Chicago's Unraveling: Teacher Turmoil, Tech Shutdown, and Sports Struggles

Fri Oct 04 2024
The past week in Chicago was nothing short of chaotic. On Monday, the city's gunshot detection system called ShotSpotter went offline, leaving residents concerned about their safety. The City Council is even considering legal action against Mayor Brandon Johnson unless he finds a suitable replacement quickly. Meanwhile, Pedro Martinez, the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, is facing calls for resignation from both the teacher's union and the mayor himself. Sports fans in Chicago had plenty to frown about too. On Thursday, local NBA hero Derrick Rose announced his retirement, leaving a void on the court. Then, the Chicago White Sox hit a record-breaking low with their 121st loss of the season, making them the unluckiest team in modern baseball history. The Bears fans are not faring much better; they're looking forward to their Sunday game against the Los Angeles Rams after suffering a tough loss this week. Tensions abroad are high as well. In the Middle East, Israel and Hezbollah exchanged deadly missile strikes, while the Israeli army chief prepares for potential ground operations in Lebanon. Closer to home, New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges including conspiracy and bribery – issues that Chicago politicians are unfortunately all too familiar with. Let's dive into what made this week tick. Check out the Tribune’s Quotes of the Week quiz for a recap of events from September 22 to 28.