1/ More than 70 fires & two preventable deaths at the Joliet Treatment Center in just three years expose a catastrophic lack of safety & oversight in Illinois prisons. Locked gates delayed firefighters, fire alarms failed & critical mental health care was ignored. www.wbez.org/public-safet...

Illinois lawmakers decry prison’s ‘gut-wrenching,’ ‘heartbreaking’ conditions

After The Marshall Project found scores of fires set by men at a Joliet prison, legislators want improved fire safety and mental health treatment.

wbez.org

📚 Illinois families: Save on back-to-school shopping! From August 7-16, Illinois is reducing the state sales tax from 6.25% to 1.25% on eligible school supplies and clothing. ✅ School supplies of any price qualify. ✅ Clothing and shoes priced under $125 qualify. abc7chicago.com/post/illinoi...

Illinois offers temporary sales tax reduction on back-to-school shopping

Parents starting on back-to-school shopping will get a temporary sales tax break for 10 days this month.

abc7chicago.com

1/ Every act of firearm violence leaves lasting emotional, physical & financial impacts on survivors, families & communities. The RIFL Act would shift more of those costs from taxpayers & survivors to the firearm manufacturers, helping fund evidence-based violence prevention & survivor services.

Our July newsletter is live! IL wrapped up the Spring Session with major victories for reproductive privacy, survivor protections & health equity. But we aren't stopping there. Read the full update to learn how you can take action & prepare for the November Midterms! 👉 mailchi.mp/373ab187812c...

Chicagoans, want to make a difference in your community? Consider running for your local District Council. CCPSA is hosting information sessions on the 2027 District Council Election. Learn more: ccpsa.chicago.gov/2027-district-council-election

1/ Join the Black Women's Expo for a weekend celebration of Black women, families & communities thru culture, wellness, entertainment & empowerment. This year’s theme, “We Matter,” brings together inspiring voices, thought leaders, performers, & community changemakers abc7chicago.com/post/31st-an...

31st annual Black Women's Expo set for next weekend at Chicago's McCormick Place

The 31st annual Black Women's Expo is set for next weekend at Chicago's McCormick Place.

abc7chicago.com

📣 PSA for older Chicagoans: If you were impacted by the recent Save A Lot closures on Chicago's South & West sides, you may be eligible for free roundtrip rides to grocery stores. Call 2-1-1, and a United Way of Metro Chicago will arrange transportation. blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/29/o...

Older Chicagoans Can Get Free Rides To Grocery Stores Following Save A Lot Closures, Mayor Says

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the program, funded by Lyft and administered by the United Way of Metro Chicago, following the abrupt closure of seven Save A Lot stores.

blockclubchicago.org

Learn how activists, allies, and policymakers can help build a more inclusive society for neurodivergent communities. Join Indivisible Illinois for a virtual panel TODAY at 7:30PM to explore allyship, policy, and action. www.mobilize.us/indivisiblei...

Supporting Neurodivergent Communities - Indivisible IL · Indivisible Illinois

Join Indivisible Illinois for a virtual panel exploring neurodiversity, the experiences of neurodivergent communities, and how activists, allies, and policymakers can work together to build a more…

mobilize.us

ICYMI: A federal judge ruled FDA restrictions on mifepristone are "arbitrary and capricious," reaffirming decades of research: it is safe & effective. The court ordered the Trump administration to reconsider rules limiting access that make it harder to obtain.

Judge rules FDA restrictions on mifepristone are arbitrary and capricious

Abortion medication ruled to be safe as judge orders Trump administration to consider overturning restrictions

theguardian.com

Our Nation Watch Biweekly is Live! We’re breaking down the top national headlines you need to know from DOJ shifts signaling new federal abortion restrictions to 4.5M people losing SNAP food assistance. Plus, don’t miss our Recent Wins! Read the recap here: shevotesil.substack.com/p/she-votes-...

She Votes Illinois: Nation Watch Biweekly - July 25, 2026

Recapping the top national developments you should know

shevotesil.substack.com

🚨 ACTION ALERT Cook County Commissioners are considering a proposal to use the AI video surveillance system BriefCam to monitor people in jail. This tech has raised serious civil rights concerns. Contact your Cook County Commissioner to vote NO on BriefCam here: actionnetwork.org/letters/cook...

Cook County Does Not Need an AI surveillance Experiment in the Jail

The Cook County Board of Commissioners Technology Committee soon will consider a proposal from the Sheriff’s Office to obtain AI video surveillance software known as Briefcam for monitoring people…

actionnetwork.org

IL has secured a one-year delay before being required to shoulder millions of dollars in new SNAP costs under recent federal changes. But as these costs loom, lawmakers must protect food assistance & ensure families can continue to access the food they need. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/21/s...

Illinois SNAP costs: State wins one-year delay on food aid penalty, but major costs still loom

Illinois will get an extra year, until October 2028, before it must begin sharing the cost of food assistance benefits with the federal government, after the state’s own payment error rate climbed…

chicagotribune.com

1/ A new study found that neighborhoods surrounding long-vacant Chicago school buildings experienced a 10% increase in gun violence. The findings highlight the lasting impact of community investment, or the lack of it, on neighborhood safety and well-being. blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/22/a...

After CPS Closed Schools, Buildings Sat Empty — And Gun Violence Rose, Study Finds

Researchers at the University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins University found that neighborhoods surrounding long-vacant schools saw a 10 percent increase in gun violence compared to similar…

blockclubchicago.org

Jessica Dixon Heitman has been appointed to complete the term of ex-Rep. Harry Benton of District 97 & will appear on the Nov ballot, following Benton’s resignation after an investigation outlined “clear patterns of conduct” involving alleged sexual harassment. www.nprillinois.org/government-p...

Jessica Dixon Heitman appointed to ex-Rep. Harry Benton’s seat

Granddaughter of late U.S. Sen. Alan Dixon is choice of local Democratic Party insiders

nprillinois.org

1/ This piece exposes a life-threatening paradox for abused women as they are forced to choose between dying at the hands of an abuser, or going to prison for surviving them. When the legal system betrays survivors by incarcerating them, it also strips away their #VotingRights. bit.ly/44OQrel

What Do Most Female Prisoners Have in Common? They Are Actually Victims.

When I first began reporting on incarcerated women, I was fascinated by studies that showed that showed that upwards of 70 percent of women in jails and prisons were subjected to intimate partner…

msmagazine.com

On August 8, League of Women Voters & partners across the country are coming together for the Unite & Rise for #VotingRights Day of Action to mobilize voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. With nearly 50 events in Illinois, find an event near you! www.lwv.org/riseforvotin...

Unite & Rise for Voting Rights | League of Women Voters

On August 8, 2026, the League will host civic engagement actions across the country in honor of the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.

lwv.org

In Spring 2025, we trained more than 50 community members to observe & document detention hearings in Cook County for a one-month period. Today, we're releasing our findings in our new report "Changing Landscapes". Learn more & read the report here: endmoneybond.org/community-co...

Community Court-Watching Report Details Second Year of Pretrial Fairness Act Implementation  - Coalition to End Money Bond

Today, the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice is proud to share “Changing Landscapes: Community Court-Watchers’ Observations of the Second Year of Pretrial Fairness Act Implementation,” a new repor...

endmoneybond.org

ICE activity is increasing across Chicago, and immigrant families are feeling the impact. Know your rights, share trusted resources, support immigrant-serving organizations, and help ensure families have access to legal support and protection. www.wbez.org/immigration/...

ICE arrests have increased in Chicago, but tactics less publicized than last fall, legal groups say

Last week, at least 20 people were arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Chicago, and another 17 people have been arrested so far this week, according to reports from groups…

wbez.org

Your voice matters. After receiving more than 30,000 public comments, the Trump administration appears to be backing away from a proposed rule that could have threatened Medicare & Medicaid funding for hospitals providing gender-affirming care to trans youth. www.nprillinois.org/2026-07-13/t...

Trump's HHS shelves threat to withhold Medicare and Medicaid funding over trans care

NPR has learned that the Department of Health and Human Services will not be pushing its most aggressive attempt to end gender-affirming care for youth nationally.

nprillinois.org

👏👏👏 ICYMI: The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Illinois’ ban on assault weapons & high-capacity magazines, reversing a lower court ruling that found the law unconstitutional. The decision will face further review, as SCOTUS prepares to hear a similar case. www.nprillinois.org/illinois/202...

Appeals court upholds Illinois’ ban on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines

Ruling comes one week after SCOTUS agreed to take up case against similar Cook County law

nprillinois.org

Illinois is expanding access to maternal healthcare! 💙 Medicaid will now cover services provided by Licensed Certified Prof. Midwives. This is an important step toward improving #MaternalHealth equity & expanding safe, patient-centered birth options in Illinois. www.riverbender.com/news/details...

HFS Announces New Coverage For Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Services

Illinois Medicaid adds Licensed Certified Professional Midwife services, expanding home and birth center maternity care for families statewide.

riverbender.com

A new Chicago-Cook County task force is taking action to better support DV survivors in the court system. Following a rise in domestic violence cases, the group has released a report outlining key recommendations to eliminate barriers for survivors. Read more here: www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/t...

Task force seeks to improve court system for domestic violence survivors

Chicago and Cook County have stepped up efforts to try and address violence against women, with a new task force aiming to help survivors in court.

nbcchicago.com

Every pledge helps amplify the voices of women who are currently excluded from our democracy and builds momentum for restoring their right to vote in Illinois. Take the pledge: ilarj.org/pledge

Illinois Alliance for Reentry and Justice@ilarj.org · 4w ago

Every vote matters, and incarcerated women deserve that recognition. We're stepping up to demand the passage of the RACE Act and bring back their vote for good. Take the pledge at ilarj.org/pledge.

Our Latest Nation Watch Biweekly is Live! We’re breaking down the top national headlines, from escalating ICE surges in Chicago to federal website redesigns stoking surveillance fears, & more! And don’t miss our Recent Wins! Read the full recap here: shevotesil.substack.com/p/she-votes-...

She Votes Illinois: Nation Watch Biweekly - July 13, 2026

Recapping the top national developments you should know

shevotesil.substack.com

Missed out on tickets to the Obama Presidential Center? You're not alone. They sold out just two hours after becoming available. More tickets will be released at 10AM on the second Wednesday of every month, with the next release on August 12. blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/08/o...

Obama Center Tickets Are Sold Out. Here’s How To Get Them Next Time.

The museum will update ticket availability 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of every month. Check the center's website Aug. 12.

blockclubchicago.org

This is a powerful reminder that investing in equitable, community-centered #MaternalHealth care saves lives. www.forbes.com/sites/ashoka...

Over 80% Of Maternal Deaths In The U.S. Are Preventable. Here’s One Model Showing How.

Mamatoto Village has maintained a 0% maternal mortality rate, supporting thousands of families. We spoke with co-founder Aza Nedhari to learn more.

forbes.com

Since 2013, 27 hospitals across the Chicago area have closed their inpatient pediatric units, raising concerns about access to care for children and the long-term impact of losing essential services at community hospitals. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/08/p...

Prime Healthcare seeks to permanently close inpatient pediatric unit at St. Joseph hospital in Joliet

Prime Healthcare plans to permanently close the inpatient pediatrics unit at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet – adding the hospital to a growing list of Chicago area facilities eliminating such…

chicagotribune.com

ICE arrests in Chicago are increasing again, and community support matters. Learn how you can help by reporting verified ICE activity, signing up for local rapid response alerts, attending Know Your Rights trainings, and supporting neighbors who may be at risk. blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/09/i...

ICE Arrests Are On The Rise Again In Chicago. Here's What Immigrants Need To Know

Immigration arrests and sightings of ICE agents have increased in recent weeks. "This is a time when the community needs to come together to protect ourselves," an organizer said.

blockclubchicago.org

A 2nd woman has accused US Senate candidate Graham Platner of removing a condom during sex without her consent, known as stealthing. While it is not illegal in Illinois, HB2453 would make it a civil offense. Call your IL State reps to support HB2453! www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...

💄ICYMI: IL is strengthening consumer protections with a new law prohibiting the intentional use of certain PFAS & other toxic substances in cosmetics & personal care products sold in the state, reducing exposure to chemicals linked to cancer & reproductive harm. chicagocrusader.com/sen-hunter-b...

Sen. Hunter Bans Beauty Toxins, Strengthens Consumer Protections

State Sen. Mattie Hunter notched a landmark consumer protection victory June 26 when Illinois signed into law her legislation banning "forever

chicagocrusader.com