Hundreds of thousands of students, staffers and parents are gearing up for a return to CPS in just one week.

Why it matters: The shift will shake up traffic patterns, work schedules and business revenues across the Chicago area.

Plus, this school year brings important changes. If you haven't been taking notes, we'll share ours.

COVID: Vaccinations and masks remain optional but "strongly recommended."

• Under a newly expanded Test-to-Stay program, unvaccinated students and staff with close COVID-19 exposures can remain in schools if they continue to test negative and remain symptom-free.
• Schools are no longer required to offer weekly testing, but families who do want it can sign up their students here.

Staff shortages: Like districts nationwide, CPS is hurting for teachers. Last week CEO Pedro Martinez told Fox 32 Chicago he was still trying to fill more than 1,000 positions.

• To address bus driver shortages, Martinez says CPS is raising driver pay to $20-25 an hour, offering monthly travel stipends or free CTA bus passes.

Enrollment: CPS' student body could drop below 300,000 this year, according to WBEZ. Twenty years ago, it was over 400,000.

• The biggest losses are among Black students, with Latino student populations also facing recent declines. White, Asian and other groups have remained steady or risen.

The bad news: A recent decrease in low-income students cost the district $30 million in state funding this year. Still, that's a small bite out of a $9.4 billion budget.

The good news: Enrollment is declining faster than funding, which, at least in the short term, may mean more per-pupil spending and smaller class sizes.

Ding ding: Yesterday marked the end of the tax break on school supplies. We hope you got your shopping in.

Republicans and Democrats used to hold similar views when it came to U.S. public schools. But those perspectives have diverged a lot in recent years.

By the numbers: The share of Republicans with a lot of confidence in public schools has dropped to 14% from 42% in 1990.

• Democratic confidence has stayed steady around 40% in that time period.

The new-look Chicago Bears took to Soldier Field Saturday, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 19-14.

Why it matters: This could bode well for the team's fresh front office and head coach, plus a bevy of new players.

State of play: Several players didn't suit up, because of injuries or to avoid injury.

• They included Robert Quinn, David Montgomery and Kyler Gordon.
• Meanwhile, Roquan Smith is holding out for a new contract.

The Offense

Justin Fields: The second-year QB made some nice throws and scrambled for a first down in his one quarter of play.

• But he didn't score, echoing a huge problem from last year's offense.
• The offensive line was suspect, giving up a sack on the first drive.

Wide receiver watch: Tajae Sharpe caught two big throws and Dazz Newsome hauled in a TD pass.

MVP: Rookie running back Tresten Ebner, who ran the ball well, returned kicks and caught a touchdown throw.

Keep reading for our hot takes on the Bears' defense and special teams.

🚨 Last night, three people were injured in a shooting at the Six Flags Great America parking lot. (NBC 5)

⚖️ Jury selection starts today for R. Kelly's federal trial in Chicago. Kelly is charged with six counts of child pornography and five counts of enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. (Sun-Times)

🅿️ About 1800 parking meters have been added to Chicago streets since Mayor Lightfoot took office in 2019. (Tribune)

👻 Preservationists saved the Lakeview "Ghost Signs" just days before demolition thanks to donations from all around the country. (Block Club)

🔥 Hot and fresh local job listings.

1. Senior Copywriter at Upshot.
2. Senior Analyst, Search Marketing at Digitas North America.
3. Senior Integrated Producer at FCB Chicago.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a Job.

Hey it's Monica, and I recently checked out Chef Art Smith's new Reunion at Navy Pier.

• Taking over the old Bubba Gump spot, the restaurant marks Smith's return to Chicago and spotlights his gift for Southern cooking.

The highlights: I loved Reunion's tender biscuits and juicy fried chicken, which I special-ordered atop my kale and Brussels sprouts salad ($19) to be healthy.

• On a return visit, I tried the catfish and hush puppies over artisanal grits and collard greens ($22). Every element tastes full of love.

The intrigue: Those rich, goat cheese-studded biscuits ($9), served with a scoop of pimento cheese, arrive in orders of five, which was a little too much even for me.

• Management tells me you can special-order just one.

Next time: I'll bring pals to share one of their desserts, like Smith's famous hummingbird cake.

Bonus: Reunion features a handsome, breezy patio and lakeside outdoor bar that can instantly make you feel like you're on vacation.

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