Good news, Chicago: While it's still icy today, it's not as slippery as it was yesterday. Stay on firm ground with these stories from WTTW News.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (WTTW News)
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In his first interview since the Chicago Public Schools board on Dec. 20 voted unanimously to terminate CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, Mayor Brandon Johnson defended the decision speaking to WTTW News and "Chicago Tonight." He said the current board members were carrying out his vision for the nation’s fourth-largest school district, which has been mired in controversy for months.
“The urgency to transform our public schools is now,” Johnson said. “We have called for a real robust moment to ensure that every single child has a high-quality education. This is not about one individual.”
Johnson said three times that as the “duly elected” mayor of Chicago he was committed to transforming the CPS into a district that offers a well-rounded education to every Chicago child, including a librarian in every school, and security to employees.
Johnson declined to say how the school district should be run during the next six months, when Martinez will remain as CEO. Martinez, who sued the city and obtained a temporary order declaring him the sole executive of the school district, is due back in court Jan. 9. Johnson, a former middle school teacher and organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union, did not directly answer a question about why the union has not yet been able to reach a deal with Martinez, but echoed the demands put forward by union leaders, which Martinez has said the city cannot afford.
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"Somebody, Somewhere" (Sandy Morris/HBO)
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The number of shootings, shooting victims and homicides across Chicago last year each fell to their lowest levels since 2019, according to preliminary police data. Homicides citywide decreased 8% for 2024 compared to the previous year, while shootings fell 7% and the number of shooting victims fell 4%. For the year, there were 573 homicides throughout Chicago last year, down from 620 in 2023 and 714 in 2022. The number of shootings also fell from 2,452 in 2023 to 2,282 in 2024. The CPD said violent crimes fell 6% overall in 2024, while property crimes decreased 5%.
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Staff Recs: Patty Wetli’s Favorite TV Watches of 2024
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"Somebody, Somewhere" (Sandy Morris/HBO)
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Every Tuesday, WTTW News staffers recommend the things they're passionate about.
Patty Wetli: I guess I was stressed in 2024 because a lot of what I watched on TV amounted to video “comfort food.” Put your jammies on, pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa and hit the remote.
“Great British Baking Show” is my ride or die. Give me 12 people in a tent cracking jokes about soggy bottoms, and I’m there. This season’s cast was one of the best in a looooong time, to the point I would have been happy with (almost) any of them winning. (Netflix)
If you haven’t already discovered “Somebody, Somewhere,” I’m jealous you get to experience this jewel of a show from the beginning. Where “Schitt’s Creek” and even my beloved “Gilmore Girls” tended to play small-town life a bit too broad and twee, “Somebody, Somewhere” is pitch perfect. Jeff Hiller’s Joel is a human smile and I’ve never met a fictional television character I wanted to hug more than Sam Miller. (Max)
Somebody described “The Diplomat” as “‘Grey’s Anatomy’ meets ‘West Wing’” and … nailed it. Season 2 felt a bit silly and underbaked in places but then Alison Janney showed up and elevated everyone and everything around her. (Netflix)
“Alone” is like “Survivor” for grown-ups. People are dropped off, alone, in the wilderness – usually Alaska or Northern Canada – just as winter’s coming and try to stick it out as long as they can. The things these people can do with a multi-tool – impressive! But one by one, competitors “tap out” because they’re starving or in danger of losing their toes and, trust me, you will criticize them for being a wimp. All while sitting on your cozy couch. (History
Channel, Netflix)
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Back in the Day: January 7, 2000 - Off-Duty Chicago Firefighter Saves Three Children From Burning Building
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On this day 25 years ago, Patrick McDermott, an off-duty Chicago firefighter, was driving down State Street to his grandmother's funeral when he noticed smoke billowing from the sixth floor of a Chicago Housing Authority high-rise at 2036 S. State St. He parked his car, left his family waiting and ran toward the building. After telling the neighbors to call 911, he broke down the door, facing heavy smoke and flames, and found three children between the ages of 2 and 5 and carried them to safety. Later that year, he won the Carter H. Harrison Medal, Chicago's highest award for heroism.
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What is your favorite museum in Chicago? Tell us why.
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Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published.
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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry
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