
Good afternoon, Chicago.
Northwestern University will have a new president come July, its board of trustees announced today, selecting current Purdue University President Mung Chiang as its pick to lead the school.
Chiang is set to take over the reins on July 1 and will be the university’s 18th president. The school’s last president, Michael Schill, resigned in September 2025 amid a federal funding freeze on the university.
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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Gov. JB Pritzker optimistic of Bears deal but knocks Mayor Johnson for ‘no plan’ on keeping team in Chicago
The governor said today he expects the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation incentivizing a Bears stadium and other major development projects before the end of the spring legislative session, while also repeatedly dinging Mayor Brandon Johnson for having “no plan” to keep the team in Chicago. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- Gov. JB Pritzker dismisses questions about urology procedure complication: ‘I’ve given you the information’
- Illinois resident with previously suspected case of hantavirus tests negative for illness
- At Montrose and Waukegan beaches, piping plovers lay the first eggs of the season

Gas surges past $4 a gallon while tomato and beef prices notch new records. A look at rising costs amid the Iran war.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest consumer price report is here, and the data shows most grocery staples trending upward, electric costs at all-time highs and gas prices back above $4 per gallon nationally for the first time since 2022. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- Frankfort home built by late DePaul University vocal professor Anne Perillo-Michuda listed for $799,000
- Summer travelers who relied on Spirit Airlines may struggle to find budget alternatives

Column: ‘Coach better’? It’s more of an excuse than a strategy for the Chicago Bears’ missing pass rush.
General manager Ryan Poles stayed “disciplined” to his draft board and didn’t reach for an edge rusher — and he refused to get in a bidding war over a trade for Maxx Crosby or to sign a high-priced free agent. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- Gabriela Jaquez’s 20 points and 8 rebounds help Chicago Sky finish road trip 3-1 to start season
- Today in Chicago History: Cubs’ Kerry Wood leaves pitching mound at Wrigley Field for final time

Smashing Pumpkins announce ‘Rats in a Cage Tour’ with a stop at the United Center
The hometown band Smashing Pumpkins also is headlining Lollapalooza this summer, as the Bud Light stage closer on July 31. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- Review: Bruno Mars delivers a retro feel-good concert without runways or distractions
- Kevin Michael Doyle, Chicago actor from ‘Untouchables’ who became a police officer, dies at 68
- Review: ‘Work Hard’ at First Floor is an absurdist take on Jeff and Elon

Justice Department announces a $1.7B fund to compensate Trump allies in a deal to drop IRS suit
The Trump administration today announced the creation a $1.7 billion fund to compensate allies of the Republican president who believe they were mistreated by the Biden administration Justice Department. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:



