Crucial meetings approach amid CPS turmoil – Chicago Tribune

Good afternoon, Chicago.

With Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez now fighting for his job amid reported pressure from Mayor Brandon Johnson for him to step down, this week brings two crucial meetings that could impact the way forward for the city’s public school system.

CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union will host a public bargaining session tonight, while the full Board of Education will meet Thursday to vote on a packed agenda that includes one conspicuous new item.

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.

Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Daily horoscope | Ask Amy

Paul La Schiazza, left, the former president of AT&T Illinois, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after a mistrial was declared following day three of deliberations in his bribery trial on Sept. 19, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune) — Paul La Schiazza, left, former president of AT&T Illinois, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after a mistrial was declared following day three of deliberations in his bribery trial on Sept. 19, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune)

In wake of mistrial in AT&T bribery case, judge to hold rare arguments in motion for acquittal

A federal judge said today he will hold rare oral arguments on a defense motion for acquittal and that they will “go back to the drawing board” on jury instructions if the case is retried. Read more here.

More top news stories:

Passengers disembark after an Amtrak Southwest Chief train arrives on Feb. 25, 2019, at Union Station. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Amtrak to run new service from Chicago to Florida — for now

The new Floridian trains will run daily from Chicago to Miami, stopping along the way in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Read more here.

More top business stories:

Isaac Paredes #17 of the Chicago Cubs throws to first base during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Sept. 23, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) — Isaac Paredes of the Chicago Cubs throws to first base during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Sept. 23, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Jed Hoyer knows the Chicago Cubs have work to do for perennial playoff appearances: ‘That’s the goal’

The Cubs don’t have an obvious fix to their on-field talent gap, barring a willingness by ownership to spend significantly for a superstar hitter or use their organization’s prospect capital to upgrade areas or even further boost strengths. Read more here.

More top sports stories:

Julien Baker performs "Conversation Piece" at the first show of her three-night residency at Thalia Hall in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood on Sept. 23, 2024. (Talia Sprague/for the Chicago Tribune) — Julien Baker performs “Conversation Piece” at the first show of her three-night residency at Thalia Hall in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood on Sept. 23, 2024. (Talia Sprague/for the Chicago Tribune)

Review: Julien Baker’s first night at Thalia Hall was thrilling, fearless and from the heart

Monday at the first of a sold-out three-night residency at Thalia Hall, the singer-songwriter performed with the kind of extreme intensity that can be difficult to watch and feels both thrilling and draining to witness. Read more here.

More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: