Good afternoon, Chicago.
A Chicago nonprofit, in conjunction with the American Federation of Teachers, is suing the U.S. Department of Education over funding cuts to a program that has long provided wraparound services to students in high-poverty and rural areas.
For decades, multiyear grants through the FSCS program have helped public elementary and secondary schools provide a range of supportive services — from social, health, nutrition and mental health support to family resources — to students and their families, especially those in vulnerable situations.
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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‘Help is on the way’: Audio captures Border Patrol and 911 dispatchers before CPD response
On the second day of Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino’s brief, chaotic return to Chicago earlier this month, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection supervisor dialed 911 as a convoy of federal vehicles sped north on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- Aurora police to respond to all ShotSpotter activations on New Year’s Eve to curb celebratory gunfire
- Today in Chicago History: ‘Fireproof’ Iroquois Theatre set ablaze when light ignites curtain — more than 600 killed
Barrington business nearly emptied by early morning burglars during the weekend
Barrington police are investigating the early Sunday burglary of a Cook Street consignment business. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- Lake County business officials hope to build on strong 2025
- How to build an emergency fund, pay off debt and make a plan for your money in 2026
Northwestern hires Chip Kelly, the longtime college and NFL coach, to be its new offensive coordinator
Chip Kelly, 62, had a highly successful stint as Oregon’s head coach from 2009-12, going 46-7 and taking the Ducks to the national championship game in his final season. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- Chicago Bulls’ Coby White and Josh Giddey exit with injuries in 136-101 blowout loss to Minnesota Timberwolves
- Connor Bedard skates before Chicago Blackhawks practice for 1st time since injuring his shoulder
Movies for winter 2026: Post-apocalyptic thrillers, crime stories and gothic romance
The bigger financial questions surrounding the long- and short-term viability of the movie industry are out of our hands, which means our only job as moviegoers is to pick and choose what we want to see. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- More musicians cancel Kennedy Center concerts following addition of President Donald Trump’s name to building
- Unleash the hounds! And terriers and lapdogs. The American Kennel Club adds 3 breeds.
In a tumultuous year, US health policy has been dramatically reshaped under RFK Jr.
In the whirlwind first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, some of the most polarizing changes have taken place within the Department of Health and Human Services, where Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has openly rebuffed the medical establishment as he converts the ideas of his Make America Healthy Again movement into public policy. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
