Kelly's Update

The long weekend was a good chance to rest up and get organized for the sprint to adjournment. As we prepared to convene for today’s session, we were alerted to a lockdown due to a bomb threat on the Capitol campus which delayed the start of session a bit. We got the all clear around noon and were able to convene a short time later. We had our annual Memorial Day Service to honor the memories of Illinois service members who died on duty in the last year before beginning work for the day.

We continue to work through bills on the calendar while behind the scenes, budget negotiators are putting in long hours working to craft our budget bills and other big bills and packages continue to be negotiated and fine tuned. For the first time in a while, I’m coming into this stretch with my bill negotiations done, so I’m just focusing on roll calls and preparing for floor debate. 

We have been told that we expect to adjourn “some time on Sunday.” With any luck, well before midnight. After that, I’ll clear out my office and apartment and make my way back to reacquaint myself with home and the neighborhood. I’ve got good friends at home taking care of the garden till I get back and we’ll work together on it the rest of the summer and share the bounty. We’ll have details on the budget in our next newsletter and will plan our regular schedule of coffee stops and town halls to provide more details and answer your questions on the session soon!

Need to Know Info

With Summer right around the corner now is a great time to start thinking about signing up to use our Museum Pass! Summer is always an exciting time to visit any of our local Chicago museums and the museum pass is good for up to 4 visitors to get free general admission. You must be a constituent to reserve the pass.

You can sign up here to reserve the museum pass!

The Pokémon Fossil Museum Exhibition has made its North American debut at the Field Museum on May 22, 2026! This exhibition is not included in general admission and requires a separate ticket. 

Learn more about the exhibit and purchase tickets here.

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.

Summer EBT is back to help eligible families access food during the summer months.  Each eligible school-aged child will receive a one-time benefit of $120.  

Most eligible children will receive benefits automatically, while some households may need to apply.  

Visit abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal to: 

• Use the screener to check eligibility 

• Find out if you need to apply 

• Get the latest Summer EBT updates

The Office of 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth is hosting three infrastructure and construction update information sessions this upcoming week.

Broadway Pedestrian Island Construction Meeting: On Tuesday, May 26th the 48th Ward Office will be holding a virtual meeting to discuss the construction of pedestrian islands on Broadway and any impacts to daily traffic this may cause. Please scan the QR code in the flyer to register or use this link to join.

Sheridan Resurfacing Construction Meeting: On Wednesday, May 27th, join the 46th and 48th Ward offices for a virtual meeting to discuss the resurfacing of Sheridan Rd. between Montrose and Foster that will begin this week, as well as resurfacing between Foster and Bryn Mawr which will take place later this year. Please scan the QR code in the flyer to register or use this link to join.

Emanuel Congregation/Fern Hill Redevelopment Community Meeting: On Thursday, May 28th, join the 48th Ward office at the Emanuel Congregation synagogue for a meeting to discuss the proposed Emanual Congregation redevelopment plans. Please scan the QR code in the flyer to RSVP or use this link.

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. The CityArts Program aims to support a diverse group of arts and culture nonprofits reflective of the city of Chicago and its cultural landscape through flexible and strategic grant funding. Chicago arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes and artistic disciplines can apply for CityArts grants.

In 2026, the CityArts Program will offer two types of grants:

• General Operating Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations
• Project Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations

You can learn more and apply here.

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 image?" 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

Starting 05/29, neighborhood favorite R Public House will open at 11 AM on Fridays for brunch! That’s right — your favorite brunch classics are no longer just a weekend thing.

Stop by Fridays to enjoy a Pierogi Bowl of Goodness, the Morning Patty Melt, giant biscuits with honey butter, and plenty more brunch favorites (plus some exciting new offerings like the New Orleans Skillet or one of their quiches).

Because honestly… two brunch days just weren't enough.

District Events

Berger Park is offering a slew of dance, yoga, and fitness classes this summer! Offered by Alight Movement, these 8-10 week courses begin on June 15th, 2026. Scan the QR code above for more information!

Announced on International Jazz Day, the Red Line Jazz Project is a new public arts initiative that brings live jazz performances into CTA Red Line stations and nearby community spaces across Chicago. Curated by acclaimed musician and Mandala Artist-in-Residence Fareed Haque, the series transforms everyday transit environments into sites of cultural exchange—creating moments of connection for commuters and neighborhood residents alike.

The full schedule includes:

• June 25, 6–8 PM — Mahalia Jackson Court (79th)

• July 2, 4–6 PM — Sox-35th Station

• July 30, 4–6 PM — Cermak–Chinatown Station

• July 30, 5–7 PM — Chinatown Visitor Center

• August 13, 4–6 PM — Argyle Station

• August 27, 6–8 PM — Taylor Park

• September 10, 4–6 PM — 95th/Dan Ryan Station

Join Minyoli Taiwanese Noodles (5420 N Clark St) for an evening of drag and delicious Taiwanese eats on May 26th from 6-8pm!

Hosted by Holly Berry Blossom & Ryne Stone and featuring the talents of Stariana, Phillippe Mignon, and Sleepie!

Tickets are $40 if you pre-order before May 26th, $45 at the door. Ticket includes a buffet of Minyoli favorites. Bar will be available to purchase drinks from. 

You are invited to join the Edgewater Historical Society for their May Salon: Puppets and Masks. Jeremiah Barr, Jeff Award nominee for Artistic Excellence, will be discussing the importance of puppets and masks in stage productions.

Thursday May 28th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Edgewater Historical Society

5358 North Ashland Avenue.

Light refreshments will be served. Free admission, but you can reserve your spot here.

Artists of the Wall is just a month away which means it’s time to prep for the event!  

The Loyola Park Advisory Council is looking for volunteers to help scrape and prep the mural wall on Friday, May 29th from 3:00–6:00pm at Loyola Park. This is the first big step in getting the wall ready for hundreds of artists and neighbors to transform it during Artists of the Wall weekend.

No experience necessary — just wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy and come ready to help out for however long you can. They will have supplies, music, and lots of appreciation for everyone pitching in.

You can register to help here!

If you are interested in volunteering for Artists of the Wall you can sign up here!

Master storyteller Nestor Gomez will share personal tales about the healing power of rescued animals. Nestor's new book, Rescued Me, is a collection of stories about his journey in building a new life through relationships, which includes four-legged friends. His poignant, sometimes humorous stories will resonate as they express how he found the courage to love again. His stories also reflect his

experiences as an immigrant from Guatemala.

Saturday May 30th

10:30am-11:30am

Edgewater Branch

6000 N Broadway

The Chicago Parks Foundation is kicking off volunteer season with a special clean-up event across the city, and Leone Beach Park will be one of the participating parks! Join participants on Saturday, May 30th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 1222 W Touhy Ave for trash pick-up and tree mulching, and help beautify one of your favorite 49th Ward parks. You can register to attend here.

Stop by Sullivan High School on Monday, June 1, for a free community car wash from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., located at Parking Lot B on Greenview (6631 N Bosworth). There will be a lunch break from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

All are welcome at the monthly Northside AARP Community Group Meeting at Lakeview Presbyterian Church (716 W. Addison) on June 2nd at 12:30 pm. This month, the group will be discussing the U.S. Flag as we approach Flag Day as well as important community, legislative, and medical news updates.

The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 12:30 pm and there is an option to join over Zoom. For more information, including access to the Zoom meeting link, email NorthsideAARPCommunitygroup@gmail.com!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

April 30 – June 7

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 on MON 6/1! 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.

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.

The Office of the Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is excited to announce the launch of the “Illinois to America: Stories that Shape Us” student essay contest for America’s 250th Anniversary. This contest is open to students in 6th-12th grade.  

Winners will have their essays displayed in the Lt. Governor’s Chicago and Springfield offices and highlighted at the Lt. Governor’s tent at the state fair. In addition, they will receive a letter, certificate, and Challenge Coin from the Lieutenant Governor. There may also be some special surprises!  

The contest is open from April 13th through 11:59pm CST on May 31st. Winners will be announced on July 4th. To learn more about the guidelines and submission process, visit the contest website.

If you have any questions, please reach out to mahi.patel@illinois.gov or ltgov.policy@illinois.gov.  

Hiring

The Bureau of Cook County Human Resources is pleased to announce that they are collaboratively hosting a Job Fair open to the public! If you are interested in working with the county please use the QR Code above or this link to register to attend.

Event Details: 

·    Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026

·    Event Time (Doors open to the public): 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM 

·    Location: Palmer House 17 East Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603

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