Kelly's Update

Welcome to the first of our summer bi-weekly newsletter schedule - and we picked a heckuva time to make the switch!

Earlier this session, Speaker Welch removed a member of our caucus from all committees, took away all his staff support, and barred him from caucus meetings over unspecified allegations that ultimately resulted in the Speaker’s office submitting a complaint to the Legislative Inspector General (LIG) for investigation. As a member of the Legislative Ethics Commission, I am prohibited from speaking to matters that are before the Commission until we complete our work and so will not be addressing any of the specifics of that case for now.

Last week, the Chicago Tribune reported on the case, while also revealing new allegations against Speaker Welch. You can read that report here. The Tribune revealed that one of the alleged victims of Rep. Benton had previously been an intern in the Speaker’s office, and that the Speaker had interacted with her via social media in ways that she said made her uncomfortable. These allegations are disturbing and should be addressed.

What is clear is that there is much more work to be done to make the workplace in Springfield a safe one for every person–interns, legislative staff, lobbyists, and yes, legislators ourselves. I’m looking at what other states have in place that might help us navigate this challenge and want to honor the courage of the young woman who shared her story after her dream of working in government was dashed by multiple inappropriate encounters with powerful men.

Our workplace is a complicated one. We work long hours, often far from home, on issues that can bring out strong emotions. We also aren’t a traditional office structure. We’re a group that includes elected officials, employees of entities seeking support for their issues, contract lobbyists who are often one or two person shops without a formal Human Resources structure, employees of caucuses who ultimately report to the Speaker regardless of their assignment, and district office staff who are accountable to the elected member. There’s no real flow chart to refer to when contemplating accountability, as each situation has a different combination of people involved. Our Legislative Inspector General and Legislative Ethics Commission are organized to navigate these situations, but there's a significant process involved that can be frustrating to folks looking for quick answers. I’m not saying the process Illinois has adopted is the only way to do it. In fact, the last time we made significant changes to our Inspector General laws, Michael Madigan was still the Speaker and was resistant to many of the policies identified as best practices at the time. At the time, there were significant constraints on the Inspector General’s authority, so the changes we made in SB75 in the 101st General Assembly were still meaningful. 

This moment presents an opportunity to take a look at what best practices exist that we might learn from as we continue to try to make the Capitol a truly safe and equitable workplace for everyone.

Next week, Chicago will be hosting the National Conference of State Legislatures Summit, the annual convention of one of the organizations that provides bipartisan policy research, training opportunities, and technical support to legislatures nationwide. I have been active in NCSL since my first term, having been selected as an Early Childhood Fellow and getting the opportunity to see policies in action at site visits and convenings with other legislators to learn about emerging issues. Since that first opportunity, I have been able to take part in several other fellowships and committee assignments, largely focused on criminal justice work including serving as a Youth Justice Fellow focused on juvenile justice, a Pretrial Justice Fellow focused on bail reform, and as a member of the Law and Public Safety Standing Committee. I will be joining my colleague Sen. Elgie Sims, another Pretrial Justice Fellow, as faculty in a panel discussion during the conference on bail reform, Illinois’ experience with eliminating cash bail, and other emerging policies in the area. The opportunity to connect with legislators around the country has been a great experience over the years. The ability to check in with someone who is working on something similar to you, or someone who has already tackled a problem you’re trying to solve can be invaluable. NCSL is a great resource and it’s exciting to be the host state for the Summit. My colleague Leader Marcus Evans is the current President of the organization, which rotates the party in the presidency every year, so it’s even more special to be able to have so many of our members present at the Summit this year.

Today is another day of heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires and while it’s not nearly as bad as what we saw at the end of last week, it’s still pretty miserable out there and is categorized as unsafe for sensitive groups. As someone on asthma medications and with a history of heart issues, I take those warnings very seriously and have been laying low pretty much since Thursday. I was sad to miss some fun outdoor events over the weekend, but have limited myself to short masked outings and still am feeling the impact. I’ve heard from folks who weren’t able to avoid being out in it with thoughts on whether we need to think about legislation around workplace safety and other issues and am sharing what I’m hearing with colleagues as we approach next session. The reality is that what used to be an extremely rare occurrence is now becoming more regular, and the public health impacts need to be reexamined in light of that. Whether that’s ensuring that just as with heat and cold emergencies we have a plan in place for people who do not have anywhere to take shelter, contemplating cancellation policies for outdoor activities, or including smoke/air quality events in our discussions of workplace safety, I think this is something we will need to tackle sooner rather than later. If you found yourself thinking “there oughta be a law” while navigating the smoke, let us know your thoughts!

Need to Know Info

Help support our students by donating school supplies! Our office is hosting a school supply drive in collaboration with Alderwoman Maria Hadden's Office, State Senator Mike Simmons' Office, and C24/7 Father’s Arms Ministries, starting Monday, June 15th, through Thursday, July 30th. All items must be sealed or brand new.

You can stop by any of our offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday to drop off donations: 

1. 49th Ward Office: 1447 W Morse Ave
2. State Representative Kelly Cassidy Office: 1507 W Morse Ave
3. C24/7 Office: 1543 W Howard St (between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday)

All supply donations will be distributed at our 49th Ward Back to School Bash on August 8th at Willye B. White Park. See below for more details!

Our office is partnering with the offices of Alderwoman Maria Hadden, State Senator Mike Simmons and C24/7 for a Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 8th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard St). We will have free school supplies, free food, games, music, splash activities, inflatables, and more!

Our office is partnering with the Illinois Secretary of State's office once again to bring the DMV to the 14th District! Appointments are REQUIRED for this event, hosted on Wednesday, August 12th from 10am-2pm. To sign up for an appointment, email rauly@repcassidy.com or call our office at (773) 784-2002.

You'll be able to get your Driver's License or State ID Cards including REAL IDs, register your vehicle, and/or obtain a new license plate sticker.

For a list of acceptable documentation, click here.

Due to the dangerous air quality from the wildfire smoke and thunderstorms last week, the 49th Ward Mid-Summer Block Party Town Hall was rescheduled for this Thursday, July 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.! Mark your calendars for this new change of date and join the 49th Ward at 1447 W Morse Ave for community, food, and resources this Thursday!

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.

Protect Rogers Park and West Ridge Community Defense have partnered with Northside Community Resources and Living Water Community Church to establish the Immigrant Solidarity Fund. The fund provides emergency assistance for essential needs, including housing, food, legal representation, 

medical care, and mental health services for our neighbors most at risk. Please consider making a generous gift to help ensure that families in our community have the support they need during these incredibly difficult times. Every contribution will make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Your donation will be administered by Northside Community Resources, a 501(c)3, and donations are tax deductible. Receipts are available upon request.

You can choose from three ways to donate:

1. Give online:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/immigrant-solidarity-fund-RPWR

2. Send a check:

• Northside Community Resources, with “Immigrant Solidarity Fund” in the memo
• Checks can be mailed to:
• Northside Community Resources, c/o Immigrant Solidarity Fund, 1530 W Morse Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

3. Make a wire/bank transfer:

• For assistance, please contact Northside Community Resources directly at aga@northsidecr.org.

Good news! The following bus route's in our neighborhood have improved services:

• #50 Damen: 25% more service will be added on Saturdays, with buses running every 12-15 minutes. On Sundays, 20% more service will be added, with buses running every 15 minutes.
• #92 Foster: You can now travel westbound later on the weekends as service has been extended through 10:30 p.m. Eastbound weekend service has also been extended until 9:55 p.m. on Saturdays and 9:50 p.m. on Sundays/holidays. Sundays/holidays begin service at 5:00 a.m.

More information on service improvements that took place system-wide may be found here.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Last week our staff was excited to brave the smoke to attend the annual Rogers Park Business Alliance Taco Crawl! It is always a fun and delicious time! We were so happy to support our local businesses and take in the delicious food up and down Clark Street!

You can see the list of businesses that participated here. We are already looking forward to next year's Taco Crawl!

Were you able to attend? Which was your favorite? You can vote for your favorite here. The winning restaurant will receive an official "Best Taco of Taco Crawl 2026" plaque, along with ultimate bragging rights...and eternal taco glory!

District Events

The first community softball games hosted by the 49th Ward office are this week, on July 21 and 22! The July 21 game will be at 6:00 p.m. at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers Ave), and the game on the 22nd will be at Willye B White Park (1610 W Howard St). If you cannot make these games, keep an eye out for their kickball games on August 12 and 22! These events are free and open to everyone, so stop by if you are able!

Join the IL ABLE team for a webinar to learn:

• Who is eligible to own an IL ABLE Account

• Who can open an Account

• How an IL ABLE Account can be a savings tool for individuals with a disability

• How individuals receiving public benefits such as SSI and Medicaid benefits can build assets with an IL ABLE Account

• How IL ABLE Accounts work alongside other financial tools such as special needs trusts and retirement accounts

Who should attend this webinar: people with disabilities, parents, guardians, spouses, siblings, grandparents, Social Security representative payees, attorneys, financial advisors, disability advocates, social workers, healthcare workers, and others who support individuals living with a disability

If you require an accommodation to participate in this webinar, please email able@illinoistreasurer.gov.

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 12-1 PM

Register here.

Dance in the Parks will be performing a FREE, professional dance concert at Touhy Park on Friday, July 24th! The show features seven professional dancers performing six world‑premiere contemporary dance works by Chicago choreographers. The professional company will be joined by youth guest dancers from Synapse Arts. This family‑friendly, come‑as‑you‑are performance invites casual viewing, curious newcomers, and joyful dancing‑along from your lawn chair or blanket. Pack a picnic, grab a seat, and join in an evening of dance in your park at 6:30 pm!

Check their website and social platforms for day-of-show weather updates. 

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the annual Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale from Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 9 am – 9 pm (hours vary by business). More than 40 businesses from 4800 to 5800 N. Clark St. and the adjacent side streets will expand their storefronts to line the sidewalks with summer sales, bargain antiques, one-of-a-kind merchandise, fashion apparel and local treasures. Once again this year, independent musicians and other artists will perform throughout the district, entertaining shoppers and families as they explore the one-mile district.

Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale participating businesses can be found here.

ONE Northside's fourth annual summer celebration is back! They're partnering again with Voice of the People Chicago and Sunnyside Mall for a HUGE community party on July 25, from 11am-2pm.

The Back to School Summer Bash will feature:

• Free food fresh off the grill (while supplies last)
• A school supply giveaway (one per child - child must be present)
• Games, family activities, and prizes
• A live DJ and dancing
• Fun summer treats
• Community partner booths with resources and ways to get involved

They are also calling all volunteers who want to help make this event a success. Volunteers are needed to help with set up/clean up, sign in, booths, food, and more. Sign up to volunteer here.

RSVP for this event here.

Discover your next favorite cookbook at the Cookbook Swap on Sunday, July 26 from 1-3PM at Ándale Market. Bring one (or a few) cookbooks and swap them for new to you favorites while connecting with fellow food lovers on the patio. The event is free to attend, and Pretty Cool Ice Cream might make its way into your belly if you let it. Can't make it? Drop off your unwanted cookbooks at either participating shop ahead of time, and they'll help find them a new home.

Rogers Park resident and film producer Debora Masterson is having her documentary Above and Beyond: The Story of Cpl. William T. Perkins, Jr. USMC presented in partnership with the National Veterans Art Museum at the Harold Washington Library on July 27th from 2:00-3:30pm.

On October 12, 1967, during Operation Medina in the Hai Lang National Forest, Cpl. William T. Perkins Jr., USMC, made the ultimate sacrifice, throwing himself onto an enemy grenade to shield his fellow Marines. He is the only combat photographer in U.S. history to receive the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award for valor. Thirty years later, his friend Craig Ingraham set out on a journey to uncover the truth of that fateful day. What he found was more than just the story of a hero, it was a profound look into friendship, loss, and the legacy of a man whose final act saved lives. Above and Beyond: The Story of Cpl. William T. Perkins Jr. is a powerful documentary that weaves together Perkins’ own combat footage, personal letters, and interviews with his family and fellow Marines.

Please click here for more details.

Join Bramble Theatre Company for its 2027 Season Announcement Party on Monday, July 27, from 7-8:30PM at Bramble Arts Loft. Be among the first to discover the productions coming to Bramble's stage in 2027, enjoy live scene performances by ensemble members and guest artists, and celebrate another exciting year of intimate, thought-provoking theatre. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance.

The DIM SUM & THEN SOME: The Uptown 5k/10k & KIDS DASH is not just your average race, it combines the thrill of a 5K or 10K run/walk with the flavors of dim sum and bubble tea. The event draws thousands of participants, young and old, city and suburban. Participating in the Dim Sum 5K/10K as a runner and supporter contributes to a meaningful cause. All proceeds will go towards Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA)'s programs, where they empower immigrants and refugees to improve their English skills, find their first job, receive after-school/summer camp enrichment, prepare for citizenship, and learn to become entrepreneurs. 

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Time: 7 am - 10 am 

Location: Argyle Street & Sheridan Road, Chicago 60640 

Event information can be found at www.dimsum5k.com.

The Tour de Granville is a free, family-friendly neighborhood bike ride designed to bring residents together while exploring the wonderful bike routes in and around Edgewater Glen. The Edgewater Glen Association is excited to launch what is hoped will become a cherished annual community tradition.

Event Details

Event: 1st Annual Tour de Granville

Date: Saturday, August 1

Arrival Time: 8:00 AM

Location: Granville & Glenwood

Contact: Monique Stinson, quest16biz@gmail.com

Hamdard Health Rogers Park is hosting a back to school health fair in celebration of National Health Center Week. They will have a mobile health clinic, community resources, free backpacks, health information & a bounce house. No registration is required. You can learn more about Hamdard Health here.

Sunday, August 9

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Republic Bank, 2720 W. Devon Ave.

This first-ever Nepali street festival in Edgewater is more than a cultural event. It is a meaningful celebration of belonging, representation, and community pride. The festival will highlight Nepali culture, music, dance, food, art, traditional clothing, and the rich diversity of Nepal's many ethnic communities. It will also bring together families, seniors, youth, small businesses, nonprofit partners, and local residents to celebrate the shared values that make Chicago strong: diversity, inclusion, respect, and community.

Date: Saturday, August 15th, at 1:00 PM at Bryn

Location: Mawr and Kenmore in Edgewater, Chicago

Hang out with RPBA at Chicago’s only 3D chalk art festival.

Chalk Howard Street is back! This vibrant event invites national and local street artists, neighbors, families and art lovers to transform Howard Street in Rogers Park into a creative canvas. Want to be part of transforming Howard Street?

When: Sat, Aug 22 11am - 7pm

Where: Howard Street between Paulina & Ashland

Express your creativity by purchasing a 4’ x 4’ square for $25 right here.

Drop-in with Synapse Arts every Tuesday for a special summer edition of Latin Social Dances on the beach! Partnering with Blue Jay Cafe at Loyola Park, join Synapse Arts July 7th through August 25th at 6:00 pm for an open-level, beginner-friendly Latin American social dance class. They feature rotating styles such as merengue, salsa, cumbia, bachata, and more, this 18+ class requires no partner or prior experience.

Class is on a concrete area by the beach, next to Blue Jay Cafe.

Register here.

Rivers and Roads Cafe is partnering with The Dropped Stitch to host Fiber Crafts Nights on the second Wednesday of every month! You can meet other fiber crafters and work on your projects while enjoying the cozy atmosphere of Rivers & Roads after hours.

Rivers and Roads Cafe

1259 W Devon Ave

Second Wednesday of every month

6pm-8pm

Adult Summer Reading Bingo is BACK! Check out their in-store displays for book inspiration! 

RULES: For every BINGO you achieve (5 squares in a row—vertical, horizontal, or diagonal), you can fill out an entry form to win prizes! More info HERE. You can also drop off your completed paper bingo card at the bookstore.

Bingo runs until September 8th! 

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce announced the first wave of artists performing at the 2026 Edgewater Music Fest, returning to Broadway from Thorndale Avenue on Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30. The neighborhood festival will once again feature more than 30 live performances across two

stages, a variety of more than 100 local vendors, food and beverage offerings, family-friendly activities and a weekend-long celebration of Chicago's vibrant music and arts scene.

Dates: August 28-30, 2026

Location: Broadway to Thorndale Avenue

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.

The Market will run Sundays from June 7 to October 25, 2026 (except June 28 and August 16).

This year, Jarvis Square is hosting a new farmers market on Monday nights! The Jarvis Square Twilight Markets run Mondays from 4:00pm-8:00pm, just steps from the Jarvis Red Line stop.

Youth

The City of Chicago is helping young people make the most of summer with a variety of free programs, events, and resources. From summer reading at the Chicago Public Library and activities in Chicago parks to youth opportunities through the My CHI app and community-led safe space events, the Get Into Summer initiative offers ways for teens and families to stay engaged, connected, and active throughout the season!

The Chicago Mayor’s Youth Commission is excited to welcome young Chicagoans ages 14–19 for an afternoon of youth-led conversations, networking and opportunities to make their voices heard. This inspiring event will bring together young people from across Chicago to share ideas, connect with peers, and explore opportunities to create positive change in their communities. Lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided. Bonus: attendees will have a chance to win a 4-day general admission Lollapalooza wristband! Interested attendees must pre-register, Space is limited, so reserve your spot today.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, July 25
• Location: UIC Student Center East (750 S. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60607) 

Event Schedule

• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Lunch + Networking Hour
• 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Youth Voice, Real Change Summit
• 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Resource Fair

Hiring

The Swedish American Museum is hiring a Short Term Store Manager!

Located in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, the Swedish American Museum celebrates Swedish and Swedish American history, culture, and the immigrant experience through exhibitions, programs, and community gathering. For 50 years, the Museum has served as a welcoming place for learning, connection, and tradition.

The Museum Store is an extension of our mission and visitor experience. The Store Manager plays a vital role in connecting guests with Swedish culture and heritage through thoughtful product selection, storytelling, and hospitality. The Store Manager leads all store operations—inventory, merchandising, ecommerce, and community selling events—while creating a positive, welcoming experience for visitors, members, donors, and volunteers.

For more information on the role, visit their website here. Please submit a letter of interest, résumé, and salary requirements to:

hiring@samac.org (Attn: Karin Moen Abercrombie, Executive Director)

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