Axios Chicago

August 15, 2023
Welcome to Tuesday. On this day in 1812, the Battle of Fort Dearborn took place.
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Today's newsletter is 883 words β a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Arwady's unceremonious ouster
Allison Arwady, former commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, speaks about COVID-19 in 2022. Photo: Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
There's a leadership void in the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Driving the news: Mayor Brandon Johnson fired health commissioner Allison Arwady on Friday, a day after the Chicago Board of Health urged him to keep her in the post.
Why it matters: After leading the city through the pandemic, Arwady became Chicago's best-known health chief in recent memory.
Context: Despite Johnson's campaign vow to remove Arwady, some thought she might stick around, given her eagerness to stay and the mayor's post-victory statement acknowledging the importance of her expertise.
- So the commissioner's firing late Friday seemed abrupt. Arwady suggested in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she couldn't even say goodbye to her staff.
- CDPH's second-in-command, chief medical officer Jennifer Seo, has also announced her resignation.
- That leaves first deputy commissioner Fikirte Wagaw, who oversees CDPH finance and is not a doctor, in charge in the interim.
The intrigue: Other Lori Lightfoot-era commissioners have recently stepped down on their own timelines.
- Arwady's unceremonious ouster right after the Board of Health endorsement is raising questions about whether it was a power play gone wrong.
Between the lines: Crain's posits that Johnson's main beef with Arwady involved not reopening public mental health clinics.
- Others point to Johnson's strong ties to the Chicago Teachers Union, which clashed with Arwady and Lightfoot during the 2022 work stoppage over COVID safety.
What they're saying: The Johnson administration didn't respond to Axios' questions about why Arwady was dismissed.
- But when asked at a Monday press conference if it was connected to the CTU standoff, Johnson responded, "Transition is difficult for everyone. β¦ I don't know how many times you're allowed to quote Tupac in a press conference, but you can't always go by the things that you hear. Real eyes, right, realize real lies."
The other side: "My top priority has always been protecting the health of all Chicagoans," Arwady said in a statement. "Public health must always be driven by science and medicine, and never politics."
What's ahead: The Johnson administration has not said when it will appoint a new commissioner.
2. New laws you should know about
Photo illustration: Allie Carl/Axios. Photo: Joshua Lott /Getty Images
In recent weeks, Gov. JB Pritzker has been signing bills into law faster than you can say potential presidential run.
Why it matters: The General Assembly passed 566 bills in the last session, and these signings give us a chance to catch up on important new state rules.
1. Young influencers get paid, too
The law requires parents to set aside a portion of income made from their child's content on social media sites. It goes into a trust that only they can access when they turn 18.
- It's the nation's first such law.
What this addresses: It attempts to solve the issue of people using their kids' content to make money for themselves.
When: The law takes effect July 2024.
2. Native American history 101
The new law requires public schools to teach the history of native Illinois tribes and about the genocide and forced resettlement of native people. It also allows students to wear native dress to graduations.
What this addresses: Inclusivity in school curriculum and ceremonies.
When: Start of 2024-25 school year.
3. Beep, beep, no zoom, zoom
We've all heard of the laws about texting and driving, but now it's illegal to Zoom and drive.
- Video call apps have become synonymous with remote work, and the state is stiffening penalties for drivers who want to meet while behind the wheel.
What it addresses: Distracted driving.
When: January 2024.
3. Tips and hot links
Photo Illustration: Brendan Lynch, Lindsey Bailey/Axios
π§ Emails show that former Mayor Lori Lightfoot engaged in a backroom deal with the Chicago Housing Authority to sell public housing land to the Chicago Fire FC for a practice facility. (Block Club)
βοΈ Yesterday's storms caused flooding along area expressways, causing massive traffic jams during rush hour. (NBC 5)
βΎοΈ The Cubs host the Sox at Wrigley Field tonight for a quick two-game series. (NBC Sports)
4. Best smash burgers in Northwest Indiana
Schoop's burger. Photo: Monica Eng/ Axios
ππ» Hey, it's Monica. I was recently driving hungry through Northwest Indiana when I remembered that "The Region" is famous for delicious smash burgers.
What happened: I put it to the test. After scanning several lists, I picked the top three contenders to battle it out.
Schoop's Hamburgers: Despite being a chain with more than a dozen locations, the Schoop's in Highland offers a friendly local feel and a super burger ($8.99) with a nice sear, fresh bun and tasty condiments.
Rating: 7/10.

Miner-Dunn: Opened in 1932, the quaint diner still cranks out tasty "Real Hamburgers" ($5.99) with traditional ketchup, mustard, relish and onion toppings.
- Even the lettuce and tomato I mistakenly ordered couldn't hide the juicy flavor and crispy sear on this excellent burger.
Rating: 7/10.

Burgerhaus: Despite its NW Indiana roots (with locations in Valparaiso and Schererville), this burger defies local tradition with a big, juicy, non-smashed prime patty and global toppings.
- On my server's recommendation I tried the Santiago Burger ($17) with avocado, tomato, butter lettuce, chipotle Monterey cheese, chipotle mayo and fried jalapeΓ±os on a pretzel bun.
Rating: 8/10.
Fresh openings from the job board
π New job, new me. Check out the latest job openings.
- Social Media Strategist at World Business Chicago.
- Business Service Officer at Morgan Stanley.
- Chief Engineering Officer of Aviation, Telecom, and Utilities at Milhouse.
Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.
Hiring? Use code FIRST50 for $50 off your first job post.
Our picks:
πΈ Carrie feels left out after seeing all the people who went to the Springsteen concert at Wrigley and raved about it all weekend.
π¦ Monica learned so much from the recent Curious City about Chicago's crayfish invaders. They enjoy hot dogs, and don't like being sedated with clove oil and frozen.
π Justin implores you to go see author (and former Chicagoan) Tyler Parker read from his new novel "A Little Blood and Dancing" tonight at The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square.
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