Freezing temperatures force another day of school closings

CHICAGO (AP) - Another day of frigid temperatures has forced another day of school closings in Illinois.

Parents of Chicago Public School students will have to find alternatives for their children Thursday after frigid forecasts forced CPS to again order schools shut.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 13 degrees in northern Illinois, which may feel like minus-25 to minus-35 in blowing wind.

Temperatures in central and southern Illinois are forecast to be in the upper teens as the cold blankets much of the nation.

In addition to Chicago schools, Waukegan, Barrington and Plainfield schools will be closed Thursday.

Several school districts are keeping their schools open. Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 Superintendent Chris Clark noted lower-income students rely on schools for safety and hot meals while parents work.