🚣🏼‍♂️ Ways to get out on the water this summer

The Local Businesses Cashing in on the Pope

As noted in yesterday’s newsletter, Portillo’s quickly launched The Leo sandwich “baptized” in gravy, which Chicagoans know is pretty much a regular Italian beef. Other businesses are getting in on the trend, too. Among them, La Boulangerie, Harebrained, the Beverly-based Oleander & Artesian, and even the Sun-Times. [Block Club]

• Even the Sun-Times is getting in on the action 🙏
• Related: How the new pope got from Chicago to the Vatican. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

The Battle over CPS’ Interim CEO

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s chief of staff wants to become the school board’s interim CEO, despite lacking a superintendent license. Alderpeople and school board members are pushing back. Meanwhile, Popemania continues. Today’s episode of City Cast Chicago gets into it all. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

City Council’s Latino Caucus Picks Anti-Johnson Chair

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) is now the chair of City Council’s 14-member Latino Caucus. (He’s also a Progressive Caucus co-chair.) An outspoken critic of Mayor Brandon, Vasquez replaces Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd), a longtime mayor ally. Vasquez aims to increase the share of city jobs and contracts going to Latinos. [Sun-Times]

Tips to Navigate Chicago Courts After a Shooting

“Expect nothing” is the general advice for handling court proceedings related to shootings. Estela Díaz, whose teen son was shot and killed, shares her personal experience of a process that can feel slow and insensitive. Other tips include working with a victim advocate, checking in with prosecutors, and preparing an impact statement. [The Trace]