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Welcome 2026! I hope everyone’s new year is safe, healthy, prosperous, and peaceful. Our team is back in the office and ready to help tackle any issues you might need our support with.
We usually publish on Mondays, but we took a minute getting ourselves back to routine, so happy Tuesday. It also happens to be the fifth anniversary of the insurrection at the US Capitol. It’s honestly stunning that it’s been that long since we saw images of violent protestors attacking Capitol police, people carrying confederate flags through the halls of Congress, feces smeared on walls, images of members of Congress and staff attempting to shield themselves in the chamber. Each image more horrifying and each one seared into my brain. I remember checking in with friends on the hill who were sheltering in their offices, hearing the chaos in the halls outside. Asking friends of friends if they’d heard back from others I didn’t reach and sharing who I’d been able to connect with. And I’ll never forget talking to Congressman Mike Quigley later that day. As he shared what he experienced on the floor in the moments when it sounded like the doors of the chamber would be breached by the mob, I realized I was holding my breath. Knowing that all of the people who caused this horror have been pardoned makes me grieve for the harm done to our democracy, and makes me more resolved than ever to ensure that we are doing everything in our power here in Illinois to protect democracy and the rule of law.
Waking up last Saturday to the news of our country’s invasion of Venezuela was incredibly jarring. To be absolutely clear, Maduro is a monster who starved his people, enriched his friends, and whose election was not recognized by the international community and does not belong in power. That said, committing acts of war without engaging with Congress or our allies is unconstitutional, dangerous, and frankly horrifying. Reports indicate that President Trump actually informed the heads of oil companies about his plans, but not Congress or any allies. We can not allow the normalization of ignoring the rule of law, whether we’re talking about the illegal kidnappings of our neighbors, pardoning insurrectionists, bombing fishing boats and killing survivors incapable of retaliating, or any of the other myriad ways we’re seeing this administration wipe their feet on our constitution. Members of our Congressional delegation shared their positions as well over the weekend and I’m sharing some of them here:
With just a few weeks before the start of the Spring legislative session, we’re putting the finishing touches on our legislative agenda for 2026, finalizing language with advocates, negotiating with stakeholders, researching other states’ experiences - all with our eyes on the Legislative Reference Bureau deadline of Friday, January 16th. I’m excited to get underway on a session that promises to be challenging and impactful. I’ll have more details on bills we’ll be introducing soon, as well as sharing interesting proposals from colleagues.
Next week, the Senate returns for a few days of session as they also begin their work. Every session there are a few weeks where only one chamber is in town and it always feels a little weird to have the building more quiet than usual. This is especially true when it’s a Senate only week given that they’re half the size of our chamber. While the Senate chamber was under construction the last couple sessions and they were meeting in another building, it was kind of like that every day. But we like having everyone back under one roof again and I like it when the Capitol is buzzing with activity.
I’m hoping to get down to check out the Edgewater Indoor Market sponsored by the Edgewater Chamber that’s starting back up this weekend. On select Saturdays this winter, more than 70 vendors will set up in the first floor gymnasium of the Broadway Armory with food and drinks, art, winter produce, treats and a chance to connect with neighbors and friends during the cold and dreary days of winter. (January 10th & 31st, February 14th & 28th, and March 14th)
Speaking of cold and dreary days of winter, what are some of your favorite ways to shake off the cold and gray during our winters?
| | 14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Program | | |
The 14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Grant has launched an emergency door-buzzer initiative in response to the fear and disruption caused by recent ICE/CBP operations in local commercial corridors.
Funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and led by State Representative Kelly Cassidy in partnership with Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA), the program has already delivered over $320,000 in security support to 45 neighborhood businesses.
This new effort will provide and install basic door entry control systems for up to 90 vulnerable, for-profit brick-and-mortar businesses within the 14th District. Eligible businesses must be located in the district, be in good standing with the State of Illinois, hold a valid Chicago business license, and complete the required application.
For more information on who qualifies and how to apply, visit the grant website here.
| | Latest Update About SNAP Program Work Requirements | | |
SNAP customers can now check to see if they are subject to, are meeting, or may be eligible to seek an exemption from work requirements. Use the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener.
Additional Information on New SNAP Work Requirements
Before the federal budget bill, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) applied to adults ages 18-54 who had:
- No kids under 18 living at home
- No disabilities
Now, more people must meet or be exempt from work requirements, like:
- People who are homeless
- People with kids at home who are only 14 or older
- Veterans
- People with no disabilities, ages 55-64
Important Dates:
February 1, 2026: ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements may only get SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period.
May 1, 2026: ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements will lose benefits.
IDHS has sent initial notices of these federal changes along with a copy of an exemption form, to all current and new ABAWDs.
Illinois DHS will also continue to provide updates on: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov
| | What to Know About the CMS Anti-Gender Affirming Care Proposed Rules | | Please click image above for full PDF | | |
As part of their vicious and continuing attacks on transgender people, the Trump Administration recently proposed two new rules that purposefully and cruelly limit access to gender affirming care for young people. This attack is just the latest from this administration that targets families with trans youth and these children’s ability to live healthy, happy lives. These rules not only threaten access to gender affirming care, they also threaten states’ abilities to provide comprehensive, proven, and necessary care to patients – including patients not using Medicaid or Medicare and patients seeking care other than gender affirming care.
ACLU Illinois has provided a sheet of need to know information regarding these new rules you can access by clicking above.
| | Applications Open for 2026 Illinois Supportive Housing Institute | | |
The Supportive Housing Institute (the Institute) is an accelerated training and technical assistance program designed to help participants navigate the often-complex process of supportive housing development, from financing and service coordination to operations and long-term property management. The Institute begins in March 2026, and selected teams will participate in 10 sessions, eight in-person in Springfield and two virtual, over a four-month period.
If you are interested in creating additional supportive housing for the most vulnerable in your community, or know of individuals or organizations interested in this work, the Institute would be a great start.
This initiative is a partnership between IHDA and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH). Ideal teams applying to the Institute should include a developer, property manager, and supportive services partner. Teams are also encouraged to include a person with lived experience to help shape designs that better support tenant well-being and long-term housing stability.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Friday, January 30, 2026. Interested applicants are also encouraged to attend an upcoming informational webinar to learn more about the program and application process:
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ComEd made two announcements this month:
1) ComEd announced the January 1, 2026 launch of the Low-Income Discount (LID) program. The LID program will provide percentage-based discounts to monthly ComEd bills for income eligible customers.
You can learn more about their new program here.
2) More than $803 million dollars will be returned to customers under the framework established in Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which requires nuclear plants to pay customers when prices are high. Residential and commercial customers will benefit from this funding in the form of bill credits, over the first five months of 2026.
You can read a press release about it here.
| | Together We Win: Fight for the T in Team Panel and Community Dinner | | |
Fight for the T in Team: Together We Win Panel & Community Dinner
WHEN: Tuesday, January 13 at 6pm
WHERE: Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613
On Jan. 13, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases that will shape the future of transgender and nonbinary (TNB) youth and people in this country: West Virginia v. BPJ and Little v. Hecox. These two cases represent two teenage girls from West Virginia and Idaho, who sued just to be allowed to continue playing sports like any other student.
The panel, beginning at 6:30pm, will break down the oral arguments and the potential impacts on the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX. A meal will follow, allowing attendees to connect as a community.
You can register for the event here.
| | Individual Artists Program Grants | | |
The 2026 Individual Artists Program (IAP) application is now open.
Deadline: Apply by Thursday, January 15, 2026 at noon CT
Notifications by May 31, 2026 - all applications will be notified via email
The Individual Artists Program (IAP) aims to assist Chicago's practicing artists in creating work that develops their craft and elevates their careers, while adding to the cultural vitality of the city of Chicago. IAP grants support artists across all artistic disciplines including Film & Media Arts, Literary Arts, Music, Performing Arts (Theater/Dance), and Visual Arts/Design.
- DCASE anticipates making 200 - 250 grants through this program.
- Artists must take one year off from applying after being selected for an IAP grant. 2025 IAP grantees are not eligible to apply.
- DCASE will prioritize funding applicants that did not receive other support from DCASE in 2023 or 2024.
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a resident of the city of Chicago, Illinois (proof of Chicago residency is required – must provide a current valid Illinois Driver’s License, State ID or Chicago CityKey with applicant name and Chicago street address). No other proof of Chicago residency will be accepted. No P.O. Boxes.
Visit the DCASE website to apply.
| | Edgewater Indoor Market Returns for 2026! | | |
Edgewater Indoor Market is back starting this Saturday (1/10)!
Presented by Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, the Edgewater Indoor Market is back for Winter 2026. After a successful inaugural season, the market returns with an expanded schedule, more vendors, and a bigger location on the first floor of the historic Broadway Armory. This year, the market adds two additional Saturdays, giving shoppers more chances to support local businesses and enjoy the warmth of community throughout winter.
Community members are invited to shop, eat, and connect indoors from 10am-2pm in the 1st Floor Gymnasium at Broadway Armory (5917 N. Broadway) on five select Saturdays.
Each market will feature more than 70 local food vendors, artists, and artisans offering everything from prepared foods and baked goods to winter produce, warm drinks, and handmade art. Shoppers can even enjoy chef demos, adding an extra buzz to the already lively event series.
Admission to the Edgewater Indoor Market is free and open to the public. Vendors will offer individually priced items for purchase, with some free samples available while supplies last.
2026 Edgewater Indoor Market Dates:
Saturday, January 10
Saturday, January 31
Saturday, February 14
Saturday, February 28
Saturday, March 14
| | Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Special Meeting | | |
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is required by ordinance to hold a special meeting when it receives a petition signed by at least 2,000 Chicago residents. District Councils and community members submitted a petition requesting a public hearing on Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) interactions.
As a result, CCPSA will hold a special meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Thalia Hall (1807 S Allport St, Chicago).
For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be available via Zoom.
This meeting will serve as a listening session and public comment forum, providing community members an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns related to CPD interactions with ICE. They are especially interested in hearing about any instances you or the communities you serve have witnessed and believe the Commission and the public should be aware of.
The meeting will consist entirely of public comment, with the microphone open for community members to speak directly to the Commission.
Anyone interested in speaking during the virtual public comment period must send a request to Community Commission staff by emailing CommunityCommission@cityofchicago.org. If the number of interested speakers would exceed the time dedicated to public comment, speakers will be selected by a random drawing.
Anyone may submit written public comment by delivering it to the public meeting or by emailing it to CommunityCommissionPublicComment@cityofchicago.org.
| | Recycle Non-Working Holiday Lights at the 48th Ward Office | | Drop off your non-working holiday lights at the 48th Ward office (1129 W Bryn Mawr) during office hours. Reduce Waste Chicago will recycle them safely. Be sure to separate lights from other decorations before dropping them off. The last day to drop off lights is January 31, 2026. | | Alight Movement Hosting Classes at Berger Park | | |
Berger Park is partnering with Alight Movement to host dance and fitness classes for youth, adults & seniors. The classes are a collaborative program series created by Alight Movement and Uniquely Fit, offering yoga, dance, fitness, mobility, and restorative classes—alongside assisted stretching, mobility assessments, and recovery services for active bodies and wellness professionals.
Mindful Moves
A musically guided, full-body mobility class designed to improve flexibility, balance, posture, and joint health. Each session focuses on a specific area of the body—hips, shoulders, spine, or core—using controlled movement and breath awareness to help you move with more ease and confidence in everyday life.
Groove Lab: Social Dancing 101
Learn simple, repeatable dance grooves, clean footwork, and musicality in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. This class builds confidence, coordination, and rhythm so you can move comfortably in any social setting—no partner or prior dance experience needed
Hip Hop Foundations
An introductory hip hop/street dance class designed to build coordination, musicality, and confidence through age-appropriate movement and foundational dance skills. Students learn basic grooves, footwork, and freestyle concepts while developing body awareness and self-expression in a fun, supportive space.
You can find more information and sign up here.
| | HamBINGO for Edgewater Mutual Aid | | |
Hamburger Mary's weekly "HamBINGO Mary's" Drag Queen Bingo, supporting local charities and organizations, every Wednesday and Sunday at 7pm (reservations begin at 6pm).
Sunday, January 11th, Hamburger Mary's will be playing for Edgewater Mutual Aid!
Edgewater Mutual Aid Network (EMAN) is a grassroots, volunteer, and non-hierarchical effort aiming to provide critical relief and engage in mutual aid practices with those in our community. Mutual aid isn’t charity—it’s a way of taking care of each other that recognizes that each of us has something to contribute. This fundraiser will benefit projects such as houseless support, food distribution, a free store, and more. Follow them for updates on Instagram at @edgewatermutualaid and their website https://edgewatermutualaid.org/.
There is a suggested donation to play bingo (usually $20), which is collected directly by the charity each week. That gets you the bingo sheets to play all the games!
Reservations strongly recommended! You can make your reservations here.
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As a part of their Concert Reading Series, Lifeline Theatre presents Miss Holmes Returns!
A play inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
By Christopher M. Walsh
Directed by Elise Kauzlaric
Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson are back on the case! After a string of successes in assisting Scotland Yard, a seemingly clear-cut murder case finds itself at the detective’s feet. The powers that be know for certain the murderer was a young woman of immigrant heritage, but Holmes and Watson aren’t as sure. Can they find the truth before the authorities catch and convict their suspect? The game is afoot in this provocative Midwest premiere sequel to the hit play Miss Holmes, based on familiar characters from the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Date: January 25th
Schedule of Events:
11:30 a.m Light brunch & coffee/mimosas served
12:30 p.m. Performances start (approximately two and a half hours in length)
3:00 p.m. Dessert served and Talk-Back with cast
Tickets can be purchased here.
| | American Job Center at Truman College | | |
Visit an American Job Center to access employment resources, information about job training and more. Each center has knowledgeable staff that provides 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
| | Compassionate caretakers wanted! Join Misericordia, Heart of Mercy and be part of a community where every day is about connection and empowerment. As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll work with residents with disabilities, helping them achieve goals and thrive. If you’re seeking purpose-filled work, click here to learn more and get started. | | |
Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
1507 W. Morse Ave
Chicago IL 60626
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773-784-2002 (phone)
Info@repcassidy.com
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