Mayor Lori Lightfoot has appointed Skyler Larrimore to serve as her next Chief of Policy starting Aug. 1, she announced Tuesday. Larrimore has served since January 2021 as Lightfoot’s Deputy Director of Policy under policy chief Dan Lurie, who will leave his post on July 31. Larrimore came to the city with “10 years of experience in non-profit management and strategic planning, community organizing, and advocacy,” according to the mayor’s office.  

Elena Gottreich will serve as the city’s next Deputy Mayor for Public Safety after John O’Malley steps down on July 31, Lightfoot announced. O’Mallay has served in the role since May 2021. Gottreich, who is now Deputy Director of Prosecutorial Strategies at the Chicago Police Department, “brings her demonstrated track record of strategy building and community engagement to the role of Deputy Mayor,” according to a Tuesday news release from Lightfoot’s office.  

Steve Valenziano will retire on June 30 as assistant zoning administrator for the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, he announced during a City Council zoning committee meeting on Tuesday. He has worked with the city’s planning department since 1989. 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted More so than ever, it is clear that we can’t return to the status quo & the assault on a complete & accurate accounting of history, Critical Race Theory, & the @The1619Project project is an attempt to erase & revise the past. On this National Freedom Day, I leave you w/Baldwin. -”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted “We’ve had three kids killed in traffic accidents in the last month. Now isn’t the time to reduce enforcement. I hope the City Council does the right thing this week instead of taking AWAY the tools that keep our kids safe.” 

Rep. Maura Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted “It is National Pollinator Week. We are featuring five pollinators who do the important job of fertilizing plants across Illinois. Today’s pollinator is the bee! Did you know that there are over 4,000 different species of native bees in the United States?”  

Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) tweeted “Honored to join  Juneteenth Flag Raising @vopnews organized by Trustee Enyia @replilly78” 

The Illinois Bankers Association has elected Betsy Johnson, president and CEO of Solutions Bank, as its new board chair, according to a news release from the association. The Illinois Bankers Association also named its new board members as Kara Austin of Murphy-Wall State Bank and Trust Company; Gustavus Bahr of PNC Capital Markets; Peter J. Brummel of Grundy Bank; Rudy Gonzalez of CIBC; Michele Petrie of Village Bank & Trust; Brett Tiemann of INB, NA; Daniel Wujek of State Bank of Cherry; Bethany Shaw of Peoples National Bank and Frank Pettaway of The Northern Trust. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Beautiful morning in the 9th Ward Pullman community at  

@APRPPMuseum for its 10th annual Juneteenth community celebration. There was a community festival on museum ground along with an inaugural Juneteenth youth basketball tournament.”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “I'm extremely proud to be Chair of the @ChiLatinoCaucus Foundation. The attached are from this past Friday’s 2022 Leadership Academy Graduation ceremony. 2022 Leadership Academy participants were an amazing group!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Congratulations to the Colombian people, president-elect @petrogustavo, and his VP running mate @FranciaMarquezM! Colombians  came together in peace and democracy to reject rightwing authoritarianism and embrace a progressive future with social and economic justice for all.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “More Viaduct Visuals coming to 40! Shout out to @blk_atk 

for organizing this one at Thome and Ravenswood!!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “PRESS RELEASE: Revised Heating and Cooling Ordinance Set for Zoning Committee Tomorrow, June 21, 10AM” 

Businessman and mayoral candidate Willie Wilson is scheduled to hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday at 363 E. Wacker Dr. to announce his plans to fund another $2 million in gas and food giveaways. A news release from Wilson did not detail when and how the gas and good giveaways will occur. 

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Kaylyn is a hero. I'm very proud of this bill and all of those who helped turn Kaylyn's advocacy into reality.”  

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “On Wednesday morning, I had the opportunity to attend the signing of SB2969: a bill that mandates Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices are covered by insurance. This law will ensure that there are no financial barriers to accessing devices that are critical for preventative care”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thank you to everyone who came out to the Polish Museum of America yesterday for our celebration of HB 5581! The Milwaukee Avenue Polish Heritage Corridor is a welcome recognition to Chicago and surrounding communities.”  

Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) tweeted, “June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. The 102nd Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bill 677, which requires each person seeking licensure to practice medicine to complete dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care training.”  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I was proud to sit with my constituents at New Beginnings Church to discuss the State Budget. This meeting was important to me because everyone in the community needs to know how they are affected by the State Budget as a whole. Thanks for coming out!!” 

Gov. JB Pritzker appointed two new members to the Prisoner Review Board Friday, bringing the board’s total membership to 10 members. Pritzker appointed Bloomington Public Schools Director of Communication Matthew Coates and consultant Carmen Terrones to the board.   

The Department of Public Health announced 25 Illinois counties are considered to be in the high transmission level for COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake counties both dropped to the medium transmission level. A total of 64 counties are at high or medium transmission levels, according to the department.    

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Happy Juneteenth! Today commemorates the freedom of African Americans from slavery and is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the black community. Let’s continue to break boundaries and celebrate one another today and always.”  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Wishing a happy fathers day! (Sat and Sun) to those that relish the wonderful feeling of fatherhood!!!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Wrapping up the day with @AldermanTabares 

we visited St. Daniel’s SummerFest to hear The Mulvaney’s rock band, enjoy some Italian ice from Triano’s, and play some bingo with legendary community players!”  

Ald. David Moore (17) tweeted “Happy Father's Day and Happy Juneteenth. Celebrating with Joseph Williams and Mr. Dad's Father's Club in Ogden Park”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Today we celebrate #Juneteenth and recommit to fighting to finish Reconstruction at last. The lasting impacts of slavery and white supremacy in the United States continues to harm all of us and weaken our communities. Together, we can fight for and win justice for all!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Couldn’t be happier to celebrate #FathersDay with the boys who made me a dad. Happy Father’s Day to the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, who step up and make a positive impact in the lives of their children.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted photos from a Saturday rally and wrote “Out in Humboldt Park with so many movement leaders and @BernieSanders in support of @Delia4Congress!!!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “My friend @Delia4Congress had a huge rally this morning with @BernieSanders and progressives from across Chicago! Like she said, we ALL must do the work to ensure we have true progressives representing Chicago in Congress. Sign up for a shift here!”  

Ald. Marai Hadden (49) tweeted “Thanks to @ChooseChicago @chicagosamir @RogersParkBA @ChicagoDOT and our community for helping us innovate new public spaces in the @GlenwoodAveArts district!” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration last week approved COVID-19 vaccines for children 5 and under, and Chicago Department of Public Health Comm. Allison Arwady said in a news release on Saturday that doses of the vaccine have already arrived in Chicago. “We have been planning our roll out for months, have received delivery of nearly 25,000 doses already, so vaccinations can begin right away,” Arwayd said. The city’s top doctor advised that parents should talk to their kid’s healthcare provider or visit trusted websites to make vaccination plans. 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The Office of Firearm Violence Prevention is working with CPS to target 1000 young people who struggle with absenteeism and trauma. This program comes out of the Reimagine Public Safety Act and will focus on a non-carceral approach to school absences.”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “Future Farmers of America is a fantastic organization and I am beyond honored to be awarded the Honorary State FFA Degree at their annual convention of the Illinois Association FFA!!!”  

Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “On this day a year ago Illinois declared Juneteenth as a State Holiday. Juneteenth is a federal and Illinois state holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.”  

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) tweeted, “The trauma associated with sexual assault is already profound – the last thing survivors need is the added stress of a lack of privacy and confidentiality. A law I led that was signed today will allow people to feel more secure in seeking a rape exam.”  

ReRep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I was proud to sit with my seniors at St. Edmonds to discuss the State Budget. This meeting was important to me because everyone in the community needs to know how they are affected by the State Budget as a whole. I would like to thank everyone for attending the meeting!!” 

Former President Donald Trump will host a rally in support of U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) in Quincy on Saturday, June 25. Miller was endorsed by Trump in her Republican primary race against U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.)  

Gov. JB Pritzker signed HB4821, which designates the eastern milksnake as the official snake of Illinois. The bill was an initiative middle school student in Rep. Dave Severin’s (R-Benson) district. The snake is two to three feet long, is not venomous and can be found throughout Illinois.   

Illinois’ unemployment rate for May remained at 4.6 percent, according to the Department of Employment Security. The state added 12,800 jobs during the month, but the unemployment rate remains one percentage point below the national average 3.6 percent.  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “One of the positive things, if you can call it that, is that the slow down in the economy or what the Fed would call “cooling” is the uncertainty will drive more workers to seek more stable and maybe back to the office jobs. Take that Elon!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “FYI: “Open Fire Hydrant Complaints” this week citywide: Monday: 85 Tuesday: 253 Wednesday: 408 Thursday: 314 (as of 4p)”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Early voting is open & tomorrow before brunch or door knocking come hang out with Bernie in Humboldt Park and let’s share & celebrate the vision, commitment and leadership of the brilliant @Delia4Congress!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Our city needs compassionate, brilliant & hardworking leaders like Rossana Rodriguez. As alderwoman, she listens to her constituents, she does her homework, and then fights like hell to deliver – particularly for the most vulnerable. She's a true working class champion. Let's go!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Where are the Latinos on this list? Our community keeps getting passed over for promotions. @ChiefDavidBrown”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted a video of himself “pothole patrol” and wrote “Pothole Patrol Pt. 2! Help us out by submitting pothole requests using the Chi 311 app, which is available on both iphone and android phones!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Today, the Finance Committee approved $8 Million for a much-needed renovation at the Western Brown Line CTA Station! This is a win not only for the thousands of 47th Ward residents who travel through it everyday, but also for our city's public transit and for the climate.” 

Chicago and suburban Cook County moved from a high COVID-19 community level to “medium” based on the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday, “reflecting a dropping number of new cases and lower hospitalization rates in the region for COVID related illness,” according to an announcement from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Cases are trending down, and average daily hospital admissions have fallen below 10 per 100,000 people.  

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday announced her appointment of Willette Benford as the city’s new Director of Re-Entry. The position is “a newly created role that sits at the center of a $13 million initiative launched during the 2022 budget process that will transform Chicago into a national leader in supporting returning residents,” according to an announcement from the mayor’s office.

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) tweeted, “I am forever grateful to families of the 56th District for giving me the opportunity to serve. I love Illinois, and I look forward to continuing my work in public service”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Caterpillar's decision to move its headquarters to Texas is a major loss for Illinois' business community. We have to make our state a better place to do business, to keep jobs, and grow opportunities for Illinois families.”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Yesterday @SenatorSara6, @repgregharris and @SenMikeSimmons and I sent a letter to IDOT asking for an immediate review of the safety of Irving Park Rd for pedestrians and bicyclists after a community member was struck and killed while attempting to cross the street.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “Everyone always says “60 is the new 40 these days” They must be talking about our US dollar. Thanks to poor policies. Make Fiscal Discipline Matter Again! Vote the tax and spenders out of office.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Congratulations to Senator Crowe on her appointment to US Attorney. She was a fierce advocate for downstate Illinois and one of the smartest legal minds in the state senate.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It was great to join with my Senator @senpetersil and @AldermanHopkins to welcome @GovPritzker to the District to sign @RepSNessIL66’s life changing legislation. Today, Illinois has expanded access to continuous glucose monitors for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.”  

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) tweeted, “GOOD NEWS: A bill I championed to give insulin-dependent diabetics a more effective way to manage their blood sugar levels by requiring insurance plans to cover continuous glucose monitors was signed into law today!” 

State officials announced Wednesday the Manteno Veterans’ Home is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak. So far, six staff members and 16 residents have tested positive for the virus, but only some are showing mild symptoms while the rest are asymptomatic. All the residents are reported as fully vaccinated and 15 have received a booster shot. One resident who was asymptomatic died Wednesday morning shortly after they tested positive for the virus and received a booster shot. Residents are being encouraged to stay in their room and the facility has ceased group gatherings, including meals. Department of Public Health officials are at the home assisting Department of Veterans’ Affairs employees with the outbreak.   

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) resigned from the Senate Wednesday after she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.   

Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB2981 Wednesday, which allows the Department of Transportation and Tollway Authority to use “design build delivery methods” on highway construction projects. Proponents says this allows projects to be completed more efficiently because one contractor is responsible for designing and building the project.    

Sen. Omar Aquino’s (D-Chicago) chief of staff, Ivan Gonzalez, died Tuesday at age 40, according to his obituary. Gonzalez oversaw Aquino’s office since 2016. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “My office has been investigating the best way to submit Bike Lane Parking Violations for enforcement to the City of Chicago. Here is the best way to submit violations for ticketing: (1) Use the "Vehicle Parked in Bike Lane Complaint" (2) Select the specific time for the violation (3) Include a photo of the front and rear license plate to document violation (4) Submit your request!”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Success!! This is what I negotiated for in last year’s Budget Process, now the whole city will move to Area Trim, a more efficient, block by block process for trimming the city’s trees!!”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) retweeted U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) and wrote “I’m introducing a bill to make it illegal for children to be exposed to Qanon pandering morons like you.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Today, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness published 7 principles for addressing encampments. I want these same principles used for Chicago.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “In memory of Rafi Cardenas, next week our office will open up Leavitt Street (behind Sulzer Library) for families and neighbors to safely use the street to scoot, bike, or just hang out. Come together to talk about how we can make our streets safer for everyone.” 

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection announced it will hold its Small Business Expo in person from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 23 at Kennedy-King College. The expo “will feature an opportunity to connect with industry experts and government agencies in the exhibitor hall, educational workshops presented by local business service organizations, an inspiring keynote address, and a networking hour to meet with other current and aspiring business owners,” according to an announcement from the department.  

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced the launch of its “Together We Heal Creative Place Program,” which “supports artists in designing and implementing art projects that promote healing and transformation in Chicago’s neighborhoods.” Artists can apply for the grants online between June 15 and July 20.

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted, “Today is Flag Day. The current version of the flag was adopted in 1960 with the addition of Hawaii as the newest state. Let's take today as a reminder to work together to perfect our union and make sure ALL have equal rights and opportunities.”  

Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) tweeted, “First Boeing now Cat! This is a direct result of Democrat policymakers in Illinois”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Gun violence is an epidemic that touches all of our communities. Treating it like the public health crisis it is will ensure that our state agencies, social service providers, community orgs & others can effectively coordinate on preventing violence.”  

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted, “We hold you close in our thoughts. We are deeply sorry for your heartbreaking loss @RepCasten.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “On this Flag Day, please remember what our flag represents and the sacrifices made by so many to keep it flying high.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker signed HB209, which prohibits latex gloves from being used to prepare food and during medical services. The bill also requires that health care workers use non-latex gloves on any patient who cannot communicate a latex allergy. The law takes effect in the food industry on Jan. 1, 2023 and in the health care industry on Jan. 1, 2024.   

The Department of Public Health announced they will offer SHIELD tests for COVID-19 to all public schools in Illinois outside Chicago. Schools that want to renew their partnership with the program should sign up by July 15.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Following last night’s storm, my team has identified nearly thirty unreported instances of tree debris or damage in the 15th Ward’s old and new boundaries. We will be working closely with @StreetsandSan to address these issues.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted information for her official reelection campaign kickoff which is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday and wrote “We are running out of space! Get your tickets and come join me in celebrating all the work done and sharing our vision for the future of our communities!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) shared a Block Club article and tweeted “Our @35th_Ward 

Office is happy to work with @ChicagoDOT to bring pedestrian & bicyclist safety improvements to portions of Belmont, Kedzie & Diversey in our ward. Read more on infrastructure updates shared at last week's Ward 35 Infrastructure Meeting”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) in a thread tweeted “In 2019, in advance of resurfacing, our office advocated for pedestrian safety improvements on Irving Park Rd. Neighbors submitted letters and prepared a report. While IDOT included 15 new bump outs, they rejected many more significant changes. Here's what happened.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today I joined Goudy students and families at their graduation. I wish the graduates the best of luck in their futures. It has been a privilege to have Pam Brandt serve as the Goudy Principal, and I look forward to Bill Yeh's leadership as he steps into the role next year.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Social workers should promote the general welfare of society, from local to global levels. Email your Alder today: http://bit.ly/endwrongraids #IAmHer #AnjanetteYoungOrdinance”