Kelly's Update

Folks on my social media know this, but we ended the Spring Session after a marathon all night session that saw some big wins, some frustrating losses, and a few things that just…ended. In the interest of both keeping this from turning into an encyclopedia and supporting the recovery of brain cells that had no business pulling an all nighter at their age, I’m going to focus on updates on bills I sponsored and bills that came through the Dobbs Working Group. I’ll take a deeper dive into the budget and other big items in next week’s newsletter, followed by a look ahead to things we will be working on in preparation for Veto Session after the November elections. After that, we’ll transition to our summer bi-weekly newsletter schedule, so folks who submit items for us to share (get us your community yard sales, street fests, and neighborhood events!) should plan ahead to make sure we give folks ample notice.

I spent an extra night in Springfield trying to catch up on sleep and get the apartment ready to shut down. It’s an annual ritual that basically involves moving all of my grown up clothes back home for the season, ensuring there won’t be any stinky surprises when we come back later this summer for the State Fair (Have you seen the lineup of performers? This is going to be so much fun!), and cleaning out my Stratton office including packing my plants up to bring home. I got ambitious with my indoor and outdoor garden this year, so we had to get creative to transport all the babies. I am endlessly grateful to Candace for joining me for the end of session and working from the Springfield apartment to help me get it all done.

As we say on the House floor in debate - to the bill(s):

Bills Headed to the Governor’s Desk

HB3711 - Professional Misconduct: A follow up to HB3521 from the 103rd General Assembly that took the first step in responding to a Chicago Tribune investigation that revealed horrific patterns of patient sexual abuse by a doctor whose hospital system repeatedly took steps to conceal their knowledge of his behavior and their responsibility to survivors by clarifying that all locations in a hospital system are subject to the same reporting standards, closing the loophole the hospital system used to justify their inaction. 

When the story first broke and I began working on a legislative response to the horrific case, I started hearing from others who had been similarly victimized by medical providers and failed by the systems that employ them and confirmed my feeling that this was not an issue isolated to a single hospital system. 

For the last year and a half (maybe longer), we have been in discussions with stakeholders including the Illinois Hospital Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, advocates for survivors, regulatory agency staff, and staff from the Governor’s office. I often say that negotiating complex bills with an array of stakeholders is like a jell-o mold: if you poke it on one side, it wiggles on the other side. Months of painstaking negotiations later, we have a package that addresses concerns about reporting and investigation processes and timelines, staff and patient notification and education, reporting guidelines balancing patient safety with due process for medical professionals under investigation, agency responsibilities and investigative powers, with significantly increased fines for violations directed to the needs of survivors. This bill passed both chambers unanimously, which might seem like a sign that this was an easy bill to pass, but in this instance is more of a reflection of how much effort went into ensuring that our negotiations reflected the best possible solution to a problem.

HB4255 - Traveling Animal Acts: Working with the Humane Society of the United States and Lincoln Park Zoo initially, Illinois has now sent a bill to the Governor’s desk that will expand our groundbreaking humane initiative prohibiting the use of elephants in traveling exhibits such as circuses and roadside zoos to include bears, non-human primates, and most big cats. The bill passed 76-33 in the House and 51-4 in the Senate.

HB4428 - Text Court Reminders: In states across the country, court systems are finding that the simple act of sending a text reminder to people awaiting trial has a very real impact on the number of failure to appear warrants a jurisdiction issues and acts on. Here in Illinois, approximately 80 counties have some sort of reminder system in place, but the methods, timing, frequency, and categories of cases covered vary widely. Working with the Statewide Office of Pretrial Services, this new law will provide resources for counties not currently participating in a reminder program to start one and will enable the SOPS to engage with counties to ensure that best practices are being followed. The bill passed both chambers unanimously and heads to the Governor’s desk.

HB4826 - IDFPR Continuing Education: In anticipation of the US Supreme Court eventually overturning Colorado’s ban on the abusive practice of conversion “therapy” in the Chiles v. Salazar case that was sent back to the lower court earlier this year, Illinois is taking steps to do everything we can to ensure that survivors of this abuse have recourse and protection. This first step will prohibit the state Department of Financial and Professional Regulation from awarding continuing professional education credits for any training that seeks to educate on a practice that is prohibited in the state. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (they probably didn’t talk about conversion therapy…) and passed the House 74-36.

HB4834 - Controlled Sub-Testosterone: In our ongoing effort to find ways to protect access to gender affirming care in Illinois, we expanded on our earlier effort to restrict access to our state’s prescription monitoring program that ensured that it could not be accessed by law enforcement entities on fishing expeditions. This bill takes the next steps by removing testosterone from the PMP altogether and proactively prevents the inclusion of abortion medications in the event the federal government attempts to push for that. The bill passed the House 68-37 and the Senate voted 39-19.

HB4966 - SECURE Act: The Safeguards to Ensure Continuity and Uphold Rights and Equity Act is an important step in our ongoing work to protect access to reproductive and gender affirming care for all by focusing on ensuring that youth in the care of our Department of Children and Family Services have a voice in their placement decisions and that when we have to place a youth out of state, they are placed somewhere that will affirm their right to access care and the state will have a care plan in place before placement occurs that addresses how care will be accessed.

The Sun-Times did a story on the two bills above along with a few others aimed at increasing protections for LGBTQ+ community members.

SB3213 - Electronic Prescriptions: In our ongoing work with chronic pain patients and providers, this law will ease the process patients face when drug shortages impact access to their medications by creating work arounds to the current process for transferring prescriptions between unaffiliated pharmacies and creating more exemptions to the electronic prescription mandate in certain cases. The bill passed both chambers unanimously.

SB3506 - SASETA: Each year, we update the Sexual Assault Services and Emergency Treatment Act to address concerns raised by survivors, advocates, and providers during our ongoing SASETA Working Group convened by the Office of the Attorney General. This year’s biggest issue was an effort to increase the number of trained medical providers by introducing a limited use of telehealth technology. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or other Qualified Medical Professional has to complete a rigorous training program that includes both classroom and hands on training. Once someone has completed their didactic training and has had one hands on directly supervised examination, telehealth can be used for future supervised examinations where the certified SANE can oversee the exam remotely. The bill passed both chambers unanimously.

SB3798 - CESSA Trailer: The Community Emergency Services and Support Act that created our state's mental health first responder law has also had annual updates. Among the changes are logistical items related to interactions between the 911 and 988 systems as well as other crisis response providers, changes to departmental rulemaking authority to ensure the legislative integrity of the program, and extending the final effective date while the implementation process continues. The bill passed both chambers unanimously.

SJR65 - Cubs Day: This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Chicago Cubs, and as co-chair of the General Assembly Cubs Caucus with Senator Sara Feigenholtz, I had fun presenting this resolution declaring August 29, 2026 as Chicago Cubs Day to reflect the day the team will celebrate their anniversary at Wrigley Field. 

HB5238 - NEST Program: While the Newborn Equity Support Transfer bill did not move on its own this year, I am pleased that this innovative guaranteed income pilot program was included in the annual Medicaid Omnibus bill. Modeled on a program that started in Flint, Michigan that provided support to pregnant people on Medicaid direct cash benefits, the Nest program will leverage philanthropic dollars through a partnership with the state Department of Human Services. NEST participants will include people enrolled in Medicaid through the state’s Moms and Babies program and will receive a $1500 lump sum payment in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and a $500 payment for the first 6 months of a newborn’s life. Having the ability to purchase critical needs, take time off work, access healthy food, and simply worry less during this critical time will pay dividends for far longer than a participant is on the program. We had a hearing on the issue in the House Human Services Appropriation Committee and honestly, the questions from some of my Republican colleagues had me checking the calendar to see what year it was. Many years ago in a debate on access to contraceptives, a former colleague famously asked in floor debate, “Exactly how much promiscuity am I expected to pay for?” And these guys were giving him a run for his money with their remarks about people having too many kids. Funny how the party of “pro-natalism” forgets that when the people reproducing aren’t like them. California is the only other state that has enabled a statewide program like this.

Summer Projects/Needs More Work

HB4075 - Name Change: This follow up to our bill loosening restrictions on access to name change proceedings for transgender people and survivors of human trafficking addresses implementation challenges that have resulted in people having to pay high fees and experience significant delays when prosecutors and courts order steps that are not appropriate to an individual’s situation. We were seeing objections on petitions that listed out of state convictions that would result in a petitioner being ordered to complete a process that is only applicable to Illinois convictions and other challenges that suggested a need to clarify the procedures. Working closely with attorneys from the Transformative Justice Law Project and Chicago House, we negotiated with the office of the Cook County State’s Attorney and other State’s Attorneys around the state to identify ways to address concerns and confusion. The bill passed the House 65-35 but did not advance in the Senate. While I am disappointed in the lack of movement at a time when folks trying to get their documents in order don’t have a minute to spare, I’ll be working closely with Sen. Robert Peters to ensure that it is taken up in the fall Veto Session. 

HB4839 - No Fetal Death Certificate: Another bill that moved through the House but stalled in the Senate is an important initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Honestly, I think folks maybe thought this was a gotcha bill or something, but it genuinely exists to ensure that anyone who wants to utilize the services of a funeral home to dispose of fetal tissue can do so regardless of the stage of pregnancy or reason for the end of the pregnancy. Under current law, the department is only permitted to issue a certificate of fetal death that allows a funeral home to handle the remains in cases where a pregnancy ends after 20 weeks of gestation. This bill will allow for an alternate certificate for cases of loss or abortion earlier than 20 weeks of pregnancy. The bill passed the House 68-31 and Sen. Celina Villanueva and I will continue to work to ensure it gets a vote in the fall.

HB5383 - DUI Court: This bill was intended to be a summer project from pretty early in session. Illinois has a handful of circuit courts that are already utilizing a specialty court model for some DUI cases, but there are others who have expressed some interest in doing the same but believe the state needs to specifically authorize it. Working with my colleague Sen. Chapin Rose and advocates, my hope is to identify and mandate best practices while also ensuring that individual counties or circuits are able to best meet the needs of the population that they serve.

HB4652 - Electronic Device Stewardship: An initiative of the Illinois Environmental Council in partnership with a group of students from Pontiac Township High School, this bill became a very real lesson in lawmaking. A bold effort to hold manufacturers of vape products responsible for the disposal of batteries that are a huge source of chemical pollution was immediately buried under intersecting concerns from the broad array of stakeholders in the space. From manufacturers to retailers to public health advocates and environmental advocates, there were a wide range of concerns that we simply could not invest the time to address in the crush of session. We’re back in touch with the school and hope to be able to narrow the proposal to something that we can move either in the fall or next session.

Finally, in addition to HB4826 described above, we will be working closely with Equality Illinois and national partners including The Trevor Project to follow up this fall once the Supreme Court issues a final ruling in the case challenging the Colorado ban on conversion therapy. Colorado passed a new law this session that grants survivors with clear access to the medical malpractice system and extended the statute of limitations to align with the ways states have done in cases of child sex abuse to reflect the reality that many survivors do not even realize they’ve been harmed until much later. We’ll be working on a similar model here in Illinois with an eye towards our fall Veto Session.

Back Home In The District

I’m still very much recovering from the long stretch of long days and nights, but am excited to be home, see my kids, cuddle the kitties, and get my hands dirty in the garden. We’ll be setting up some events in the weeks ahead to brief folks on what did and didn’t happen in the session and share information on the budget, but right now what I’m most excited about is cutting the ribbon at the Glenwood Sunday Market this weekend to kick off the season. I can’t wait to see friends and neighbors on Glenwood!

Monday was the opening of the Edgewater Monday Market for the season! Our office was there handing out information and helping people register to vote. Thank you to everyone at the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce for hosting us!

Need to Know Info

On May 1, many Illinois SNAP customers lost benefits due to new restrictions imposed by the federal government. Customers who lost their benefits can find out if they may qualify for an exemption and how to meet work requirements by working, volunteering, and/or participating in a training or education program here: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

For additional information on who is subject to the SNAP Work Requirement, exemptions from the SNAP Work Requirement, and more please reference this SNAP Work Requirements & Exemptions FAQ and use the SNAP Work Requirements Screener.

The University of Illinois Extension, in partnership with Illinois Commission to End Hunger, is hosting a series of SNAP Listening Sessions across Illinois and online to better understand how recent federal SNAP changes are impacting community members and the organizations that support them.

The sessions are part of a statewide effort to gather feedback, hear directly from communities, and better understand how SNAP changes are affecting Illinoisans. There are currently no planned in-person meetings in the city of Chicago, but please see below for a list of virtual meetings and how to register.

Virtual-English- Register Here.

Tuesday, June 9 | 6:00 PM

Tuesday, June 16 | 12:00 PM

Wednesday, June 24 | 10:00 AM

Virtual-Spanish: Register Here

Tuesday, June 9 | 6:00 PM

Tuesday, June 16 | 12:00 PM

Wednesday, June 24 | 10:00 AM

Virtual-Partner Sessions for Service Providers: Register Here.

Tuesday, June 9 | 10:00 AM

Thursday, June 18 | 3:30 PM

Wednesday, June 24 | 6:30 PM

Center On Halsted's Q+ Council is organizing a Teen Pride Space at Pride Fest on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st from 11am-5pm each day at the corner of Broadway and Waveland. Pride Fest is a large street event celebrating all things queer and the Teen Pride Space aims to include young people in this festival while having a safe space specifically for teens! Our office will also have a table with a fun game of Illinois trivia-be sure to come see us!

Submit your entry now for the 2026 poster design contest. This image will be used to showcase this year’s festival on bulletin boards and in public spaces, as well as digitally. It should be easy to read, stylish, and radically welcoming to everyone in our community.

You can learn more at their website here. Submissions are due July 1st!

Photo above is Joshua Peterson, last year's winner!

The Queer Future project will be asking participants at North Side Queer Pride

2026 to imagine, write, draw, print-make, and tell stories through

interviews about visions of the future as we imagine it. Using various

mediums for art-making, community members will be asked to respond to

the question: "What is the queerest possible future you can imagine?" Fest

goers that participate will get to contribute to a larger collaborative zine,

as well as assemble smaller take-home art pieces during the festival.

Interested contributors can email ghostmelonart@proton.me.

North Side Queer Pride is also looking for volunteers to help throughout the weekend! If you are interested in volunteering for the North Side's newest Pride event, you can use the QR code above or follow this link!

Neighborhood Shoutout

Left to right: Antonella, Taylor, Ann Hinterman Director of Community Engagement and Grants Management for Family Matters, Leslie Perkins Chief of Staff and Policy Director for the 49th Ward Office.

On Thursday, May 28th our Chief of Staff Taylor and Intern Antonella attended the ribbon cutting for Family Matters Chicago to celebrate the completion of their building sustainability projects that they have been working on with partners since 2022! In attendance were representatives from every one of their sustainability projects, plus members of the Family Matters staff team, Board, and representatives of local elected officials.

District Events

Vivent Health + TPAN, a leading provider of HIV care and prevention, will host a community town hall and participate in a candlelight vigil in Chicago as part of Seven Days in June: HEALTH IS PRIMARY, a nationwide, nonpartisan mobilization highlighting recent devastating cuts to healthcare infrastructure. Residents are invited to attend the Town Hall on June 4 and the candlelight vigil on June 5 as part of the national effort running June 1-7.

Community Town Hall

Thursday, June 4, 5-7 p.m.

Vivent Health + TPAN

5537 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

A discussion about access to care, HIV prevention and treatment, and pathways to health equity. Importantly, it will be a safe, engaging space for community members, advocates, healthcare providers, and leaders for dialogue, education, and connection focusing on empowering participants with resources, real-time insights, and actionable strategies to strengthen community health and wellbeing throughout the Chicagoland area.

Candlelight Vigil

Friday, June 5, 7:30 p.m.

AIDS Garden Chicago

3003 N Lakefront Trl, Chicago, IL 60657

An opportunity to honor those already lost and the millions more whose lives are at risk if funding is not restored.

Arts Alliance Illinois and Lawyers for the Creative Arts are kicking off their Worker Rights Webinar Series in June! The series is designed to equip artists and creative workers across Illinois with the tools, knowledge, and protections they need to thrive.

The virtual series kicks off on June 4 from 12 to 1:30pm with Worker Rights 101, an essential session grounding participants in the fundamentals of worker classification, labor rights and protections.

You can learn more and register here.

First Friday Music Series returns for their second date this Friday, June 5th-an evening of live music that will take place on Sheridan Rd. between Devon and Pratt. Enjoy performances on Sister Jean Plaza by the Loyola Red Line station and outdoor patios at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Mama’s African Cuisine, Khmai, The 400 Theater, Great Wall, Arepa Pa’ Los Pana and Giordano’s.

Plan for a drink or dinner at a participating restaurant patio, or swing by Sister Jean Plaza for additional music plus pop-up dance performances, giant crossword puzzles, and refreshments while supplies last. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable nights of music, community, and fun at the First Friday Music Series on Sheridan Road.

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce, along with several local nonprofits, is hosting a resource fair at the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark St) on Friday, June 5, at 1:00 p.m., to bring volunteer opportunities to you! These nonprofits include the Ronald McDonald House, Safe Families, Metropolitan Family Services, and more! You can register to attend here.

Join the Chicago Tabletop Gaming Association for Patrons of Pride, a fundraising game day by the queer community, for the queer community. Step into worlds imagined by queer designers and guided by queer Game Masters, where heroes of every identity save kingdoms, explore galaxies, and celebrate the magic of being ourselves.

From high fantasy realms to the farthest star systems, they are showcasing queer stories that remind show queer people belong everywhere — in every adventure, every victory, every tale told around the table.

Refreshments will be available for purchase from a friendly tavernkeep in between the two beautiful game rooms. This will be a sober event, and please note that outside food and drinks are not allowed in the venue.

🎲 What to Expect:

• Four-hour tabletop RPG sessions led by queer GMs (and some awesome allies!)
• Systems and stories created by queer designers
• A welcoming space for players of all backgrounds and experience levels

Every roll of the dice helps raise funds for Brave Space Alliance, a Black- and trans-led organization serving LGBTQ+ community members on Chicago’s South Side. Come play, connect, and make a tangible difference while having an unforgettable afternoon of gaming.

Date: June 6th, 2026 Time: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST

Location: Berger Park Cultural Center | 6205 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660

Purchase tickets here.

Come stroll around the coolest and thriftiest neighborhood on the north side with friends & neighbors during the Edgewater Sidewalk Sale. Hosted at the same time as the legendary Edgewater Yard Sale, which will take place in residential yards throughout Edgewater.

Some of Edgewater's absolute favorite retail stores, shops, and cafes will be open with special discounts and deals just for the occasion. So if you're hungry, looking to get out of the heat, out of the rain, or just not finding what you need in front yards, you can head to these places for more more more!!!

Hunt for treasures, unique gifts, or that one elusive item you’ve always been searching for at these great independently owned Edgewater businesses.

No registration necessary. Just make sure to double check store/cafe hours ahead of time. Many of these locations will be posting their special deals and promotions online and on social media. But they'll be open on Saturday, 6/6, rain or shine!

For a full list of participating businesses, check their website here.

The whole family is invited to a free hands-on tortilla-making experience at Wild Onion Market, 7007 N Clark on Saturday from 3:30-4:30! This interactive workshop is designed for children and adults to cook, learn, and enjoy time together while discovering the traditions behind one of the most beloved foods in Mexican cuisine. Un Taller Familiar de Tortillas (A Family Tortilla Workshop) will be conducted in Spanish and English by Chef Ernesto Rodriguez of El Molcajete Sauces. It will kick off Wild Onion Market’s month-long Second Anniversary Celebration. You can learn more at their website here.

Join the Chicago Community Chorus at the Rogers Park Presbyterian Church (7059 N Greenview) on Saturday, June 6, at 4:00 p.m. for a spring concert! This concert seeks to celebrate all the ways that music can enrich life, adding songs with value, depth, and meaning to our lives. Tickets cost $25 for adults. Call 312-282-3612 for more information.

The Edgewater walking tours are back, and now is the time to sign up by going to www.EdgewaterHistory.org. Tour guides, who will have microphones, will lead you through the tour, and share with you their researched brochure. The fee for each tour is $15, which supports the Edgewater Historical Society Museum.

You can find the schedule of walking tours of the Edgewater neighborhood on their website here. The schedule is subject to change.

Join the Chicago Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Indo-American Center for a virtual Train the Trainer workshop on Emergency Family Planning! This training is designed to empower community organizations and advocates to help immigrant families develop emergency care plans for their children in case of detention or deportation.

Wednesday, June 10th at 12pm: English

Wednesday, June 17th at 12pm: Spanish

Register here for this online event.

Each June the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to gather along Clark Street as the neighborhood comes alive in celebration. Rooted in the Swedish tradition of welcoming the longest day of the year, Midsommarfest honors the makers of music, the makers of craft, and the makers of community.

This year, Midsommarfest celebrates 60 years of bringing people together in Andersonville. For six decades, the festival has reflected the neighborhood’s welcoming spirit and longstanding commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and connection. It is a place where the LGBTQIA2S+ community is celebrated, where everyone is invited to show up as they are, and where joy is shared together.

Beyond being a beloved summer tradition, Midsommarfest also serves as an important fundraising event. Revenue generated supports the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce’s year-round programming and provides financial support to more than a dozen local nonprofits annually.

Come wander, listen, eat, dance, and stay awhile. Find fun in the freedom of being yourself. Why raise the roof when you can raise the maypole?

Another Night @ BET returns Thursday, June 18th at 6:30pm for their “Juneteenth Prelude”: Celebrating Freedom and Black Expression. Join Black Ensemble Theatre for an evening of community and connection - featuring local black businesses and entertainment from BE alum and other notable Chicago-based talent. 

Thursday June 18th at 6:30pm

Black Ensemble Theatre

4450 N Clark St

Tickets can be purchased here.

Join One Northside for their 6th annual Juneteenth celebration! Everyone is welcome to this fun celebration in the park, with games, music, activities for kids, and a cookout with food and drink. (All items and food are first come, first served.) Bring your own blankets or chairs and enjoy the summertime vibes with the ONE Northside Violence Prevention team!

Friday, June 19, 1:00pm-7:00pm

Pottawattomie Park, 7340 N Rogers Ave

Theatre

A world premiere rock musical based on Norse mythology at the Lifeline Theater!

Music and Lyrics by George Howe

Book by ensemble member Christina Calvit

Developed with and directed by ensemble member Heather Currie

Welcome to the greatest rock ‘n’ roll show not on Earth! LOKI arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. LOKI tangles with Odin, Thor, and the mysterious Freya; each with their own agenda; their own secrets—but all paths lead to one eternal question: In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology?

Content Advisory: This production contains simulated violence, explicit language, and mature themes. Recommended for audiences ages 13+.

LOKI runs from April 24 – June 14, 2026 at the Lifeline Theater with the following pricing options:

$55 Opening: May 3 at 2:30pm (Ticket includes access to the Opening Reception with complimentary drinks & light bites)

$45 Regular Run: May 8 – June 14 (Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.); Military, senior, and student discounts available.

Octet

by Dave Malloy

directed by Keira Fromm

music directed by Nick Sula

choreography by Laura Savage

Raven Theatre

6157 N Clark St

NOW EXTENDED TO JUNE 28th

In an anonymous meeting room, a group of people —always eight—gather to sing. Best known for the Broadway hit NATASHA, PIERRE, & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, Dave Malloy’s OCTET uses chamber-inspired a cappella music to explore the total impact of life online. Hailed by the New York Times as “the most original and topical musical of the year” for its 2019 Off-Broadway premiere, this inventive and acutely relevant piece reflects the perils of the digital age.

You can learn more and purchase tickets here.

The classic Thornton Wilder piece, The Matchmaker, has been reimagined by Theatre Above the Law in alignment of their mission to challenge the norm of theatre by presenting classic stories in relatable ways. The play had been tapered down to a quick-witted 90 minutes in 4 scenes.

Wealthy merchant Horace Vandergelder enlists the services of Dolly Levi to find him a suitable wife. What ensues is a series of comical mishaps in the name of adventure!

Directed by Tony Lawry and Stage Managed by Reagan Stevenson.

Cast includes: Justine Serino, Caleb Ryan Jones, Ross Compton, Stephanie Stockstill Izzy Shafer, Teddy Nielsen, Mery Drilling Coren and Elijah Warfield.

May 29-June 28

1439 W. Jarvis

tickets range from $15-$25

tickets available at theatreatl.org

Use the special Ward 49 code OhHorns! for $10 off the regular $25 ticket price, subject to availability, online only

Directed by Molly Smith, Saturn Returns tells the universally human story of getting older through tap dance and live music with new choreography by Smith and the dancers of Chicago Tap Theatre. Based on the Saturn return process in astrology, this show, the ultimate in CTT’s ’25-’26 season, is a heartwarming snapshot of our individual pasts, presents, and futures. Saturn Returns will show at The Edge Theatre (5451 N Broadway) on Thursday, June 11th, at 7 pm, Friday, June 12th, at 7 pm, Saturday, June 13th, at 5 pm, and Sunday, June 14th, at 2 pm.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Farmers Markets

Now in its 17th year, the Andersonville Farmers Market has gained a reputation in Chicago and beyond for creating an inclusive, vibrant gathering space that helps close the gap between the community and local foods. The market celebrates the diversity of the Midwest through a wide range of high quality products and goods from local farms and vendors.

The 2026 Farmers Market is open for business from 3PM to 7PM every Wednesday, May 13 through October 21. The Market operates rain or shine.

The Market is located on Winona St. between Clark St. and Ashland Ave. and the adjacent AT&T parking lot in the bustling Andersonville neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. 

For more information about the market, please visit www.andersonvillemarket.org  

Edgewater Monday Market returns for the 2026 season! Chicago’s ONLY Monday farmers market feature a diverse lineup of more than 40 vendors, including food, activities, entertainment and more! EBT/Link, Match Link Vouchers, WIC and Senior Farmers Market Coupons accepted.

Admission to the market is free for everyone and no advance registration is necessary. You can see the full list of vendors, schedule, and find out more information about the Edgewater Monday Market at Edgewater Chamber’s website.

Rogers Park Business Alliance has a great 17th season planned with veteran and loved food artisans and farmers. They invite everyone to come out and stroll the market to support local agriculture.

Find your favorite local foods, from fruits and veggies to baked goods & lunch items, to meats, cheeses, tofu and more at Rogers Park's favorite farmers market.

This is the place to get your grocery shopping done, meet a neighbor and support local farmers & food artisans.

Get ready to enjoy the very best seasonal foods from these amazing farmers and food artisans.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 7th at 8:45 a.m. The Market will run Sundays from June 7 to October 25, 2026 (except June 28 and August 16).

Youth

Camp Courage 2026 is a free, three-day summer program designed to introduce Chicago youth ages 13 to 18 to firefighting and EMS careers through hands-on training, mentorship, leadership development, teamwork, fire safety, CPR exposure, fitness activities, and engagement with Chicago Fire Department members. Camp Courage will run from June 15 through July 29, 2026, at locations across the city. Learn more and apply online. 

Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH) is pleased to open up registration for their 2026 Summer Adventure Camp. Eligible youth are refugee and asylum-seeking youth (boys and girls) between the ages of 10 and 18, who primarily live in Chicago's north side neighborhoods (Rogers Park, West Ridge, Albany Park, Edgewater) or nearby suburbs.

Summer Adventure Day Camp Sessions:  REACH will offer four weekly day camp sessions (Mon-Thurs, 10 am - 4 pm) during which participants will engage in adventure sports and place-based education activities such as archery, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, nature hikes, fishing, forest restoration, and river clean-ups. [REACH will coordinate bus or van transportation based on enrollees' residential neighborhoods. However, some families may need coordinate their own transport to the pick-up location.]

Session One: June 29 - July 2

Session Two: July 6 - July 9

Session Three: August 3 - August 6

Session Four: August 10 - August 13

Summer Adventure Overnight Camping Trips:  REACH will offer three overnight (1 night / 2-days) tent camping trips (one girls only, one boys only, one co-ed), including team building activities (scavenger hunts, improv skits), nature education (macroinvertebrate investigations, outdoor cooking, habitat assessments), adventure sports (kayaking, climbing, hiking), and leadership development (problem solving, cooperative learning). [REACH will transport all participating youth via van or charter bus rentals.]

Girls' Only Camping Trip: Sat-Sun, July 11-12, 2026

Boys' Only Camping Trip: Sun-Mon, July 12-13, 2026

Co-Ed Camping Trip: Sat-Sun, August 15-16, 2026

Family Picnic & Award Ceremony: This is an end-of-summer celebration for all participating youth and their family members. 

Family Picnic: Saturday, August 22, 12-3 PM

You can fill out the preliminary registration form here - REACH Summer 2026 Pre-Registration Form, and a home visit will be scheduled with each family to complete the registration interview process. 

Remember: all camps are FREE, but registration will be limited to 30 youth per weekly session. Registration closes on June 5, 2026, or when camps reach capacity. 

Specific questions about summer camp registration can be directed to Shana Wills at swills@reachinchicago.org or Ellie Hease at ehease@reachinchicago.org.  

Families, get ready for an unforgettable summer! Pottawattomie Park is now enrolling for their summer camps. Join them for 6 weeks of exciting activities, meeting new friends, and creating lasting memories! For more information, head to this link.

Hiring

Looking to start a new career? Find the right fit to help make a difference. IDHS offers a wide range of career opportunities.

Explore open career opportunities throughout Illinois here.

Visit an American Job Center to access employment resources, information about job training and more. Each center has knowledgeable staff that provide assistance to people who need career assistance. Assistance is available to youth and adults. All services are free.

Please call in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details.

1145 West Wilson Avenue

Room 1917

Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 831-5221

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626