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Afternoon Briefing

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Good afternoon, Chicago.

Wind chills of up to 15 degrees below zero hit the Chicago area this morning, with the National Weather Service warning of “extreme cold temperatures” throughout the day.

Fluffy, accumulating snow is also expected to blanket the area late tonight through tomorrow morning, particularly near and north of Interstate 80. Roads may become slick during the morning commute.

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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news
Ice covers the area around a fire-damaged apartment building, Jan. 20, 2026, after an overnight fire in the 800 block of North May Street. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

3 firefighters among 4 injured at West Town fire

Three firefighters and an adult were injured following a fire last night at an apartment building in the West Town neighborhood, the Chicago Fire Department said.

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More top news stories:

business
A train approaches the hump at the Belt Railway Co. Clearing Yard on Dec. 11, 2023. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Critics warn rail merger would give Union Pacific unprecedented role in Chicago and more control of industry

If regulators approve its merger with Norfolk Southern, competitors warn that Union Pacific could turn the city of Chicago into a hammer for seizing even more control of the industry.

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sports
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams sings along to the national anthem while sitting with Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong as the two attend a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets at the United Center in Chicago on Jan. 19, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong marvels at Bears’ Caleb Williams — and Justin Steele eyes his return

Pete Crow-Armstrong can’t help but marvel at Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ athleticism. The Cubs’ 23-year-old center fielder has spent a chunk of the offseason in the city, which included going to a few Bears games.

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More top sports stories:

eat. watch. do.
A$AP Rocky performs at the Bud Light stage during Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Butler Field, Aug. 3, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)

A$AP Rocky announces ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ world tour launching in Chicago

The announcement comes on the heels of “Don’t Be Dumb,” A$AP Rocky’s fourth studio album and first in eight years, released last Friday.

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More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:

nation & world
Chongly “Scott” Thao, a U.S. citizen, sits for a photo at his home, Jan. 19, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn., the day after federal agents broke open his door and detained him without a warrant. (AP Photo/Jack Brook)

US citizen says ICE removed him from his Minnesota home in his underwear after warrantless search

Federal immigration agents forced open a door and detained a U.S. citizen in his Minnesota home at gunpoint without a warrant, then led him out onto the streets in his underwear in subfreezing conditions, according to his family and videos reviewed by The Associated Press.

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More top stories from around the world: