Good afternoon, Chicago.
Outgoing Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez expressed optimism for the district’s future yesterday, taking a metaphorical victory lap to recognize his administration’s achievements despite a tenure marked by political tumult.
“If we continue to work together and continue to go in the same direction, there is no limit to what our children can do,” Martinez told attendees at the City Club of Chicago.
Martinez’s remarks come just two days before his last day as schools chief after his firing in December. Proud of his heritage and ties to the city, Martinez has been open about the joys and struggles of leading the nation’s fourth-largest school district.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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Ald. Jim Gardiner cleared of ethics charge, $20k fine; ethics board chair stepping down
After roughly four years of investigations, $20,000 in levied fines, and bureaucratic battles, the Chicago Board of Ethics board cleared 45th Ward Ald. Jim Gardiner this week of allegations that he used city resources to retaliate against a constituent. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- R. Kelly hospitalized after OD’ing on meds given by prison staff, lawyer says
- Students complained about Bloom Trail teacher years before sexual assault charges brought, records show
- 14-year-old had loaded, semiautomatic gun at downtown Naperville ‘teen takeover,’ police say
Purple Pig owners plan new restaurant in Oakbrook Center
The expected opening later this year of an award-winning Chicago restaurant in Oakbrook Center will be a hometown affair for two of the four partners who own The Purple Pig. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- Construction starts on One Winnetka luxury building after financing secured
- President Donald Trump suggests he’ll extend deadline for TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell app
Angel Reese and the ‘mebounds’ myth: How Chicago Sky star is turning an (inaccurate) insult into a brand
The Chicago Sky star filed a trademark application over the weekend for the term “mebounds,” which refers to a rebound a player secures off her own missed shot. Although the term is relatively new, the “mebound” concept has hounded Reese throughout her first two WNBA seasons. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- 26 games in 27 days: 3 takeaways at the midpoint of Chicago Cubs’ jam-packed June schedule
- Column: Jed Hoyer doesn’t need to wait to improve the Chicago Cubs — as the Rafael Devers trade proves
Steve Carell urges kindness, with wisecracks, as Northwestern commencement speaker
Interspersing themes of kindness, envy, listening and respect with wisecracks and his trademark deadpan humor, actor and comedian Steve Carell helped inspire, and amuse, Northwestern University’s Class of 2025 as their commencement speaker. Read more here.
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- Review: ‘You Will Get Sick’ at Steppenwolf is a slow reveal that’s worth the wait
- ‘Surviving Ohio State’ review: A documentary about the sex abuse scandal at Ohio State
NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested by ICE in lower Manhattan
ICE agents arrested New York City Comptroller Brad Lander in a lower Manhattan courthouse today as he sought to observe immigration proceedings amid the Trump administration’s controversial “mass deportation” crackdown. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
