Four years after COVID-19, CDC’s mission divides Capitol Hill - Roll Call The focus on the CDC reflects a broader Republican scrutiny of public health agencies in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Roll Call · Jul 23, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson appoints new Chicago health commissioner Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige, managing director of programs at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, becomes the first Black woman to serve as Chicago’s public health commissioner. Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 13, 2023
Dr. Allison Arwady takes job with Biden administration focusing on overdoses, suicides after Chicago Mayor Johnson fired her After leading Chicago through the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’s public health commissioner was abruptly fired by Mayor Brandon Johnson. She joins President Joe Biden’s administration in January. Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 9, 2023
Former mayor teaching Harvard students about how to deal with a pandemic — and with reporters Lori Lightfoot’s class will include a mock press conference and a simulated community meeting. She’ll discuss the dangers of politicizing a pandemic and how to interact with the media, drawing on lessons learned amid COVID-19. Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 4, 2023
Johnson on his first 100 days: ‘It’ll take time to right this ship in its entirety’ The mayor is more concerned about building consensus than he is about checking boxes on his list of campaign promises. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 17, 2023
Dr. Arwady, thank you for your public health leadership None of the emergencies we faced as Dr. Arwady’s two immediate predecessors compares to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 17, 2023
Straight from the Blagojevich playbook Like our disgraced former governor, Chicago’s current mayor thinks he can quote his way out of a tight spot. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 15, 2023
Arwady: Abrupt firing was ‘unnecessarily destabilizing’ to health department — and could hurt search for successor In an interview with NBC Chicago, former city health chief Dr. Allison Arwady, who was appointed by ex-Mayor Lori Lightfoot, said it was ‘disturbing’ that she was fired without a meeting with the mayor or saying goodbye to her staff. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 15, 2023
Mayor scores a win with Snelling, a bad misstep with Arwady Mayor Brandon Johnson selected 29-year veteran Larry Snelling to be the city’s next police superintendent, days after the misstep of abruptly firing Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 15, 2023
Johnson quotes Tupac, dances around questions about health chief’s firing The mayor was asked about Dr. Allison Arwady’s claim of being dismissed without meeting Johnson face to face. Johnson quoted slain rapper Tupac. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 14, 2023
St. Adalbert can be saved The people of St. Adalbert can save their spiritual home by doing some serious fund-raising and also by pursuing the goal of making the church a historic site. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 14, 2023
Chicago Public Health chief Dr. Allison Arwady handed her discharge papers — she says goodbye on Twitter The infectious disease expert steered Chicago through the COVID-19 pandemic. Also a pediatrician, Arwady was appointed by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 12, 2023
Mayoral allies lay groundwork for mental health plan dubbed ‘Treatment Not Trauma’ Health Committee Chair Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez opened the hearing with a minute of silence honoring Quintonio LeGrier, Laquan McDonald “and so many others who did not receive the care they desperately needed.” Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 24, 2023
Slow start or cautious rollout? Chicago mayor unveils transition report, fills key posts later than predecessors CHICAGO -- Days before he was sworn in as Chicago’s mayor in 2011, Rahm Emanuel unveiled a series of goals from his transition team, including plans for the first 100 days. Chicago Tribune · Jul 6, 2023
Chicago Sun-Times · May 1, 2023 Lightfoot ‘done with electoral politics for myself’ after Feb. 28 defeat Lightfoot is the first elected Chicago mayor in 40 years to be denied a second term. The last mayor to suffer that indignity was Jane Byrne, Chicago’s first and only other female mayor.
Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 19, 2023 New West Side primary care clinic promises to expand access to uninsured residents The Thresholds Health clinic in Austin recently opened to the public and will accept even uninsured patients. It’s a step toward reaching a largely uninsured, though advocates say there’s still more to be done.
Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 17, 2023 Dozens of Cook County employees out after PPP fraud probe, Walmart closings fallout and more in your Chicago news roundup Today’s update is about an eight-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.
Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 17, 2023 Prognosis uncertain for Arwady post with Johnson — but city health chief ‘looking forward to the conversation’ Dr. Allison Arwady told the Sun-Times, “I am hopeful to stay on in my role,” but Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson has voiced concerns about the way Chicago Public Schools were reopened during the COVID pandemic.
Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 6, 2023 Mayor-elect Johnson must put himself on a path to succeed for all of Chicago It starts with declaring independence — in action, not words — from the powerful Chicago Teachers Union. City Hall belongs to every Chicagoan, and Johnson will eventually have to make decisions that CTU and other unions won’t like. That’s part of the job.
Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 31, 2023 Johnson, Vallas weigh in on Trump, Arwady — and WBEZ weighs rivals’ facts on more familiar debate topics The candidates exchanged barbs in the hour-long debate held by WBEZ’s Reset. There was little new in their remarks, except for their reaction to former President Donald Trump’s indictment and a question about Chicago’s Public Health Director, Dr. Allison Arwady.
Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 17, 2023 Allison Arwady, City Hall’s calming voice on COVID, hopes to stay on under next mayor Chicago’s public health commissioner and coronavirus point person says she doesn’t get recognized as much as she used to. But that’s OK with her, especially given the “scary mail at my house” she’d get.
Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 14, 2023 Council mandate would ‘cripple’ social service providers, members warned If the Council requires providers to sign labor peace agreements, it won’t trigger unionization, but it will allow employees to organize and join unions if they choose, without fear of retaliation. But the mere threat of higher costs is scaring social service agencies.
Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 25, 2023 Chicago is expanding the types of 911 calls that get a mental health response The city’s first crisis response teams together have handled fewer than two calls a day. New 911 protocols are expected to lift that number.
Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 9, 2023 City expands mental health services through private providers A previously announced plan to partner with more community clinics and nonprofits is complete. Mental health services will be offered at some libraries and O’Hare.
Chicago Tribune · Feb 1, 2023 Opioid Response Team launches as alternative for Chicago overdose emergencies A new team combining paramedics and recovery specialists will now respond to some Chicago 911 calls for overdose emergencies.