Midwest
Chicago’s selective schools grapple with budgets woes due to new equity policy: report
Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) new funding formula has reportedly impacted the district’s most selective and competitive schools.
CPS officials in March voted on an “equity-based” formula that prioritizes the district’s underfunded schools. School districts typically issue funding based on enrollment population.
Among the selective schools reportedly impacted by the funding formula is LaSalle Language Academy–a distinguished institution from other schools in the district due to its world language program–it offers daily classes in Spanish, Mandarin, and other languages.
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Chicago Public Schools’ new funding formula has reportedly impacted the district’s most selective and competitive schools. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
LaSalle boasts diversity in different backgrounds and cultures among its student population.
According to the Chicago Sun Times, local school council members at LaSalle fret over such language courses being impacted due to budget cuts next fall.
“They’re grappling with whether they can continue the programming they say makes their schools — which have no neighborhood boundaries and admit based on lottery or academic requirements — the gems of the district,” Sun Times reported.
“The world language program is fully integrated into every aspect of the curriculum,” said one of the council members. “And to strip that piece of the identity away… it is really difficult to fathom the consequences.”
CPS officials told Fox News Digital that advocates have been protesting against that model for decades because it is attributed to school funding inequality. Back in 2020, community members provided feedback to CPS that “student-based budgeting wasn’t working.”
“This new model removes the ability of schools to use social capital to advocate and earn more positions or funds,” a CPS spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“As our Budget and Management Office and the Office of Network Support works with schools and LSCs on their FY 2025 budgets, we are applying the formula to help schools make evidence-based decisions for each school as they transition to working under the new model,” the spokesperson said.
In response to the backlash, CPS said that “school budgets are not being reduced” but rather “some schools may see shifts.”
“CPS is maintaining the overall level of funding to our schools,” the statement reads.
The new changes that seek to lift disadvantaged schools have drawn concern from parents, WBEZ reports.
“Many parents have been concerned about their future after the school district eliminated busing to them, citing a bus driver shortage, and the school board passed a resolution calling for a shift away from school choice,” the outlet reported.
CPS officials reportedly said back in December 2023 that they aren’t looking to dismantle schools with selective enrollment like magnet and charter schools. However, that could happen if the community wants it, as officials plan to facilitate public comment to weigh in on issues over the next few months.
The spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Thursday that “the resolution has no immediate impact on selective enrollment schools” and “it only sets parameters for the development of the District’s next strategic plan.”
“The primary goal of the resolution was to prioritize neighborhood schools and students furthest from opportunity and ensure that all students have access to a world-class, public pre-k-12th grade education,” the spokesperson added in a statement released to Fox News Digital.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson gives an update on migrant issues at City Hall on Jan. 29, 2024, in Chicago. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
The funding formula comes amid CPS facing a $391 million budget deficit and a dwindling COVID-relief fund.
CPS funding formula stems from their resolution they passed last year that moves away from school choice and bolsters the city’s neighborhood schools to address “long-standing structural racism and socio-economic inequality.”
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According to the resolution that was passed, the board looks to “transition away from privatization and admissions/enrollment policies and approaches that further stratification and inequity in CPS and drive student enrollment away from neighborhood schools.”
“The new budget model also offers a streamlined funding formula that more clearly shows how education is funded in our District,” a CPS spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
The spokesperson added that under this new “FY 2025 budget model, selective enrollment and magnet schools will continue to receive the funding to support the robust and rigorous teaching and learning offerings that have led many of them to land among the state and national top school rankings.”
Chicago Public Schools voted to remove school resource officers from the 39 schools where they still patrolled. ((Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)/(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images))
The funding formula change has been a “long time coming,” a CPS spokesperson said.
“For many years, CPS community members have advocated for a budget that better supports schools in historically under-resourced communities that are supporting students with the greatest needs,” the spokesperson said.
CPS stated that the FY2025 budget model “puts equity first while still accounting for the student population of each school.”
“This new budget model will not disproportionately impact selective enrollment or any other type of school. While still preliminary, the majority of our selective enrollment schools will maintain or improve upon their current number of teachers,” the spokesperson explained.
“We have given our principals, our Local Schools Councils and parents updates on this new funding model and will continue to inform our CPS community through direct outreach and via the Budget page on the CPS website.”
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Midwest
Feds shift to targeted immigration enforcement in Minneapolis under Homan
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The Trump administration is shifting its approach to cracking down on illegal immigration in Minneapolis after federal agents’ actions drew scrutiny and sparked protests, sources tell Fox News.
Minneapolis has become a flash point for clashes between federal immigration enforcement agents and agitators, particularly following the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Local leaders slammed the Trump administration’s actions in Minneapolis, with Mayor Jacob Frey calling on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to “get the f— out” of his city after Good was fatally shot.
Amid the unrest, President Donald Trump moved to change his administration’s approach and sent border czar Tom Homan to manage the situation.
A White House official appeared to dismiss rumors of tension between Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Homan, saying that the two were working together to carry out the president’s agenda.
HOMAN ANNOUNCES DRAWDOWN OF FEDERAL PRESENCE IN MINNESOTA, HAILS ‘UNPRECEDENTED COOPERATION’ FROM LOCAL POLICE
White House border czar Tom Homan attends a press conference in Minneapolis, Minn., Jan. 29, 2026. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)
“Thanks to Tom Homan’s tireless work, an unprecedented number of counties in Minnesota have agreed to coordinate with ICE to transfer custody of criminal aliens upon their release. This is one of the conditions President Trump set for a draw down. These commitments have been made by local officials, and will continue to be monitored for compliance,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Digital.
Not all of Homan’s changes have been kept behind closed doors. The border czar announced the immediate drawdown of 700 personnel from Minnesota, effective Wednesday, though 2,000 officers will remain. He cited improved cooperation with jails and said that a complete drawdown was the goal, but it was “contingent upon the end of illegal and threatening activities against ICE.”
A federal agent prepares to depart the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on Feb. 4, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. (John Moore/Getty Images)
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Homan has reportedly changed how Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) operates and interacts with suspected illegal immigrants. The border czar has reportedly increased the threshold for making arrests and shifted entirely to targeted operations as opposed to rover patrols, which were seen under Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, according to sources.
Under Homan’s leadership, CBP agents have been instructed to not approach anyone they suspect to be in the country illegally unless they are a target, according to sources. CBP agents will instead be partnered with ICE officers to make targeted arrests, sources said. Additionally, sources told Fox News that Homan gave agents a warning that there would be consequences for stepping out of line.
A White House official confirmed to Fox News Digital that while officers on the ground in Minnesota will be making targeted arrests, they will also “enforce federal immigration law” if, during an operation, they “come across additional illegal aliens.”
A person is detained by federal agents on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Minneapolis. (Ryan Murphy/AP)
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Fox News has been told that there are thousands of targets in Minnesota and that targets are being identified through public records, which are run through a DHS database that provides criminal history, immigration history, invalid immigration documents and information on whether they have failed to appear for any immigration court hearings.
Sources say that fingerprints have been used to identify targets, as anyone who entered the country illegally under the Biden administration and encountered CBP was fingerprinted. If an illegal immigrant is arrested by a local police department, DHS gets an alert on where they were fingerprinted and what the arrest was for.
DHS did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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Detroit, MI
From prehistoric fun – to chili cook off – a lot to do in-and-around Detroit
Winter is in full effect, and if you’re looking for something to do this weekend in and around Detroit, there are a few events to help keep you warm.
First, get ready for some prehistoric family fun. Dinosaur Adventure, will feature life-sized dinosaurs that move and interact with kids. There will be Dino rides, fossil digs, obstacle courses, playgrounds, bounce houses, a baby dinosaur meet-and-greet, and much more. The experience stomps into Huntington Place at 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, Saturday 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Here’s an event where you can give back. The Detroit Darlings organization is hosting a community clothing drive. They are collecting new and gently used clothing and personal items for non-profits in the area, as part of their “Galentine’s Give Back.” The event is meant to build confidence while helping others. It will offer a full makeover to an individual in need. It’s happening Saturday 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Carley’s Place Boutique, 29187 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield.
It may be freezing outside, but if golf is on the brain, here’s your chance to hit the course. The Chili Golf Open is happening at the Farmington Hills Golf Club. There will be a snowy 8-hole course, with a hot dog and chili lunch. The event is on Saturday. Tee times are 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at 37777 Eleven Mile Ct, Farmington Hills.
The Lake Orion Ice Fest is also bringing the chill and chili. The fest will feature ice carving demos, Jack Frost scavenger hunts, business bingo, a winter storybook stroll, and more. New this year is the chili cook off competition with several downtown restaurants participating. Samplings are from 12 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. – the fest runs 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Downtown Lake Orion.
To see the full segment, please click the video above.
Photo Cred: Dinosaur Adventure
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Milwaukee, WI
Morant to Milwaukee? Efforts to deal Ja could lead to pairing with Giannis
The Milwaukee Bucks are working on a Plan B in order to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo, which definitely borders on a Hail Mary at this point.
Maybe nearby Green Bay and those successful last heaves on a prayer Aaron Rodgers threw are factoring into GM Jon Horst’s thinking, but word is Milwaukee is kicking around the idea of trading for Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the teams have been in contact. The Miami Heat are also rumored to be chasing Antetokounmpo and contemplating whether to go all-in on change by adding Morant to the mix as well.
The Wolves and Heat, sources say, still believe they are in play for landing Giannis Antetokounmpo today, although like the Warriors, few believe Milwaukee is actually serious about parting ways with their franchise face. I’m still being told the Bucks are engaged with the…
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 5, 2026
Morant, a former All-Star and the face of the franchise in Memphis, has been available for weeks, but the asking price for his services has been reduced dramatically this week. Teams know the Grizzlies are in the midst of a complete rebuild initiated by moving Desmond Bane to Orlando last July and Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah on Tuesday. Keeping Morant, who has clashed with first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo this season, would be a distraction and hold back the development of Ty Jerome and Cam Spencer.
Any deal in which the Bucks land Morant would almost certainly include Kyle Kuzma since the Grizzlies are unlikely to commit long-term to Myles Turner given the presence of Zach Edey, but a deal involving Kuzma and guys with player options for next season, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent and Gary Harris, could work.
Others on expiring deals like Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony would potentially be included to make salaries match, but the bottom line is the Bucks could secure Morant for a player who hasn’t panned out in Kuzma and one who is unlikely to stay unless he receives a significant pay increase in Porter since he’s got a relatively light player option ($5.39 million) that he can waive this offseason.
Antetokounmpo would then have Morant, Turner and Bobby Portis locked into long-term deals around him while also still having brothers Thanassis and Alex on the roster, which is unlikely to happen elsewhere.
Since the “Greek Freak” has left open the possibility of remaining in Milwaukee so long as the front office can build a winning roster around him, Horst has been able to operate without a trade demand hanging over his head.
Prior to his most recent soleus strain, Antetokounmpo hoped to at least make the play-in and see what his team could accomplish if everyone was healthy, but the Eastern Conference has seen teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics grow stronger at the trade deadline. The Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks join those two atop the East, while the Bucks, winners of consecutive games for the first time since early January, are three games back of the final play-in spot.
Milwaukee could gamble that Morant and Antetokounmpo would be able to surge down the stretch if both are healthy, but the possibility than exists that it doesn’t work, Giannis still wants out, and they’ve got Morant on the books for more than $86 million over the next two seasons.
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