken in, of all places, Rules Committee today.”  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) tweeted “We must speak out and band together in the face of rising anti-semitism and hate crimes against marginalized communities. Whether it’s race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. #HateWontWin” 

The Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA) on Tuesday launched a new political affiliate called JCUA Votes, which is expected to “extend JCUA’s work into electoral politics, where it will work to elect progressive leaders across the city and state,” according to a news release. “The Jewish community in Chicago is ready to bring a powerful progressive voice to our local elections,” Anna Rubin, political director, said in the news release. “We’ve built a dedicated base of volunteers and deep relationships across Chicago’s organizing community. Now, we’re thrilled to add electoral organizing as a tool to create transformative change.” 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The best way to create EV adoption is to combine it with better, more accessible public transit as well as better bike infrastructure. We need more “yes, and…””  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We can't even count how many incredible costumes we saw at this weekend's Roscoe Village Halloween Block Party. Thank you to all the neighbors who came out to make this a huge Halloween bash!”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Our focus on a clean energy economy is growing jobs right here in IL! We're a national leader on climate policy and lead the midwest with the number of clean-energy jobs we've created.”  

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “Congratulations to McHenry County College on a successful ground breaking for the Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation! I was honored to attend such a special and exciting moment for the McHenry County community.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Yesterday afternoon Cindy had the awesome opportunity to attend the first ever meeting of the Multi Ethnic Republican Alliance of Illinois! We are so excited to see new organizations forming that are passionate about engaging in their government!”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Wishing all our neighbors a Deepavali that bring happiness, prosperity and joy! May we all work together for the victory of light over darkness in the year ahead. Throwback to one of my favorite moments from Deepavali 2019.” 

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs announced the LaSalle Veterans Home was experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak. Officials with the home and Department of Public Health have identified cases among 23 staff members and 42 residents. All residents with a case have been moved to an isolation unit. No staff members or residents have been hospitalized.  

Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22) tweeted “It was very special to have 98 year-old World War II and Battle of the Bulge Veteran, Joe Belman campaign with me yesterday evening. He has been an inspiration and hero to me all of my life!”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted "Diwali! May your life be filled with light, and your future be just as bright!!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Installation on the Berteau mural began this weekend. This project was inspired by our Youth Council, so we’re proud to involve local high school students throughout the installation process.” 

The city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will host an Emerging Issues in Worker Protections webinar at 3 p.m. Wednesday. The webinar will detail “legal issues in enforcement actions at the Office of Labor Standards,” according to the city’s website. Registration is available online.

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “This week I joined local leaders to celebrate the expansion of Sunrun in Peoria. The new location will bring more green careers & access to affordable, resilient #solarenergy to residents. The expansion is expected to bring hundreds of permanent jobs to our local economy.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “Congratulations to the Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Historical Society for securing funds to restore Carnegie Library of Waukegan. Investing in our communities is paramount, and I appreciate Congressman Brad Schneider's partnership in seeing this project to fruition.”  

Sen. Jacqui Collins (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thank you to all who joined our panel discussion on the SAFE-T Act. I was happy to partner with my Faith Community at St. Sabina to bring together the law's sponsors, survivor advocates & public safety experts so our community can get the facts.”  

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted, “Illinois is the second largest sports betting market in the US”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “We see Rogan's ad on TV, shouting about "No Bail" for people charged with scary crimes. What he never says is that "No Bail" just means people cannot buy their way out of jail if they are a danger to the community. Like in the Federal Court system. The whole ad is a lie.”

Over 1.1 million Illinoisans have received the new COVID-19 booster, the Department of Public Health announced Friday. The booster was approved in early September and 207,000 residents received their shot within the last week. Vaccination levels in Illinois remain at their highest point since February. However, 26 counties are at an elevated risk for COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, which is up from 16 counties last week. Three of the counties are at a high transmission level, which is when the CDC recommends masking. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Had such a blast at @ChicagoParks Halloween Town today at Wicker Park! Handed out candy, played ring toss with the kids, talked city gov’t with the adults! Great time!! Park Supervisor Keith Jones is AMAZING!!!”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “In order to end domestic violence and create safe and thriving communities for all, we must dismantle anti-Blackness and center humanity, wellness, joy, and connectedness for advocates, survivors, and all who work towards collective liberation: https://dvawareness.org/node/85 #DVAM2022”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “As gangs and drag racing organizers continue to meld together, the bodies will continue to pile up on the streets. Chicago needs leaders willing to push back & take back our streets. I have proven myself to be that leader. I will bring an end to this madness.”  

Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Quick Community Notice: People in our area are receiving maliciously false information disguised to look like a newspaper they never subscribed to,but it’s really produced by extremist politicians who funded the January 6th rally, which caused the deaths of five police officers.”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “The same people who endorsed and governed with Lightfoot now challenging her because they see a career opportunity? These people have supported CHA land-grabs and other shady deals in the city. No thank you. We can not afford corruption, hope @BrandonCCD1 runs #ReviveChicago”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “The Berwyn Contraflow Bike Lane is moving east!!! Check it out!!”  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) tweeted “Week In Review: I spent some time speaking on a panel with fellow Alders at a  @LPCC09 event, met some great neighbors at Coffee with the Commander at the Walgreens on Armitage, and finished the week at City Hall for the Police Department and Board of Ethics Budget Hearings!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “I’m excited to announce we have a new development project coming to Howard and Paulina that will add 110 units of 100% affordable housing to our ward! Development, especially housing development, is an important part of a healthy city and neighborhood. https://bit.ly/3sdxRcr” 

The city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will host an Emerging Issues in Worker Protections webinar at 3 p.m. Wednesday. The webinar will detail “legal issues in enforcement actions at the Office of Labor Standards,” according to the city’s website. Registration is available online.

Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) tweeted, “I was pleased to tour the Proven Partners Group facility here in Elgin with @senatorcastro and congratulate them on receiving an Employer Training Investment Program check from the State of Illinois along with the Illinois Manufacturing Association.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “The Edgar Fellows program recently celebrated 10 years of developing exceptional public leaders who are dedicated to serving Illinois families. As a program alum, I was honored to speak at the celebration dinner alongside program founder and former governor, Jim Edgar.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today I will take a moment of silence to honor the life of #LaquanMcDonald. I stand in solidarity with those who are fighting to improve our justice system. May we never forget that there is still much work to be done.”