Good afternoon, Chicago.
Continued enrollment declines at Chicago Public Schools could escalate into a “crisis” that would significantly affect the city’s public education system in the years ahead, according to a new report from Kids First Chicago. CPS’ current enrollment is more than 316,000 students — a nearly 28% decrease of more than 122,000 students since 2002-03.
The change reflects a broader districtwide pattern driven by several factors, including a drop in birth rates over the past decade and a smaller population of school-aged children living in Chicago, according to data compiled by the local education nonprofit.
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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Bishop John-Michael Villarreal testifies during the Human Rights, Anti-Authoritarianism, Reparatory and Restorative Truth Telling Commission public hearing held at the McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago on Jan. 21, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago faith leaders recount harm from immigration agents: ‘Prayers and thoughts was not going to stop ICE’
During two days of testimony, faith leaders and elected officials shared various harms and civil rights violations they alleged to have witnessed during Operation Midway Blitz, the monthslong aggressive immigration enforcement campaign waged in Chicago. Read more here.
More top news stories:
Governors State University student scammed by caller threatening to report him to ICE
Photos: Dangerously cold weather hits Chicagoland
A loaded Colt pistol sits in a hole in the wall of Thornton Distilling Co.’s historic building, where it was found Monday. (Andy Howell)
Prohibition-era loaded pistol found in wall of historic Thornton brewery
Andy Howell, the founder of Thornton Distilling Co., was trying to find a place to run a new electrical conduit in his brewery’s historic building when, instead, he came across a loaded gun. Read more here.
More top business stories:
Today in Chicago History: ‘Tomorrow’s transit car is here’
TikTok finalizes a deal to form a new American entity
Bears general manager Ryan Poles speaks with the media at Halas Hall on Jan. 21, 2026, in Lake Forest. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears Q&A: Which players present GM Ryan Poles with the most difficult roster decisions?
Many questions lie ahead for the offseason involving who will — and won’t — be back with the Bears next season. Brad Biggs addresses the first wave of them in his weekly Bears mailbag. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
Chicago White Sox sign reliever Seranthony Domínguez to a reported 2-year, $20 million deal
Josh Giddey’s return sparks Chicago Bulls to win over Minnesota Timberwolves. Can he revive a disrupted season?
Column: Warm thoughts about the Cubs and White Sox to get you through the polar vortex
Perfume Genius performs at Lincoln Hall on Jan. 22, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Review: Perfume Genius at Lincoln Hall was a night of deep tracks and hushed intimacy
It was a quiet and intimate show last night for Perfume Genius, who performed at Lincoln Hall as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows festival. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
Review: In ‘Eureka Day’ by TimeLine Theatre, time marches on for a funny vaccine comedy
Review: ‘Clika’ can’t find the cinematic beat
A Nashville Department of Transportation truck applies salt brine to a roadway in the Tennessee city on Jan. 22, 2026, ahead of a winter storm expected to hit the state over the weekend. (George Walker IV/AP)
Massive winter storm threatens heavy snow and ice to more than 170 million people across US
A combination of heavy snow, freezing rain and sleet is in store from the southern Rockies to New England through Monday, the agency said. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
House approves final spending bills as Democrats denounce ICE funding
‘Heated Rivalry’ stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie to be torchbearers for Winter Olympics
